Have you ever stood in front of an area rug and felt… something? Maybe it was the warmth of the colors or a bold pattern that reminded you of a favorite place. Maybe it was a piece of abstract art that stopped you in your tracks—not because you fully understood it, but because it made you feel something. That’s the spark I want to talk about today.
As an interior designer, people often ask, “Where do you start?” And honestly? I start with whatever moves me. A room doesn’t always begin with blueprints or Pinterest boards. Sometimes, it starts with a single, beautiful object—something meaningful that sets the tone for everything else.

1. The Area Rug That Plants the Seed
​You don’t even have to use the rug to let it inspire your space. Sometimes, it’s the idea of it—the colors, the patterns, the feeling it gives you. Take this doormat for example. 

It's vibrant mustard color mixed with the dusty pink and moody greens really pops and lends to creating a fun and inviting dining space! ​

2. Abstract Art = Emotional BlueprintUsing abstract art is a great starting point. Why? Because it’s pure emotion. The brushstrokes, colors, and energy all whisper something different to everyone. If a client has a painting they love, we’ll pull colors, shapes, and even movement from it to design a space that feels alive. Think color blocking on the walls, curved furniture, or a bold rug that echoes the piece’s vibe.

3. Vacation Photos with Built-In VibesIf you’ve ever taken a photo on vacation and felt the need to frame it the moment you got home—good news, that’s your inspiration. That sun-drenched cafe in italy or a picture of a misty mountain in Scotland holds a mood. Let’s bottle that up in your home. Soft lighting, layered textures, blue and green tones… Suddenly your bedroom room feels like that beautiful view from Scotland.

4. Fashion Speaks Volumes
​Have a dress you love but never wear? A jacket that’s so you it should be in a frame? Style isn’t just for closets. If you gravitate toward neutrals and structure, maybe your home wants clean lines and monochrome. If your favorite shirt is floral and wild, let’s play with wallpaper or colorful upholstery. Clothes reflect who we are—they can totally shape how we want our space to feel.

5. Nature Is the Ultimate Designer
You can design  a living room around a leaf. Just one. Use gorgeous sage green with a tiny hint of blush at the edge. Pull that combo into the fabrics and paint and add organic elements like wood, woven textures, and raw ceramics. Nature is flawlessly balanced—there’s no better guide when you're stuck on where to start.

So how do you use this?
Next time you feel overwhelmed decorating a room, don’t overthink it. Look around. What object, photo, or memory makes your chest feel lighter? That’s your compass. Let that be your design spark, and build from there. Your home should tell your story—not just follow trends.
Let inspiration find you.
Want help turning your favorite piece into a design plan? We'd love to help. Whether it's a vacation photo or a flea market find, let’s make your space feel personal and beautiful.

​Have you ever wasted time looking for your keys, phone, or that one pan you know you have but can never find? You’re not alone—and the solution might be simpler than you think.
One of the most effective strategies in organizing is creating zones or assigning a designated place for everything. Whether it’s in your kitchen, your closet, or your garage, giving each item a “home” makes daily life smoother, more efficient, and less stressful.
Let’s break down the benefits of this organizing method—and how you can start using it today.

1. Saves Time and Reduces Stress
When every item has a set place, you no longer waste time searching. Whether it’s the scissors in the junk drawer or your child’s soccer cleats, knowing exactly where to look takes the guesswork out of daily tasks.
Less time searching = more time doing what matters.

2. Makes Cleanup Quick and Easy
A major perk of having zones is that cleanup becomes almost automatic. Everyone in your household knows where items go, so things naturally find their way back where they belong.
No more piles of clutter “waiting to be put away”—everything has a place to return to.

3. Improves Functionality of Your Space
Zones help your home or workspace work for you. In the kitchen, for example, having a cooking zone (pots, utensils, spices) near the stove means you move less and do more. A homework zone helps kids stay focused and keeps supplies in one spot.
Zones are about function as much as form.

4. Encourages Mindful Purchasing
When you organize by zones, you quickly become aware of what you already have—and what you don’t need. This makes it easier to avoid buying duplicates or unnecessary items.
Being organized helps you shop with intention, not impulse.
​
5. Makes It Easier to Maintain
The more intuitive your system, the easier it is to stick to. That’s the magic of zoning—it supports daily habits. Whether you're living solo or managing a busy household, clear zones help maintain order with minimal effort.
Organization shouldn’t be a one-time project—it should be a lifestyle that supports you.

🛠️ How to Start Creating Zones
Here are a few simple steps:

• Pick one space: Start small—like your entryway, bathroom drawer, or pantry.
• Group similar items: Put like with like (e.g., baking supplies, school papers, tools).
• Assign a “home”: Use bins, baskets, drawer dividers, or labels to define spaces.
• Maintain it: Build a habit of putting items back where they belong.

​Final Thought:
Creating zones is like giving your space a brain—it knows what belongs where. When every item has a home, your home becomes a place of calm, not chaos.
So next time you find yourself overwhelmed by clutter, start by creating a zone. Your future self will thank you.

Some things just work. Whether you’re styling a whole room or just trying to freshen up a forgotten corner, there are a few decorating staples that never fail to make a space feel warm, lived-in, and totally “you.” These five pieces are the kind of decor MVPs I turn to again and again in my design projects—and they work in every home, every style.
Let’s break them down:

Plants: The Instant Life-Givers
These are the real MVPs of home decorating. They add texture, color, and literally life to a room. Big leafy ones like fiddle leaf figs or monstera make a statement, while smaller guys like pothos or snake plants are great for shelves, kitchens, or bathrooms. Don’t have a green thumb? Go faux—just make sure you dust them once in a while so they don’t give you away!
Designer tip: Use plants to fill awkward corners, add height variation to vignettes, or bring a breath of fresh air to sterile spaces like offices or laundry rooms.

Books: Style and Substance
The unsung heroes of home decor. Not only are they beautiful stacked on shelves, coffee tables, or nightstands—they also tell a story about who lives here. Whether it’s design books, cookbooks, vintage finds, or well-worn paperbacks, they instantly add depth and personality. 
Designer tip: Mix horizontal and vertical stacks. Top a pile of books with a candle, a small plant, or a sentimental object for an easy, layered look. You don't have to be a reader either - head to your local second hand store and buy a few with spines that are similar colors for a cohesive stacked look.

Sentimental Art or Keepsakes: Make It Yours
Anyone can buy cute decor off a shelf, but the real magic is in the pieces that mean something. A framed photo of a favorite place, your kid’s art, your grandma’s quilt draped over a chair—it’s these personal touches that create soul in a space.
Designer tip: Display keepsakes in unexpected ways. Shadow boxes, open shelves, or even a gallery wall with a mix of old and new give character without feeling cluttered.

Area Rugs: The Room Anchors
Rugs do more than just warm up your feet—they ground a space, define zones, and add texture and color. In open floor plans, they help break up areas. In smaller rooms, they cozy things right up. Pro tip: Go bigger than you think you need. A too-small rug can make a room feel disjointed.
Designer tip: Layering rugs (like a jute base with a patterned vintage-style rug on top) adds serious interest and softness.

Secondary Lighting: Set the Mood Overhead lights have their place, but if that’s all you’ve got going on, your room’s missing out. Lamps, sconces, fairy lights, and candles give off a softer, warmer vibe that makes a room feel inviting. Plus, you can switch them up seasonally or move them around when you need a change.
Designer tip: Use lighting to highlight your favorite moments—like a lamp over a reading chair, a sconce near an art piece, or twinkle lights around a window or headboard.

These pieces are like the secret sauce of decorating. They’re versatile, personal, and make even the most basic space feel finished and full of heart. If you’re stuck or starting from scratch, begin with these—you truly can’t go wrong.
Need help styling your space or figuring out how to make it feel more you? We'd love to help - book a free call with us and let’s create something beautiful together.