Author: Breegan Jane

Most potential home buyers know the feeling of looking for the perfect house with the perfect architecture and perfect appliances and furnishings. Homeowners and renters alike often feel discouraged when they struggle to achieve the same look in their homes as the perfect photo they saw on social media or on tv. But here’s the thing, folks…perfection doesn’t exist! There’s almost always something that has to be modified or built in order to get your real estate reality to match what’s in your dreams. The good news is, if you hire a designer, we are usually able to help you find clever workarounds and innovative solutions to get to your desired goal. If you’re looking to elevate your spaces, I’ll share a few easy swaps and interior design tricks to ensure you get what you want, every time!

Keep the Focus: Seamless Design

Are you following me on social media? If not, you absolutely should be! If you already do, then you’ve likely seen this bed (pictured above) in a couple homes I’ve designed. It is one of my favorite pieces, and it’s one of the most asked about and complimented pieces, too! I imagine this bed gets so much attention for all of the reasons I love it. It’s a neutral piece with a black headboard and footboard. The brass accents make the bed feel ultra luxe and sophisticated without being overly ornate. But the real star of the show is the lucite canopy! This bed has presence. It commands your attention and makes a statement, and it does all of that without dwarfing the room. We have lucite to thank for that!

Lucite is durable and it doesn’t yellow when exposed to UVA rays. I love lucite because its clear composition allows it to play with the design of a space without interrupting the otherwise seamless look. It feels grand without looking heavy—the way a bed constructed of wood, particularly a darker wood, could. The other benefit to using lucite is that you never have to worry about matching it with your existing color palette. That’s definitely a win. I’ve used lucite in many different ways in design Another favorite would be barstools. Kitchen islands are great places to gather, and they’re often used for multiple purposes (homework, cooking, work stations, etc). Seating can be a bit of a challenge if you don’t have a ton of space, so arranging large stools in those areas can appear a bit cluttered to the eye. Swap out your wood or metal stool for lucite ones and add a colorful cushion for personality. You’ll instantly see the difference in the look and feel of the kitchen.

Functional, but Finished 

Kitchens are usually what people comment on when they’re thinking about remodeling, upgrading or buying a home. That’s understandable; after all, kitchens aren’t called the “heart of the home” for nothing, right? We spend so much time there, it makes sense to want these spaces to look their absolute best. If you’re wanting to give your space an easy facelift without embarking on a full on renovation journey, one of the things to consider is a panel ready fridge. These are refrigerators that allow you to cover the front with a “face” that matches the rest of that space. You can make them blend in so well that they almost appear hidden! It gives the space an refined look and keeps the design cohesive. Some companies, like Jennair, even allow for materials like stone or leather to grace the front for an especially custom experience. 

Small Space Solutions: Interior Design Hacks

I am so excited to be introducing my new lighting line next year with Savoy House! I cannot wait to introduce you to what I’ve been working on. Lighting is so key to the design of a space because it determines how easily the space can be used, and it even determines the ambiance and vibe. I have always loved infusing spaces with beautiful fixtures. I even hung several chandeliers in my retail store as a teen! There’s just nothing like big, bold lighting fixtures hanging from the ceiling for maximum impact. But what happens when your space doesn’t allow for that? 

If you have a small room or lower ceilings, adding a ton of floor lamps will only make it feel smaller. Table lamps require…tables—something else you likely don’t have space for in a modestly sized room. So, what’s an interior design enthusiast to do? Sconces are an awesome way to add lighting to your rooms when you don’t want to use much space. They come in a variety of sizes, materials and colors, so you’ll be able to find ones that work well with your style. If you know Breegan, you know I favor brass and gold in pretty much everything metallic. I have used sconces in all types of rooms, and they never disappoint! Swap your floor lamp for a stylish sconce to save on space.

I could go on and on about easy swaps and interior design hacks to give your space a more modern and stylish look! No matter what you’re faced with, there is usually a solution that can be employed for a happier you, and better designed space. Contact me on The Expert today, and let’s schedule a virtual consultation. I’m excited to help you get the home you want and deserve!

Buying a new home is such an exciting experience, especially when the time comes to make it your own. If you buy a home that is already built and established, there may be limitations on what you can do regarding the actual structural components of the house. However, if you can take a home down to the studs and work with an interior designer like me, you can architecturally design it with the future in mind. And, you will allow for some extra conveniences that might be tailored specifically to your life. Here are just a couple of interior design options I incorporated in my home to future-proof it.

Elevators

Let’s be clear: I was EXTREMELY intentional about the interior design options I utilized in my home concerning future-proofing it. Why? For starters, it stands pretty tall with four floors. I have no problems navigating the floors now at my age, and with my current physical capabilities. But there may come a time when age and physical limitations may prevent me from being able to climb a flight of stairs easily. Moreover, my aging relatives who may want to spend time with me and my family may find it a chore to navigate the stairs. They may even have challenges enjoying the rooftop and gorgeous views of the ocean.

To offset these potential future limitations, I planned to install an elevator in my home. It was the most convenient way to ensure the home remains accessible to everyone regardless of age or ability. If that’s one of the interior design options you wouldn’t mind, plan it EARLY! Considerations for an elevator must be introduced when you begin building the home. The elevator shaft has to be allotted for in the architecture plans, and it’s much harder to do after the house is built.

Additional Dwelling Units (ADUs)

While we don’t currently have a nanny, I am a huge advocate for any mom employing one if needed. As I worked through the interior design options in my new beach home, I thought about a world in which my children might need a live-in nanny or assistant again. So, I designed an ADU, or additional dwelling up) in my home. This is a space that functions independently of the rest of the living quarters and has a private entrance and exit. So many people wished they could have had something like an ADU at the height of the pandemic. It would have been a great way to better control the spread of germs in and out of your primary space. This would be especially key to accountability for someone who had to return to your home every day.

Listen, I understand not everyone can build a house and put an elevator in it. Even if they could, that may not be a need everyone has. The point is, if you’re able to either buy or build a home with the future in mind, you can make wise, structural choices that will suit you long after you fall in love with your property. You can go on to live in your home comfortably knowing you’ve considered many of the “what-ifs” that could arise. No, we cannot predict or prevent everything. But thinking about future-proof interior design options certainly will give you a leg up—if you’re willing to consider them.

So, what future-proof needs might you have for your home? Not sure where to start?  Let’s chat! I have years of experience with this and can help you find solutions for enjoying your home both now AND later in life. I’m ready when you are!

What’s on your walls? It’s an important question, considering our walls are some of the largest surfaces in our homes. As such, they should tell a story. What that story will be is completely up to you! The great thing is there are so many different ways you can tell that story with your accent walls. Here are a few contemporary ways to achieve the look and feel you want in your interior design.

The Perfect Paint

Perhaps the most well-known, tried-and-true approach to accent walls involves painting one wall—the “accent” wall—a vibrant color that’s different from the rest of the room.

If you’re committed to a particular paint color, painting an accent wall may be just what your space needs to give it that decorative flair that may be missing. Regardless, your accent wall will draw attention to an area that may be overlooked. It will also bring attention to the rest of the decor in the space.

Why Not Wallpaper?

If you want to make a statement with your walls but you’re not sure you want to commit to paint, a funky wallpaper can be just the thing to make the difference you’re looking for. What’s neat is that wallpaper can be a culmination of graphics, textures, or even photos.

For example, in a restaurant I designed, I used an oversized print of the chef’s hands as a focal point because I wanted the guests to feel as enveloped by the space as they were captivated by the culinary delights. It was an abstract but powerful presentation that is one of my favorites to this day!

Magnificent Mirrors

I haven’t seen designers use it as often as I want, but mirrors are another great resource to use for creative accent walls. Incorporating mirrors on an accent wall is a great way to brighten up dimly lit areas or darker rooms. The dynamic reflections, especially with multiple mirrors, are a great way to create the appearance of a larger environment and add depth to the space.

Artwork Is Amazing

Collections of artwork work very well for accent walls. The great thing about using art is that each type of art is so varied and different. Hundreds of people could create accent walls with art, and none of them would be the same!

In one episode of Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, we helped a very special refugee family connect to their homeland by creating an accent wall with Congolese masks, each representing a member of their family. It even paid homage to some of their family lost in the war in the Congo. The installation brought new meaning to what “home” would epitomize for the family, and that’s exactly what we wanted to achieve with the art-filled accent wall.

These are just a few ways you can create some modern, avant-garde accent walls throughout your home. Whether you incorporate paint, wallpaper, mirrors or art, use your walls to your advantage to convey a part of your story. Do you need some help bringing your vision to life? I’m just a click away! Let’s get together for a virtual consultation and talk through all of the amazing ideas we come up with together!

You ever notice how much people focus on kitchens in home design TV shows? Both designers and clients tend to want the big kitchen design, bold (or striking neutral) colors, expansive islands and particular cabinets. Look, I get it! I personally feel the kitchen is the heart of the home, so I understand the attention people give that space. I also get why people tend to focus on what they’ve seen on TV when it comes to their own kitchen design. The problem comes when they take various mismatched elements from several home designs that fail to come together. Here are some of my suggestions to make sure your kitchen design is seamless and cohesive with respect to its interior elements.

Coordinate Colors In Your Kitchen Design

The most prominent aspect of your kitchen design will be the colors you use throughout, so make sure they’re complementary. When it comes to color choices, I say you can never go wrong with a tuxedo kitchen. The combination of light and dark has a timeless appeal, so it will never not be in style. What’s more, black and white are perfectly complementing neutrals that easily provide visual balance in the space. As such, you’ll begin your kitchen design with a foundation of seamless coordination as you add other elements in.

If you prefer more color than black and white, by all means incorporate more color. However, I’d suggest keeping the most expensive design elements neutral. I’m specifically thinking about your countertops (especially if you use stone) and flooring. Those are expensive parts of your kitchen design that won’t get changed out as often, so avoid experimenting with color there. That can get costly and frustrating.

Strategize Accents and Decor

Next, you want to think about all of the accents in your kitchen design and decor. Those will grab people’s attention, also, for better or worse! Details matter in your overall design, so make sure they all align with the overall aesthetic. For instance, you may not have thought about the knobs and pulls on drawers and cabinets, but look at them. Do they match your faucets and lighting? If they’re matte black but your faucets are metallic, is that a cohesive look? Consistency is key, and not having that in your kitchen design is very easy to recognize.

Speaking of lighting, you should make sure your lighting fixtures complement the overall appearance. You wouldn’t want a splendidly ornate chandelier housed in a farmhouse-style kitchen. One is extremely fancy while the other is more pastoral. They don’t match. There’s one caveat to this suggestion: your personal style. If it’s your goal to infuse various design styles in your kitchen decor, what you want is the bottom line. But hopefully your vision unifies all of the elements you use in your space.

Other Kitchen Design Elements

We’ve established that both the prominent and the minute elements in your kitchen design are important to creating a seamless presentation. What else should you consider in the space? I say you should thoughtfully consider your backsplash. Is it tile or stone, and does it match the rest of the design in your space? It should. And, it should be as timeless as the rest of your decor. Avoid picking trendy materials that may clash with things you may change or switch out sooner, such as your handles, pulls, paint colors, or even your range hood. In one of my older homes I wrapped the existing hood in a gold metallic to match my brass accents. That’s how intentional I was with coordination. The final look was amazing!

There are so many other smaller accents that can help create a harmonious look in your kitchen. Designer plates for switches and outlets provide both fashion and function that can take your kitchen design to another level. Florals and greenery are tried-and-true options that easily mesh and connect decor elements, and help bring a full kitchen vision to life. No matter what you choose to do, the ultimate goal is to integrate your creative style into one consummate kitchen. If you’d like some help bringing it all together, I’d love to work with you! Contact me, and let’s create a magnificent kitchen design together!

Whether they’re on the hunt for a new space or attempting to update their current one, my clients often have one thing in common. They want to know how to make their space appear larger. Our homes are our safe havens. We spend so much time in them, and no one wants to feel cramped. Unless you’re up for serious renovations, you really have to get clever about making the most of your existing square footage. Luckily for you, I’ve spent a great deal of time helping others see the hidden potential in their homes and bringing out the best in them. I’m ready to share with you my interior design tips and tricks to getting a spacious abode!

Get Clever with Color

Let’s start with an easy one. Color matters, and not just in the way you might think. When people think of interior design, they usually go straight for the “pretty stuff.” They want to create mood boards filled with trendy chairs, pillows and lighting fixtures. Now, I won’t lie to you. I love all those details just as much as the next person. After all, it is what I do. But, it isn’t all that I do. My job is to ensure the choices we make together in a home will suit you and your family for years to come, and that means maximizing the usefulness of a space. 

So, how do we do that with color? Well, for starters we select shades that are going to direct the eye exactly where we want it to go. Think about clothing. When people want to look slimmer, they tend to wear darker colors. Lighter hues, on the other hand, can sometimes make a person or part of a body appear bigger than it typically does. So, if we want to call attention to the expanse a room has, opting for brighter colors across the largest surfaces is the way to go! I love using stone in my designs. While it comes in a myriad of colors and patterns, white has to be my favorite for places like countertops and backsplashes. It makes a space feel airy. I love tuxedo kitchens for this reason as well. White uppers draw the eye up and make the entire room feel more open. Want your kitchen to feel sizable? One of my best interior design tips is to use white on the biggest surfaces. That includes your walls, by the way.

Fruitful Flooring

If you’ve seen my previous Venice Beach home, you probably know I’m a fan of parquet flooring. In fact, I created my own pattern and used it throughout my living area in that house. Parquet flooring is known for the stunning geometric shapes in wood flooring that truly give a room a luxurious feel. Besides the elegance of parquet flooring, I also love that it is nondirectional. Flooring might not be the first interior design element you think of when you want to make your space appear more generous, but I’m going to give you a great reason why it should! 

Many of the beach homes in Venice Beach, California are narrow with several levels stacked on top of one another. Though still ample, the rooms can look quite tapered. If you were to use a more traditional hardwood flooring design where each piece is placed in a row, you almost accentuate the slender appearance of each space. That’s the opposite of the goal we’re after when we want our rooms to look airy and extensive. So, consider nondirectional flooring when it’s time for an upgrade!

Don’t Forget About Windows

When it comes to Breegan Jane signature interior design tips, “high and wide” definitely ranks highly! That’s in reference to curtains, and it’s a principle I live by! How many times have you walked into a home and remarked about how much natural light it had? Probably more than you care to count. Well, that’s because windows can make or break a space. But, if windows are the cake, then window treatments are the icing! That’s because curtains cause our eyes to focus on the height of a room, which always has a big impact on how spacious it seems. So, let’s trick the eye! Your home might not have floor-to-ceiling windows, but nothing is stopping you from hanging those curtains at the ceiling anyways. Making the rookie mistake of placing your curtain rod right above shorter windows will dwarf the space. Do yourself a favor and aim for the stars (almost, at least, lol). You’ll feel like the space instantly opened up.

The Magic of Mirrors

Listen, don’t we all wish we could begin a home remodeling project on a whim and somehow have it instantly and effortlessly finished within a few days? I’d love to be able to demolish walls anytime I want a bigger space, but living through renovation is not for the weak! Fortunately, there’s yet another (much easier) way to achieve that cavernous quality in your space. Mirrors have long been a staple for me because of their endless interior design uses! They make for gorgeous accent walls in bathrooms and living rooms.

Their reflective nature comes in handy in other ways, also. They can cause a room to literally appear to be double its size! Don’t believe me? Check out the photo below. People often expect this room to be much bigger because this oversized mirror is working overtime to do exactly that! Here’s another little secret: This is actually a mirror sort of built into the wall with a border around it! No more worries of heavy mirrors falling and hurting anyone. 

You don’t have to have a mega mansion to get the spacious home you desire. Sometimes, just a few changes here and there can make all the difference! If you’re looking for help with your home, I’d love to chat with you! My interior design tips and tricks are only a virtual consultation away! Schedule one on The Expert today!

There are so many reasons why I love my job. Making people smile while beautifying their homes is a reward in itself. But I also like being on the cusp of innovation in my industry. I stay abreast of interior design trends in various ways, but I really get a great outlook on upcoming products and incoming styles by visiting interior design events throughout the country. Here are a few I believe every home design professional should attend at least once in their career.

High Point Market

Located in North Carolina, High Point Market, or HPMTK, happens in the town of High Point, the Furniture Capital of the World™! High Point Market happens twice a year—once in the spring and once in the fall. Each session brings over 160,000 people to the city. And that makes sense because there are 2,000 international exhibitors and showrooms to visit there! I call it the interior designer’s Disneyland!

This is one of the most inspirational home design events. From panels and networking socials to training and educational sessions, this Market has something for every design professional. One of the things that I love about HPMKT is their Style Spotter program. Style Spotters are interior designers chosen for their tastemaking sensibilities. I really appreciate seeing what other designers are looking at in terms of up-and-coming decor, and I’m not just saying that because I’m a former Style Spotter!

High Point Market is a trade-only event, so you know you’ll be shopping and experiencing everything with like-minded professionals. I promise your first visit won’t be your last!

KBIS

Those who’ve been following me for some time know my favorite home space to design: the kitchen! It’s the heart of the home, the place where everyone gathers to connect over a great meal or refreshing beverage. For all of the home proefssionals looking for the new and next in kitchen and bath design, the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show, or KBIS, should be on your list of interior design events to attend!

KBIS is the largest kitchen and bath event in North America. Anything you want regarding industry products for these spaces, you can find it here. The event boasts almost 400,000 square feet of exhibits, 80 sessions throughout the event, and over 500 vendors to visit. I’ve been able to network, connect with and represent several brands at KBIS, including Neolith, Kohler, Legrand and JennAir, to name a few. KBIS is the place to hear the voices of the kitchen and bath sectors, so check this event out!

Lightovation

Most, if not all, designers understand how the right light in a space can make or break a room’s aesthetic. One of the premiere interior design events for lighting happens every year in Dallas, Texas. Lightovation brings out the best in lighting and light fixture innovation.

Lightovation is the international lighting show at the Dallas Market Center. With over one million square feet of exhibits, there’s practically no way you couldn’t visit and see something new with each trip! From indoor and outdoor options to smart and connected lights, decorative choices and more, this is the best place to find those one-of-a-kind lighting elements. I’ve been able to pick up a host of selections for home projects. And, you’ll definitely be able to see my own lighting collection line with Savoy at Lightovation soon! Don’t miss it!

These are just a few amazing interior design events I’ve attended and sincerely enjoyed. I want to hear from other interior professionals, though: what showcases would YOU recommend? Have you been to any of these events? What were your thoughts? Let’s discuss in the comments!

I always have a great time hosting HGTV Dream Home with Brian Patrick Flynn. The homes are impeccably designed, and it’s not hard to see why so many enter to win them each year! If you’re here, I’m assuming you share a love for all things interior design, and you probably also enjoy home shows. It’s fun to see what people look for in homes they’re wanting to buy, remodel or even flip. Though everyone wants different things, I’ve yet to see or meet anyone who doesn’t appreciate a little luxury infused in their home design. If you’re someone who believes achieving that might be outside of your budget and reach, I definitely have the tips you need! They might just surprise you. Keep reading.

Redefining Luxury in Home Design

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when someone says luxury as it relates to a home? Is it the size of the property? Maybe it’s the amount of money someone paid for it? Is it incredibly expensive decor like marble staircases, rare million dollar artwork and diamond-encrusted fireplace mantels? Okay, that last one is clearly an exaggeration. However, the concept of “luxury” has somehow come to mean “unattainable” over the years. That’s always been disheartening for me, since I believe luxury should be and can be accessible for anyone who desires it. In fact, it has a lot to do with why I describe my interior design style as modern approachable luxury!

The Oxford Dictionary defines luxury as, “the state of great comfort and extravagant living.” I love this definition because it focuses on the core of what I believe luxury truly is. Ultimate comfort that delights the senses is what I’m after when I infuse a space with luxury. So, whether that’s beautiful art, or cushy furniture or even stunning stone, it all falls under the category of luxury. Notice that none of that has to do with how big or small a space is, or how much someone spent on a purchase. Luxury can mean various things to different people, and I want to lean into that for every client I work alongside.

Design With Details In Mind

Perhaps the biggest part of luxurious home design that sticks out to me is the thing about interior design I love most. Customization! Don’t get me wrong. Having a nice home that allows you to feel safe is a wonderful thing. It’s something I believe should be a right for everyone. In fact, my work with Habitat for Humanity is based on that belief. However, when we bring luxury into the conversation, we take home design to the next level. A significant part of making a home feel extra posh has nothing to do with spending absurd amounts of cash. It’s much more subtle than that. The little extra details are what bring a space to life. Finding ways to make your home one-of-a-kind gives it a luxurious feel. So, what does that look like, exactly?

Let’s say you didn’t have the budget for the high-end dresser that you really wanted when you were furnishing your home. That’s totally understandable. Consider swapping out the hardware for something that feels deluxe and fancy. Now what catches that eye is that amazing dresser that feels custom, because it is! I love using wall plates for this reason. If I spend a lot of time perfecting the color of my paint, or selecting the wallpaper, I never want to leave those typical, run-of-the-mill beige wall plates! I go to companies like Legrand, because not only can I choose the color and finish I want, I can even design custom plates that perfectly accent the rest of the room! 

Artistic Additions

Have you ever walked into a luxury store, an upscale home interiors store or even a special event venue and instantly noticed how opulent things felt? Often, these spaces have invested in design particulars like crown molding or wainscoting that were intended to give the space an air of sophistication. So, let’s take a nod from these environments and see how they can be applied to home design! I love wainscoting in a space when I want to call attention to a wall and give it dimension. 

Wainscoting is a fancy way of describing wood paneling on a wall that feels decorative. It can make a room feel expensive, but it doesn’t have to be pricey to install. I have even seen brave DIYers do it themselves! I played with elaborate paneling in a Beverly Hill jewelry store I designed, echoing the wall detail with the jewelry case design. It was glorious! These design choices work just as effectively in homes. These are the types of elements in a home that make it feel special. The best part is that they don’t have to break the bank! 

Scale and Expanse

If you know me, you likely know how much I love a good staycation. I’ll welcome any chance for a beautiful getaway, but I especially love it when we choose a luxury hotel for our temporary stay. I always feel so inspired when I’m checking out the design of these spaces. If you’re wanting to fill your home with splendid features, you can definitely find inspiration, too! 

One of the first things I always tell my clients is to take note of the scale and layout of a space. When you walk into a hotel, you are usually greeted by an entryway table and huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Now, I know what you’re thinking. Breegan, what if I don’t have two story windows in my home? That’s okay! Simply hang your curtains at the ceiling instead of right at the window. This will make your ceilings appear taller and the room larger. It’s an old trick I’ve been using for years. The next thing is, select furniture that fits the space. Luxe rooms do this masterfully. You might love that chesterfield sofa, but if you’ve put it in a room too small for its dimensions, you not only dwarf the space, you cheapen the look. 

Impactful Decor Never Clutters

This next one can be tough to do for home decor enthusiasts. I know we all want to find amazing pieces to put in our homes that tell the story of who we are and what we love. I applaud that. In fact, I love the idea of personalizing your decor. But, too much of the wrong kind or wrong size can end up having the opposite effect. Aim to keep your spaces open and free of excessive knick knacks and tchotchkes. Instead, find a few larger items that will catch the eye and lend visual value to your home. Of course, this is subjective. Not everyone will agree with that sentiment, and that’s okay. However, capitalizing on the spacious quality of your rooms is always worthwhile.

These are just a few of the things you can do to produce a luxurious look and feel in your home. They’re easy changes that bring great results! If you’re interested in trying any of these or other ideas out in your space, feel free to contact me on The Expert for a virtual consultation! We can talk it out and get you started with a plan and shopping list today!

They say if you love what you do, you’ll never work a day in your life. I’m not really sure who “they” are; Google says it’s either Confucius or Mark Twain. But “they” also say you should never make your passion your profession. Doing so could make something you love ultimately turn into a chore or burden. So, which saying leans more toward the perfect job? I think they’re both partly true. However, I honestly think there’s a middle ground between them both that can lead you to the best career for you. At least, it did for me.

What The Perfect Job Is NOT

The first thing anyone searching for that utopian career or professional position needs to realize is this: no job is without its flaws. Even if the most amazing career opportunity paying an obnoxious amount of money fell into your lap, there would undoubtedly be challenges that come with it. I would be willing to bet that is the case in any industry, no matter where you work or what you do.

I make those statements from experience. But let me be clear: I absolutely LOVE what I do. Being an interior designer encompasses so many things I’m passionate about. Nevertheless, that passion can definitely feel like “work”, and also come with some headaches. For example, in the past several years I, like many other interior and home design professionals have dealt with significant supply chain issues that were completely out of my control. And, because home design is such a collaborative field, I tend to frequently deal with communication issues regarding vendor expectations and contracts. Even clients can be challenging in a not-so-positive way. I’ve had some who didn’t trust the creative process and became verbally abrasive. Other clients similarly wanted instant gratification when it came to the work being done in their homes. Those were difficult times for me.

I’ve even been my own worst challenge at times while doing what I love. Home design sometimes requires late nights and early mornings. During those times I often deal with mom guilt because my job doesn’t utilize traditional working hours that work best for my family. Over time, I realized I could be a great mom and responsible professional at the same time. And, I could love my job even with all of its random complications. These realizations keep me humble as I navigate personal desires and professional ambitions.

Redefining “Perfect”

With all the aforementioned things that can make interior design burdensome, why do I still consider it the perfect job? Well, even with all its challenges, it has been and continues to be extremely rewarding for me. Being a designer has empowered me in so many ways, and it has positively impacted how I see myself as a professional. I say that because I was diagnosed with ADHD as a young child. For the longest time, traditional learning styles didn’t offer me the best opportunities to express myself authentically. And quite honestly, I struggled. What I knew, though, is that my mind could envision things, and I could problem-solve in ways many of my peers struggled to do. Being in the creative sector has allowed me to thrive and not feel ostracized because I learn and work differently. Interior design is the perfect job for me because it allows me to use my natural gifts and entrepreneurial skills to positively impact other’s lives.

Also, remember the mom guilt I mentioned? There’s another side to that “unconventional hours” coin. I found that not having a traditional work schedule affords me the opportunity to give my sons the life I’ve always dreamed of. I get to spend time with them and give them experiences that wouldn’t necessarily be available with other careers. How, you might ask? I utilize homeschool hybrid learning modules with them that allow my family to be one that travels the world. We’ve been to Spain, France, Italy, and many of the continental United States, and they’ve had some of the richest life and learning experiences. Those moments are priceless, and I have my career to thank primarily for them.

Balance and Boundaries

Here’s the reality about careers: there will always be pros and cons that come with every job. You and you alone must make peace with what speaks to your heart professionally. My advice is to lean into what sets your heart on fire. Accept the fact that any and all work opportunities can be challenging and rewarding at the same time. And really, that’s what makes the best opportunity. The perfect job is never so easy that you coast by with no motivation to be excellent or better. At the same time, it’s never so difficult that you dread going to the office every day. That’s the balance we should all strive to create.

I never take for granted how lucky I am to be an interior designer and to love every single minute of what I do as a homemaker. I count it such a privilege to have a job where my primary role is making clients’ personal spaces beautiful. More than that, when I think about how I enhance people’s lives by making their homes more functional, I can only smile and be grateful. And to think, even when my “job” is done, the resulting work is lived in, enjoyed and appreciated by so many for years to come. Honestly, there’s nothing more perfect than that.