Designing a Home: Trusting Your Instincts & Finding Joy in the Process

I didn’t go to design school. Instead, I learned by doing—by experimenting with finishes, unusual color combinations, trusting my gut, and discovering what makes a space feel like home. For me, interior design isn’t about following strict rules; it’s about creating rooms that feel warm, authentic, and deeply personal.

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Learning Through Layers: How Painting Finishes Taught Me About Texture

Before I ever selected a fabric or piece of furniture, I fell in love with the transformative power of paint. Not just colors—but finishes. The way a high-gloss trim catches the light differently than matte walls. How a limewash finish adds depth that flat paint can’t achieve. These subtle variations taught me more about texture and dimension than any textbook could.

I spent years experimenting—mixing metallic glazes, testing plaster techniques, even painting ceilings in unexpected sheens (a trick I still swear by). What began as simple curiosity became an education in how finishes can completely alter a room’s mood. A satin sheen might make a small space feel cozy, while a reflective lacquer can amplify light in dark corners.

You don’t need professional training to develop this eye. Start by:

• Sampling different sheens side-by-side on a board
• Observing how light changes them throughout the day
• Pairing contrasting finishes (like matte walls with glossy moldings)

These experiments taught me that magic lives in the details—a lesson that now guides every design choice I make.

What Makes a Home? It’s All About Feeling

Some of my biggest design inspirations come from childhood memories—the homes I visited that felt inviting, cozy, and full of life. A well-designed space should do more than look pretty; it should feel like a place where people belong.

When I’m designing, I ask myself:

• Does this room make me want to linger?
• Does it reflect the people who live here?
• Does it bring me joy when I walk in?

If the answer isn’t yes, I keep tweaking. Trends come and go, but a home should always feel like yours.

Stay Curious: The Best Design Education is Exploration

I’ve never stopped learning. Some of my favorite design lessons have come from:

• Flipping through vintage design books and discovering forgotten techniques
• Wandering antique markets and studying how patinas age beautifully
• Analyzing how legendary designers like Brooke and Steve Gianetti of Patina Farm used finishes to create mood

The more you expose yourself to, the richer your own style becomes. Don’t be afraid to mix eras, textures, and influences—the most interesting rooms are the ones that feel collected over time.

I had the trip of a lifetime to New York City in December and toured the DeVol Kitchen Showroom in SoHo. This experience was so wonderful for my design heart. This image is the entrance, and just walking in was a heart-racing, exciting moment!

Final Thought: Trust Yourself

Designing a home isn’t about perfection. It’s about creating a space that feels right to you. Whether you’re experimenting with plaster finishes, hunting for the perfect rug, or daring to paint a ceiling glossy French blue, let your instincts guide you. After all, the best rooms aren’t just designed—they’re lived in.

What’s your favorite finish to work with? I’d love to hear what makes a home feel special to you

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