Fall 2026 Newsletter - A Fresh Perspective

FALL 2026 NEWSLETTER 🍂
A Fresh Perspective For FALL

As fall begins, we have the opportunity to look inward at our homes with a fresh set of eyes. Cooler days and crisp evenings invite us to open our shades and windows, letting in light and fresh air. There is something about this change of season that encourages us to pause, reflect, and see our surroundings in a new way.

Our spotlight project for this newsletter is a perfect example of how bringing new life into a space can open our eyes and awaken the senses.

Trusting the Process

This home is like so many that I have had the blessing of transforming. Often, my clients “cannot see the forest through the trees.” And especially when working with a new client, when we are just beginning our design relationship, it can be difficult to trust the process when you cannot yet envision where we are going.

My clients knew their family room needed a refresh. They knew they needed help defining exactly what that refresh should mean, but they also had very different ideas about what the finished space should look like.

They were naturally drawn toward a farmhouse aesthetic, while the architecture and bones of the home were speaking much more clearly in the language of Neo-Classical Traditional design. The challenge—and ultimately the opportunity—was finding the balance between the two.

A New Fireplace Becomes the Focal Point

The room called for a major shift. Its existing drab color palette and original builder-grade elements reflected a well-loved home where children had grown into young adults and the parents were looking forward to their own new chapter.

It took several conversations and design discussions to arrive at the primary design plan. One of the most significant changes was removing the existing mantel and creating a much more substantial fireplace surround that would extend nearly to the home's sloped 20 foot ceiling.

Taking advantage of the room's height allowed us to draw the eye upward and give the fireplace the architectural presence it deserved.

The fireplace was redesigned with raised panels extending several inches from the wall, while pillar-like columns support the substantial 5-inch custom-stained mantel. The existing fireplace surround and hearth were replaced with Taj Mahal polished quartzite, bringing warmth and softness to the new, serene color palette.

We incorporated a custom wood mantel to honor the clients' love of the “farmhouse” element without allowing it to take the design too far away from the home's inherent style.

Above the mantel, the shadow boxes were carefully sized to accommodate the Williams Sonoma Henri Mirror, whose beautiful beveled edges add another layer of traditional detail.

Creating a Room That Works

As important as the architectural transformation was, the floor plan was equally essential. We wanted our clients to maintain a clear line of sight to the newly finished wall and the 60-inch TV credenza while still being able to comfortably view and enjoy the fireplace. An oversized sectional, two swivel chairs, and a custom ottoman created plenty of seating while allowing the room to function naturally for both everyday family life and entertaining.

Fabric selections were made with three things in mind: color, texture, and performance. Layering the fabrics throughout the room with an assortment of pillows added softness, dimension, and personality. All of the furnishings were sourced through Raymour & Flanigan's custom seating program, allowing us to achieve the scale and comfort the room required.

Artwork was another important consideration. The Pottery Barn Blue Sea Oat Prints coordinates beautifully with the room, both in its complementary color palette and its generous scale. We wanted to maximize the size of the artwork flanking the bay window to create a striking visual moment rather than allowing the large wall to feel underutilized.

A new carpet helped anchor the room and added comfort, while a modern ceiling fan brought function and a fresh contemporary note overhead. Finally, the new Alta window shades in Pacific Gray Marble add sophistication while continuing the clean, fresh aesthetic our clients were hoping to achieve.

The Best Part of the Process

Of course, the real reward for me was seeing my happy clients. It is such a rewarding experience to go on a design journey with my clients—to watch their ideas evolve, to work through the moments of uncertainty, and ultimately to see the expression on their faces when the design is complete. That transformation is why I love what I do.

And sometimes, the best reminder that the process was worth it comes directly from the client…

From My Client:

“From our very first conversation, she had a vision for the space that I just couldn't picture. I'll admit, I was hesitant at first, but she kept reassuring me to trust the process. Looking back now, I'm so grateful I did because the finished room is even more beautiful than I ever imagined. It truly exceeded all of my expectations.” “She has an incredible eye for color and design. Every choice she suggested worked together perfectly, and she created a space that feels warm and inviting.”

“One thing I really appreciated most was her patience. I'm incredibly indecisive, and she never once made me feel like I was asking too many questions or changing my mind. She took the time to listen, offered thoughtful guidance, and made me feel confident in every decision. I would recommend her without hesitation.”

— Andrea McDougal, Client

Begin Your Own Design Journey..

As you welcome the change of season into your home, perhaps it is also an opportunity to look at your spaces with a fresh perspective. Maybe there is a room you've been walking past for years, knowing it could be something more. Maybe you have ideas but aren't quite sure how to bring them together—or perhaps, like my clients, you simply know that something needs to change but can't yet envision what that transformation could look like.

You don't have to see the entire picture to begin!

Sometimes, all it takes is the willingness to take the first step and trust the process.

I invite you to take this opportunity to begin your own design journey. Together, we can uncover the possibilities within your home, create a plan that reflects the way you live, and transform your space into one that feels uniquely yours.

Let's begin.

I am currently scheduling design consultations for November and would love to begin a conversation about your home and the possibilities ahead.

Schedule your November Consultation