Meaningful Design: Where Beauty Meets Story

As an interior designer, I’m always drawn to pieces that are both beautiful and meaningful. Whether it’s a collection of laminated photos from every stage of my life or a family heirloom passed down through generations, these personal touches are what make a house feel like a home.

Friends and family often find familiar faces in the photo wall, sparking stories, laughter, and shared memories. It’s decor—but more than that, it’s connection.

I also love giving everyday pieces a fresh purpose. A china cabinet, for instance, doesn’t have to live in the dining room. In this project, we styled one in the living room, filled with glassware and heirloom china. Thoughtfully arranged, these objects become part of the overall design—functional, personal, and quietly elegant.

When people ask me about my design style, I usually say: I don’t have just one. I appreciate most styles—as long as they’re done well. For this particular home, my client’s antique pieces set the tone. Instead of replacing them, we celebrated them—layering in soft textures and thoughtful details to create a space that feels both timeless and lived-in.

Good design balances old and new, function and feeling. It tells a story—and that’s always where I like to begin.