Finding (re)Purpose

Whether you’re remodeling one room or tackling a major renovation or addition, flooring is a key component of the overall design. The options are many, but your budget, traffic, location, style and needs will steer your selection. Let’s review the various flooring types for function and durability, look and feel — from practical to luxe. Understanding the pros and cons of each material can help you make stylish and smart decisions. Hardwood Nothing beats the warmth and timeless appeal of real wood, ever-popular in New England homes of all sizes and styles. Types include solid hardwood (e.g., oak, maple, walnut) and engineered hardwood — a layered construction that handles humidity better. Pros: Long-lasting and can be refinished multiple times Adds value to your home Available in a wide variety of species, stains and finishes Cons: Expensive compared to other options Susceptible to scratches, moisture and warping Requires regular maintenance Linoleum Often confused with vinyl, linoleum is made from natural materials like linseed oil, making it an eco-friendly choice. Linoleum has seen a design resurgence thanks to modern patterns and sustainability-conscious homeowners. Pros: Biodegradable and non-toxic Durable and water-resistant Available in a range of colors and patterns Cons: Can fade in direct sunlight Needs sealing to protect against moisture Less luxurious feel compared to other options Carpeting Soft underfoot and cozy, carpet remains a favorite in bedrooms and family rooms. Choose from wool for durability with a luxurious touch or nylon/polyester blends. Pros: Insulates against sound and cold Comfortable and slip-resistant The widest range of costs from affordable mass-produced rolls to the highest luxury custom carpets. Available in endless textures and colors Cons: Prone to stains, allergens and wear in high-traffic areas Requires frequent vacuuming and periodic deep cleaning Not suitable for damp environments like bathrooms or basements Tile Flooring Tile is the go-to for high-moisture areas like kitchens and baths, but it can be used to stunning effect throughout the home in foyers, dens and, well, just about everywhere. Each kind of tile has a different personality, performance profile and price range. Some evoke old-world charm, many are perfect for transitional spaces, while others offer sleek high-style minimalism and modernism. Marble Pros: Elegant, natural veining, high-end aesthetic, variety of color palettes, timeless Cons: Porous, can stain easily, requires sealing, pricey Ceramic Pros: Durable, easy to clean, budget-friendly Cons: Can crack under impact, cold and hard underfoot Porcelain Pros: Denser than ceramic, water-resistant, great for indoor/outdoor use Cons: Heavier, requires professional installation, costlier than ceramic Other Natural Stones (Slate, Travertine, Granite) Pros: Unique appearance, durable, flexible style, infinite options Cons: Varying porosity, needs maintenance, cost varies widely, certain trendy stones can become dated Luxury Vinyl Plank Luxury vinyl flooring (LVF) is a popular choice for both residential and commercial spaces. LVF is a high-end, versatile vinyl that mimics the look of natural materials like hardwood or stone. LVP can be installed using various methods, including click-lock, glue-down, or loose lay. This flexibility allows for DIY projects or professional installation. Pros: Looks like wood or stone at a fraction of the cost Water resistant, making it a fantastic choice for kitchens, bathrooms and damp basements Soft underfoot and quieter than tile Cons: While durable, LVF can scratch, dent under heavy furniture or tear from sharp edges of chair or dresser legs It may wear out more quickly than natural flooring Doesn’t add the same resale value as natural stone or wood flooring Whether you crave rustic warmth, soft comfort or sleek luxury, flooring is a foundational design decision that affects every step you take at home. Choose what best suits your lifestyle — and don’t be afraid to mix materials for function and flair! Unsure about how select the best flooring for your design goals and budget? Contact us to set up a complimentary, no-obligation 30-minute phone consultation.

As the views outside your home reach their bright, fresh, spring peak, are you noticing that your bathroom interiors are not keeping up? Puddles, splashes, humidity, foot traffic, soap residue, as well as other (ahem) unmentionables, really take their toll on your bathrooms. Whether you’re in your home for the long haul or planning to sell some time soon, perhaps it’s time to flush out the old and welcome in the new in one or more of your bathrooms. Let’s explore a comprehensive array of ideas—from simple decor updates to full remodel strategies—that will help elevate your bathroom into a refined functional oasis. The Softer Side: Refreshing Decor and Furnishings A bathroom’s decor doesn’t stop at cabinetry and fixtures. Tactile and visual elements play a crucial role in setting the style and ambience. Consider these updates: Affordable and fun, upgrading your towels and bathmats can change your whole look, adding a new touch of luxury, playfulness or calm. High-quality absorbent towels in neutral or colorful hues paired with patterned or textured bathmats can instantly transform the space. You can opt for quick-dry, eco-friendly fabrics that not only feel great but also contribute to energy savings in laundry routines. Fill a wall with your new towels hung on hooks in sets of three. Choosing the right art can add personality and definition to your bathroom. From nature-inspired prints to modern abstract pieces, artwork tailored to your space’s color scheme helps create a cohesive environment. Floating shelves to display curated accessories or greenery can enhance the feel of a boutique spa, whimsical family bathroom or sophisticated powder room. Bright Ideas: Lighting for Mood and Function Beyond merely the practical function of illuminating the bathroom spaces, lighting in your bathroom sets the mood. Trend-forward LED fixtures, dimmable options and mirror sconces can be integrated to create both task lighting and ambient effects. Some models even incorporate smart technology, allowing you to change colors or adjust intensity via a smartphone app. It’s All in the Details: Upgrading Hardware and Fixtures Consider minimalist, angular hardware designs in brushed nickel or matte black for contemporary looks. Chrome, which always looks clean and fresh, works here as well. For a heavy traffic bathroom, go high tech with touchless or sensor-activated faucets , adding a hygienic cool twist to your wash basin. New cabinetry is always a plus. Just changing the style and color of your vanity can give the feeling of a totally new bathroom. Floating vanities not only create the illusion of more space but also offer opportunities to incorporate under-cabinet lighting and hidden storage solutions for a clutter-free aesthetic. Innovative shower systems now offer a spa-like experience in the comfort of your own home. For example, multi-function shower panels combine rainfall showerheads, body sprays, and even steam features. Some systems provide digital controls, allowing you to set personalized temperature, pressure and even create programmed sequences for an indulgent bathing routine. Smart showers can be synced with your smart home system. Imagine starting your shower with a voice command and receiving personalized settings that adjust your shower based on your previous preferences. Energy efficient radiant floors have moved from luxury to a practical home upgrade. Underfloor radiant heating allows for an even distribution of warmth throughout the bathroom without bulky space heaters. Modern systems can be controlled with smart thermostats, which not only help achieve the perfect temperature but also track energy usage for eco-friendly performance. Eco-friendly and sustainable design features include: o Low-flow toilets and faucets use advanced pressure-compensating technology that doesn’t sacrifice performance. Dual-flush mechanisms can further reduce water consumption. Some toilets also have seat heaters, dryers, and double as bidets. o Modern tiles and countertops that are made from recycled or repurposed materials not only provide a unique visual element, they promote sustainability. Bamboo, for example, is a fantastic renewable resource option for vanities and shelving. o Maximizing natural light reduces the need for artificial illumination during the day. Adding windows or skylights, when possible, can reduce energy use and they look great. Enhanced ventilation systems that are both energy-efficient and quiet improve air quality by reducing humidity and preventing mold growth. Trends in Tile Tiles can be used for neutral backdrops or bold design statements. Current trends favor unique geometric layouts that break away from traditional designs. Subway tiles, when laid out in herringbone or vertical patterns, offer both a vintage feel and a modern twist. Large format tiles create a sense of spaciousness due to fewer grout lines. Porcelain or natural stone in large slabs can elevate the bathroom look while being easy to clean. Combining textured tiles with smoother counterparts can create visual interest and depth. Some homeowners even use accent walls to break up the monotony and add a touch of artistry. Neutral palettes continue to reign, with shades of gray, beige and cream providing a backdrop that allows fixtures and accessories to stand out. That said, bold splashes of color or unique patterned tiles can add personality that works. Planning a Complete Bathroom Overhaul As with any total remodel, when it’s time to fully redo your bathrooms, a solid strategic plan ensures the best outcome. The fundamentals: Begin by defining a clear budget. Prioritize the most critical infrastructure elements like plumbing upgrades, durable countertops and quality tiles. Decorative accessories can be part of the remodel or can be updated later. Hire a designer and a contractor with experience in bathroom renovations to ensure that the basics are done right and modern technologies are installed correctly. Experts can provide insights into maximizing space (especially in smaller bathrooms), incorporating your tastes and needs, optimizing your investment, selecting the optimal finishings and fixtures, and integrating the high tech or eco-friendly solutions, or both, that you want. Establish a realistic timeline with contingencies, and devise a plan for daily living for you and your family while your spaces are disrupted. Conclusion Embrace the new, flush away the old, and start planning for bathrooms that mirror the bright, energizing vibe of the season. Unsure where to start? Trying to determine the best use of your bathroom upgrade budget? Contact us to set up a complimentary, no-obligation 30-minute phone consultation.

A home remodel, from a simple refresh to a full-scale renovation, can be both exciting and overwhelming. While the end result is worth it, the journey can be filled with dust, noise, disruption and unexpected challenges. To keep your sanity intact throughout the process, it’s important to approach the remodel with the right mindset, solid planning, and a strong support system. Here’s how to make your home transformation as smooth, engaging, fun and stress-free as possible. 1. Plan, Plan, and Then Plan Some More The more you prepare before the remodel begins, the fewer surprises you’ll face along the way. Start with a clear vision of your project, including your budget ceiling, design preferences, and anticipated timeline. Work with your designer, whether an interior designer like me or in conjunction with an architect, to research contractors thoroughly, get multiple quotes, and establish a contract that outlines expectations clearly. Confirm end-of-day cleaning standards with your chosen contractor. If possible, have your contractor be specific about items like flooring types and window brands versus line item allowances, which tend to underestimate the end costs. Anticipate possible delays and have contingency plans in place. 2. Spring Cleaning and Decluttering, Whatever the Actual Season We've covered this before. Getting rid of your excess "stuff" makes projects go so much smoother, from demo to finish. You'll almost always have a few months to prepare before project kickoff so make a plan to declutter and organize your space. Procrastinators, make an actual written schedule and check things off as you go! Pack away valuables, remove fragile items, and store essentials in a designated area. Label everything! Donate usable items if they won't fit into your new aesthetic or you just don't use or enjoy them anymore. If your remodel involves significant demolition or construction, consider renting a storage unit or onsite pod. Tightly cover unmovable items like china cabinets and pianos with plastic tarps, bungees and good tape. 3. Create a Temporary Living Plan If your redesign affects key living areas, such as the kitchen or bathroom, plan alternative setups. I help my clients set up a mini satellite kitchen with a microwave, toaster oven, single induction burner and small fridge, if needed. If your bathroom is under construction, determine where you’ll shower and get ready each day. For a multi-room renovation, you may want to stay in a rental for the worst of it. Everyone's tolerance for chaos (even though it's organized chaos) is different. 4. Communicate Clearly and Regularly Frequent communication with your designer/contractor team is crucial for keeping the project on track. Schedule regular check-ins to discuss progress, address concerns, and ensure everything is going according to plan. If issues arise, clear and open communication can help resolve them before they become major roadblocks. 5. Expect the Unexpected No remodel goes perfectly according to plan. Newly discovered rotten subfloors, supplier delays, shipping damages — they are par for the course. Having a flexible mindset and a cushion in your budget can help you handle these bumps in the road without unnecessary stress. 6. Take Sanity Breaks Living in a construction zone can be exhausting, especially with an active family or if you work from home. Get out of the house, whether it’s working from a coffee shop, going for a walk, or planning a weekend getaway. Giving yourself a mental and physical break from the remodel will help you stay sane and refreshed. 7. Keep Your Eye on the Prize and Celebrate Milestones Amid the noise, dust and frustration, remind yourself why you started the remodel in the first place. Enjoy the progress. Be a part of the process. Visualize the finished product and how it will improve your home and quality of life. Celebrate when major steps are completed, like finishing demolition, installing new flooring, or seeing the first coat of paint on the walls. These moments remind you that the remodel is moving forward and that your dream home is within reach. By staying organized, communicating effectively, and allowing yourself grace through the process, you’ll come out the other side with a beautiful, refreshed space—and your sanity intact! And remember....as a project manager, your designer can help offload a lot of the stress. We handle the unexpected, make decision-making costs and benefits clear and, hopefully, help you keep a positive sense of perspective.

We all have our professional sweet spots and mine is designing gorgeous, highly functional and cost-effective kitchens and bathrooms. When you are solely focused on refreshing an outdated kitchen or bath as a stand-alone project, my specialty is to dig down into a homeowner’s functional needs and: Re-envision/reconfigure your space to optimize storage, display, workflow and traffic Suggest the best options for cabinets, appliances, lighting and fixtures Provide connection to vetted contractors and tradespeople Oversee the project from demo to occupancy Whether you are a homeowner, a builder, an architect, or another designer, my expertise with kitchen and bath spaces, plus my long-term vendor relationships can be a tremendous asset to your project. I am eager to collaborate to deliver the best project outcomes! Seamless cabinetry design and ordering made easy I represent several high-quality cabinet suppliers, each offering a different consumer value and level of customization. (Visit my website for details and photos.) My familiarity with each manufacturer’s range of styles, materials and size options along with my experience designing the right layouts for each homeowner’s unique cooking, storage and entertainment needs, means clients end up with the kitchen and bath that is perfect for them. Already have a ready-to-go cabinet design? I am delighted provide pricing, ordering and tracking, and quality assurance. When you order through us, I personally ensure a smooth process throughout. This is a benefit to consumers to price and quality check versus the big box stores or generic kitchen centers and to builders who may have provided their clients with cabinet allowances or are building homes on spec. Are you an interior designer more focused on furnishings and finishes? If your time and talents are best utilized working on the aesthetics of your clients’ spaces (and maybe cabinet design confounds you), let’s work together to bring your vision to life. I’ll recommend cabinets that complement your colors, overall look and functional needs, and will align with your budget outlook. Depending on the project, you can white label the cabinet design or bring me in to advise. See for yourself Want a real sense of the differences between cabinet lines? It’s helpful to compare cabinet styles and materials in real life as well as view everything in different light sources. To that end, I can bring samples to you or your clients. You are also invited to visit my new Norwalk showroom where we can use my projection tools and apps to review plans and renderings, and adjust cabinets, islands, fixtures and appliances until we arrive at your perfect kitchen or bath. Interested in how I can help your make your next kitchen or bath project a hassle-free showstopper? Let’s talk! 203.536.0712.

Does your household need a major change because your spaces aren’t functioning as you need them to? Is your hunt for a new property going nowhere fast? Don’t keep spinning your wheels touring homes, only to be too late or outbid. With inventory exceptionally low and new mortgage rates high, NOW is the perfect time to re-envision your current home. Working together, we will find creative, practical and beautiful (!) strategies to address challenges and transform your living spaces. Here’s why: Complete Customization It’s rare that you’ll locate a new home that checks off all the boxes. You’ll likely compromise on something. By building an addition or undertaking a renovation, we design the rooms exactly how you want them to look and need them to function — within the boundaries of your budget and zoning laws, of course. Expanding your family? Build a bonus room over the garage or renovate your basement. Transitioning to empty nest? Convert a bedroom into an office, hobby room or gym. Change that playroom into a sunroom for leisure and entertaining. Growing your business? A separate structure on your property or an addition might be the answer. Excellent Economics Staying in your existing home can make good financial sense. Leverage and increase the equity you’ve amassed after years of living in your home. Use that existing low-interest home equity line of credit to finance your changes and upgrades. Major changes can cost less than you think. In many cases, moving walls (even with engineering sign-off) is just a fraction of the overall budget but makes a huge difference. One of my clients added 3+ feet to her kitchen, allowing me to include a highly functional island in the design. The couple agonized over investing in such a giant undertaking. It ended up only costing them about $10K and, two years later, she still gushes about how much she loves the extra airiness and overall look. Unless you’re making incredibly unique updates and additions (think huge built-in aquariums or exceptionally ornate, hard-to-change finishes), well-planned changes are great investments that can yield solid returns in an eventual resale. Home Even–Sweeter Home When you transform and engage in the design process, you build on good memories rather than moving on from them. For some this means doubling down on the pride of your first home purchase by upgrading appliances and finishes. For families moving into the teen years, it’s making spaces suitable for studying and hanging out with friends without losing the familiarity of the childhood years. Locating affordable, smaller, turnkey homes with first floor primary suites is a huge challenge. So, for many of my empty nesters heading toward retirement, it’s “right-shaping” vs. downsizing. We explore how using larger spaces differently can be highly cost effective and nets a home that is fulfilling in all its uses, looks and flows. Winter may not be ideal for house hunting but it’s a perfect time to start brainstorming, exploring and planning! Contact me to schedule your complimentary phone consultation.

Is getting your home holiday-ready a treasured task, filled with nostalgia and charm, or a tough chore? Whether you start counting down to beloved holiday traditions months in advance or have a case of the “bah humbugs”, having a plan for organizing and decorating make the whole process so much easier, time effective and enjoyable! As one who embraces everything about the December cheer (except, perhaps, the New England cold temps), I am happy to share some (sparkly) nuggets of wisdom to transform your pumpkin spice interiors into happy holiday havens. Highlight, Don’t Compete Your decorations should complement your home’s layout and function. Avoid overcrowding and ensure there’s enough room for people to move comfortably during festive gatherings and everyday life. Make sure to Choose a tree that fits your space. A towering fir in a small living room might turn into an obstacle course. Opt for one that’s proportionate and place it where it can shine without hindering foot traffic. Wreath Wrestling Wreaths are timeless: real or artificial, traditional or eclectic. Where you hang them matters. Best Spots: Solid doors, small walls, or above fireplaces. For fireplaces, ensure they’re not too close to flames for safety. Avoid Glass Doors: Wreaths on glass often show their less attractive reverse side. Instead, hang them where they can be fully appreciated. Reuse and Repurpose It’s tempting to purchase just one more knickknack, centerpiece or decoration. (I mean, who can resist more sparkly greenery, felt pompom garland, or awesome candle?) But the best designs, memories and experiences often start with what you already have and love! Classic Ornaments: Display vintage baubles in a modern glass bowl or jar for a stylish centerpiece. Let it Stand Out: Elevate your nativity scene on a footed cake stand for an elegant touch. Cornucopia of Light: Combine menorahs of different sizes in a group for a striking display and switch up candle colors each day for variety. Repurposing isn’t just sustainable—it’s also a great way to connect with meaningful items and lifelong sentiments. Au Naturel...or Not! There’s something magical about natural holiday elements, but they’re not always practical. Live Decor: Fresh greens, floral arrangements, and beeswax candles create the ultimate warm holiday vibe, especially with a crackling fire. Artificial Options: For apartments, families with pets, young kids, or allergic types, artificial greens and flameless candles can mimic the charm without the risks. Conserve Energy and Money Decorating doesn’t have to drain your wallet or deplete the planet. Eco-Friendly Lights: Use warm-white LED lights for a flattering glow. Get the Lead Out: String lights should not have any frayed cords and should not contain lead for a toxic free, no risk glow. Timers: Put your displays on timers to save energy and avoid forgetting to turn them off. This leaves more room in the budget for holiday fun and gifts! Creative Color Variations Traditional red and green are classic, but you can tweak them to suit your interior style. Rich Reds: Mix shades like brick, cranberry, and cherry for depth. Greens: Experiment with kelly, pine, or even sage for a fresh twist. Neutral Tones: Add taupe or velvet accents Final words of advice: There is no wrong answer when it comes to holiday decorating. Get creative or stick to what’s always made your December joyful. That said, I always go “full Christmas” around my home and then…. take a few things away from each space or room to add balance, ensure everything gets its full due, and to complete a coordinated finished look. Happy holidays!

Great design stands the test of time. When all the elements of architecture and interior styling are harmonious, a home, office or retail space can look beautiful and function effectively for the long term. Naturally, there are elements that will be updated based on technological advancements, wear and tear and popular tastes. But with well-designed spaces, a foundational core aesthetic will guide these updates. How do you arrive at design that lasts? Build your spaces and select your furnishings around solid principles. Seek out experienced design professionals who can integrate your needs and tastes today into plans that are flexible enough for future occupants to make their own. Avoid relying solely on what’s super trendy to drive your decision-making. Let’s review some examples of when design could go askew and how I have addressed similar challenges. Don’t Ignore the Basics There is nothing wrong with pushing boundaries in your design if basic principles adhered to: The design is functionally strong with well-designed zones and good flow The scale and proportion are right between ceiling height, room size, furniture heft, as well as the people who will occupy the spaces The amount of natural light, connection to the outdoors and window views are optimized The spaces are livable and comfortable to live, work and entertain in The architecture and engineering are structurally sound; layout and materials are sustainable and durable Sometimes there is a tension between these principles and the homeowner’s vision. For instance, consider the clients who want full open concept and airiness in older, traditional homes. I love opening and connecting spaces — bringing modernity, flow and freshness to contrast into disjointed rooms — but removing too many interior boundaries (both visually and practically) is not advisable. I’ve seen open concept design that was executed without regard for basic principles and the outcome was an aimless hodgepodge. The resulting home was stripped of its historical features and context (and probably some of its intrinsic value), lacked a logical flow and activity zones, needed more cabinetry and wall space for furniture placement and art, and forgot to factor in any need for privacy. This underlines the importance of clients doing the upfront work with an experienced interior designer and other professionals to produce the look and feel they want balanced with the structure, layout and furnishings that will endure. Stay Uniquely Desirable Another role of the designer is to steer clients toward evergreen choices, spaces and furnishings that work today, tomorrow and even for future buyers of the home. Highly personal choices may not translate well into the future or when the home is for sale to homeowners with different tastes. For example, a room with an overly themed design (such as a space theme for a child’s bedroom or a very distinctive music collection-inspired living room) may not work as tastes change, children grow or appeal to future buyers, who might prefer something more neutral or adaptable. Pulling down built ins, repainting or redesigning these rooms can be time-consuming and expensive, especially if wallpaper or unique finishes are difficult to remove. Again, this is not to suggest that a client shouldn’t add their own flair, select distinctive favorite colors, or use a space for a specific, albeit unusual, function. Everyone’s homes and workspaces should elicit joy! Rather, designers should help clients consider the long-term viability of their spaces and the future costs of updating or renovating as needs change. Weigh Your Trend Options Designers innovate, popular styles evolve, social norms change… and “everything old is new again” certainly describes the ongoing mid-century modern craze. As a homeowner, you should freely embrace trends when they meet functional needs, match with your vision, and when they deliver good quality for the price points. However, in recent years I’ve found some trendy choices, in both broad design and specific items that I think need to be deeply considered or further researched/improved before committing. Open shelving , especially in kitchens, has been a popular trend for a while now. Pros: Great for displaying favorite dishes, glassware or decorative items. Cons: Takes a commitment to dusting and tidying if items are in use. Can become cluttered and, over time, items can look dated. The ultra-minimalist, all-neutral vibe is ubiquitous. Pros: Sophisticated, minimalist interiors and neutrals can be really beautiful, dramatic, rich and/or calming. Cons: Minimalism can feel too impersonal or sterile if it’s devoid of personal touches, pops of color or lacks layered textures. There needs to be a balance of warm neutrals to avoid the museum feeling and make it approachable for the next potential owner. Smart homes, appliances and devices are no longer a futuristic vision or only for the rich and famous. Pros: The ability to optimize your home cooling and heating, adjust your music volume, or turn off your oven via your smart phone is great for convenience, safety, economics and the environment. Cons: Avoid buyer's remorse. Think about whether the “smart” factors are actually overengineering a simple task and creating costs that might not be worthwhile for you. (How important is it for you to see inside your refrigerator or program the heat on your toilet seat?) Also, interfaces and sensors can be glitchy, so do your research on items like automatic faucets before purchasing. Finally, consider how new the technology is and how often it changes before determining what you’re going to build into your home. Open-concept bathrooms , with minimal or no walls separating the shower from the rest of the bathroom or bedroom, are a trend in luxury homes and modern apartments. Pros: Creates a sleek, spa-like feeling. There are no shower curtains, doors or small water closets to break up the open, luxurious space. Cons: Impractical for a family or future homeowners who value privacy. Many people may not want to shower in full view of the rest of the bedroom or the living space. Additionally, it can be tough to keep such spaces clean, as splashing water and steam can affect the rest of the room. Designing spaces that you and future owners will love for generations should be a creative and collaborative process, driven both by what you love and need. Optimizing the function and value of the home requires a balance of vision, budget and experience. This ensures the proper consideration of fundamentals, accounting for functionality and injection of creativity.

Throughout the course of any of my design projects, the bulk of my energy is spent on the big, fundamental aspects of the home or office. Designing room layouts, moving walls, configuring cabinets, selecting flooring, lighting, appliances and fixtures — these are the building blocks of every client engagement. However, creating living and working spaces that fulfill functional needs, align with clients’ tastes, and offer a good return on investment is not all that differentiates each design. It’s the highly personal touches that truly make each job unique and raise each client’s “joy quotient.” These don’t have to be expensive purchases or customizations, just details that feel special every time they are seen or used. Let me share some of the examples that our clients totally love. Kitchen Organization Nirvana A kitchen is the nexus of home activity whether a client is a master chef or a take-out king. Based on how the kitchen is used, by whom, plus the personal style and habits of the homeowner(s), the meaningful extras could be: Drawer inserts for knives (to keep them out of sight, in size order and sharp) or customized to a specific array of utensils and serving pieces. Cabinet dividers that keep clunky cutting boards and baking sheets easy to see and access. Spice organizers that slide out so every jar is quickly found — especially if the more compulsive among us keep them alphabetized. A separate hot beverage station with designated storage or display for coffee beans, tea bags, mugs and, maybe, a minifridge for milk. Coffee machines can look sleek and attractive no matter the price point but some of the high-end espresso makers are works of art. One or two glass front cabinets to display favorite barware, art objects, bowls, cookbooks or knickknacks. A brightly colored standing mixer that is the center of a baker’s world! A refrigerator drawer for juice pouches and kids snacks. Bathroom Spa-aaah What elevates a basic bathroom experience? The possibilities are endless and it’s so much fun collaborating with clients to create a heavenly atmosphere for each time they bathe, shower, get dressed or, um, “ascend the throne.” A few of my favorite ideas: Heated floors which are easy to install and are completely programmable. Heated towel racks for a warm post-shower embrace. Give your routines a bright boost with a quality adjustable makeup mirror and a lighted medicine cabinet. Installing an adjustable shower head and maybe some extra jets to get squeaky clean and enjoy a relaxing water massage. Even a tiny bathroom gets a boost from some very ornate or modern statement hardware. You can go super luxe if you only need a few knobs or pulls. Enhance the glam by building in a dressing or makeup table with great lighting, a statement bench or stool, and storage for all your cosmetics and hair products. Having hand soap and other products in pretty bottles can add just that minute attention to detail that makes a bathroom look complete. Don’t Sleep on These Bedroom Enhancements With the bed being the central room element, I’ve shared my love of linens in previous musings, so you know how many options there are for upping the bed ante like: Buying the best quality sheets that make sense for your budget. Look for good cotton, eco-friendly bamboo, soft jersey flannel or crisp linen. Adding one or two fabulously different decorative pillows to draw in the eye. Vary patterns, tones, colors or textures. Beyond the bed, how cool are… Built-in televisions that angle down from the ceiling or emerge up from a piece of furniture? Unique “statement” bedside lamps or sconces for style and comfortable reading? Awesome night table finds that are anything but ho-hum or matchy-matchy? Remote control blinds so you can check out the morning weather without leaving the comfort of your bed? Happily Working, or Working Out Making basement, attic, extra bedroom or other spaces into offices, gyms, and game or craft rooms is all about the special extras. Think about integrating these features harmoniously into the overall design of your home: Built-in cabinets that securely hold hand weights and store workout extras like bands and balls. Springy flooring. A sewing cabinet or fold up craft table. Surround sound Bluetooth speakers, either built-in or plug-in, high-tech or basic. Treadmill and variable height desks let you do your 10,000 steps while working on documents or presenting on Zoom. Our collaboration and needs exploration with clients helps uncover their design and lifestyle dreams. The relationships we build inspire me to find the unique extras that differentiate their home from any other, delivering quality design that’s a step above — and LOVE — to their spaces!