Last September, I wrote The Real Cost: Kitchen Remodels, Big and Small, where I broke down what high-end kitchen renovations actually cost. One of the biggest takeaways? Cabinetry can easily account for 30–40% of the renovation budget.

As a designer, cabinetry is one of the absolute last places I want to compromise. I love bespoke, inset cabinetry and all of the beautiful details that make a kitchen feel truly custom. I’ve also worked with enough clients at this point to know that spending tens of thousands of dollars on custom millwork just isn’t realistic for everyone, including myself.

When we moved into our Virginia house last winter and found mold in the wall we quickly realized we were going to have to spend money to re-do our kitchen that we had not planned on spending right away. I was, however, determined to find a way to do our kitchen the right way without breaking the bank. With a lot of research and calls to cabinet shops I found a great option that would allow us to have custom inset cabinetry at a fraction of the price.

Bear in mind, this approach requires a lot more time on the designer/client end as it removes a GC from handling the cabinetry. There is definitely more room for error, but I think it’s well worth it if you have a limited budget. Below is a step-by-step approach.

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Our Bellevue project is featured in Timeless Living Yearbook 2027 by Beta-Plus Publishing.

This home was such a meaningful project to design and I got to work with some wonderful clients. Many thanks to the contractor, Complete Construction for bringing the design to life. Seeing it documented in print alongside beautiful homes from around the world feels incredibly special.

I’m sharing a few favorite photos from the project below. I also have some copies of the book that I’d like to send to paid subscribers as a thank-you for following along. The first five paid subscribers to email me chloe@chloedeanedesign.com (with shipping address and subject line “Book” will get a copy.

There’s something I’m drawn to about homes that feel as though they’ve always belonged. The kind of home that feels connected to the landscape and settled into its surroundings. Seattle based architect, Lauren Crocco creates homes that feel timeless and thoughtful. Her architecture is shaped by light, daily routines, and thoughtful details. In this conversation, we talk about designing for the rhythms of daily life and creating architecture that provides moments of pause and connection.

1. When you begin working on a new construction project, what does your process look like in those early stages?

Studying the site helps us to set some design criteria and solid parameters. The way the sun travels through the day, terrain, and of course vehicle and pedestrian access are early drivers. If possible, I always try to locate the kitchen where it will get morning light. We try to put ourselves in our client’s daily routines to help establish important adjacencies. Where will morning coffee be or lounging in the western sun in the afternoon? These elements all help us create logic and order on a blank slate. From there we move onto room relationships and the general flow through the house. We are always looking for ways to create unique moments of pause in the architecture. This could be found in windows to frame the view, axis through rooms or carving out more intimate spaces in the grander scheme of the house. These small scale spaces can sometimes be the most impactful and memorable for our clients.

2. I’m fascinated by the idea of designing a new home that feels old. You recently completed a new construction project in Colorado with Heidi Caillier that truly feels like it could have been on the property for years. Tell me what architectural and interior details went into the project that made the home feel historic and lived in.

One of the biggest differences between this house and other new builds is the use of compartmentalized rooms. The open floor plan has been prevalent in recent years. It almost feels foreign to create these smaller connections to the rooms, but it allows each space to be distinct. Instead of flowing spaces from room to room, we used cased openings, many times with transoms above. We also have a full second story, which creates flat ceilings for the entire main floor. The ceiling heights are also not extremely tall. These two elements, along with reclaimed materials give the feeling of an older home. Keeping the ceiling heights lower, helps everything to stay at a very human scale. Tall vaulted spaces can be echo-y and hard to fill.

3. What does home mean to you in the architectural sense?

Home is where you feel at ease. A place of human connection and a marker of your place in this world.

4. Are there specific architectural elements you find yourself returning to that consistently make a home feel more inviting?

I think thoughtful window and door design is essential in creating calm spaces without tension.

5. How do you think about the “everyday moments” in a home when designing? Things like morning routines, family gatherings, or quiet evenings?

It’s really the premise and inspiration of our designs. We push our clients to try to design for the 95% days, not the 5% of days like holiday gatherings. No one minds squeezing in around a table…keep rooms scaled for the everyday.

6. How do you like to collaborate with interior designers, and what do you think makes that partnership most successful?

The best case scenario is when both teams are established from the start of the project. We have learned so much from working closely with interior team. It has made us better architects. Early in the process we develop the building and initiate space planning. Very early on we begin passing plans back and forth between our interior teams. This way we can assure that both teams are able to execute their primary objectives. It’s much harder to shift rooms around the further in the process we go.

7. If someone had to invest in just a few architectural elements that truly elevate a home, what would you recommend?

Quality windows and doors absolutely set the tone for a house and are difficult and expensive to change later.

8. Are there any projects you are working on that you are excited about and can share with us?

We are working on several projects in and around the San Juan islands including a couple of major remodels and one ground up. In addition, we have a big remodel in Hudson, NY. The varied sites and styles of the architecture we work on is one of my favorite things about our body of work. No project is ever the same!

Thank you Lauren for sharing your insight. To learn more about Lauren and see her beautiful portfolio of work, visit her website at crocad.com or follow her on instagram at https://www.instagram.com/laurencroccoad/.

This guide walks you step-by-step through the decisions that come up in a kitchen remodel. Inside, you’ll learn how to define your design goals, refine your aesthetic, and plan a layout that truly works for your daily life. From cabinetry and appliances to plumbing fixtures, finishes, and lighting we discuss many of the details that create a beautiful and functional kitchen. Below is a downloadable PDF for paid subscribers.

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We have a working kitchen and wow does it feel like a luxury. I did soapstone countertops and a polished nickel bridge faucet. It was hard to pull myself away from unlaquered brass and white marble, but I’m happy I did something that feels a bit different. If you want to read more about my kitchen remodel see my previous post here. Sharing a few photos below and now trying to make a decision on roman shade fabric. What do you think of the Jean Monro Hollyhock fabric? I love the aubergine and mint. Oh so pretty.

Coming up next, I will be featuring an interview with Seattle based architect, Lauren Crocco. Lauren’s work is gorgeous it will be such a fun feature.

More soon and thanks again for being here.

First things first. I’m so sorry I haven’t posted in a while. I fully intend to get back into a regular posting schedule. Promise.

Let’s jump right in with my big news: after 12 years in Seattle, we’ve moved to Charlottesville, Virginia!

Leaving Seattle was never something I thought I’d do, but I can fully admit that life will surprise you. Let me share what led us to make this decision.

The number one reason we decided to move was to be closer to our parents. My mom and stepdad live in Northern Virginia, near DC, and my husband’s entire family lives in Charlottesville and the surrounding area. My dad and stepmom split their time between Colorado and Florida, spending more than six months of the year there.

When our older son was born in 2021, we started to feel a stronger pull to be closer to family, not only for support, but also because our parents are getting older. Over the past couple of years, a few of them have experienced health challenges (including cancer scares and hospital visits for pneumonia). After my friend’s mother passed away unexpectedly last year, I felt a deep gut instinct to be closer to my own parents.

Now that we’re in Charlottesville, we regularly see my husband’s family, my mom visits often, and we even took a trip to Florida in February to see my dad and stepmom—such an easy trip from here.

Making a move after living in a place you love for so many years is incredibly difficult. In Seattle, we had wonderful friends, a strong sense of community, and a home we truly enjoyed (though not without its challenges). Not to mention all of the business relationships I had worked so hard to build. There was so much we loved, but deep down we knew we might regret not spending more time with our parents. I didn’t want to wake up years from now wishing we had chosen differently.

While we’ve given up a lot by moving to Virginia, it has also opened the door to some beautiful new opportunities.

We’re slowly getting settled into our home here. Compared to our Seattle house, it feels huge. We have a half-acre lot and a long, flat driveway that’s perfect for bike and scooter rides. When I first saw the listing on Zillow, I immediately pictured a basketball hoop at the end of the driveway. So very Father of the Bride.

The home was built in 1993 and needs quite a bit of updating. Our original plan was to paint and replace the carpet before moving in, then wait a couple of years to remodel the kitchen. But after discovering mold behind one of the cabinets (which led to demoing an entire wall), we found ourselves diving straight into a full kitchen renovation. So, here we are mid-remodel!

It has definitely been challenging to live through a kitchen renovation with little kids, but my in-laws have been incredible, hosting us for dinner nearly four to five nights a week as we get through this phase. The good news: cabinets are in (I ordered from UKC and have been very happy with the quality. They offer custom inset cabinetry that can be purchased unfinished at a really great price point. Countertops have been templated, and we should have a functioning kitchen by next week. Our pantry, panel-ready refrigerator, and island will follow shortly after.

As for the design, we’re keeping things classic. The kitchen doesn’t get a ton of natural light (eventually I’d love to add a larger window), so we opted for lighter cabinetry. The cabinet color is Shadow White by Farrow & Ball, paired with a fireclay farmhouse sink, soapstone countertops, and a marble island with dark stain. We’re using polished nickel for the faucet and hardware. I’m still deciding on tile for the range alcove. For now, we’re going with a more budget friendly range, but this AGA induction range is definitely my dream option.

I’m so excited to share more of this process with you. This move has stretched us in unexpected ways, but it already feels like the beginning of something really meaningful for our family. Thank you for being here and following along. I can’t wait to show you more.

XX,
Chloe

Design above by Sabbe Interior Design with photography by Joseph G Bradshaw via Mercury Mosaics website.

I recently purchased tile from Mercury Mosaics for a bathroom project in Seattle. The team was so helpful with the ordering process and they quickly answered questions and provided feedback on order shipment etc. Then once the tile arrived I was blown away by how beautiful it turned out. It completely exceeded all of my expectations. The bathroom turned out to my one of my favorite projects (photographing soon, sharing sneak peak below). I have been so appreciative of their team I thought it would be fun to feature the company in an interview. Also how stunning is that kitchen by Sabbe Interiors shown above, wow! I love her work.

Our bathroom project sneak peak ^

1. Tell us about how Mercury Mosaics was started and the inspiration for such beautiful handmade tile?

Mercury Mosaics was started by our founder Mercedes in 2002. Mercedes was a tile maker and mosaic artist with a vision. She wanted tile that would work in the custom designs that were her specialty, so instead of waiting for building material/tile companies to step up their game, she opted for a DIY approach. You can read more about our businesses’ history HERE.

2. If someone wanted a custom color tile what would that process look like?

Unfortunately, other than for large-scale commercial/public art projects, we do not have custom color capabilities at Mercury Mosaics. Customer’s color selection would be limited to our palette - we can apply these colors to any of our offered shapes.

3. What are some of the most popular tiles right now and/or what are your favorites/

A recent trendsetter has been our Kenwood Pattern. This is a subway tile pattern that utilizes two tile shapes - our 4x4 and 2x4 subway tiles. This is a great way to bring dynamic to an installation without things getting too overwhelming.

Folks have also been really interested in the plaid patterns lately too!

4. Anything new you are going to be introducing that you could share with us?

Our latest team endeavor has been to completely revamp our color palette!

Wow it’s gorgeous!

Design and Photography by Patti Wagner, photo via Mercury Mosaics website

I recently came across the work of UK designer and printmaker, Annika Reed while searching on Pinterest for a wallcovering for my sons’ bedroom. I was immediately captivated by the whimsical illustrations and colorful patterns used in both her wallpaper and fabric lines. While her patterns like “Run Away to the Circus,” are fun and playful Annika also introduces patterns like, Jaipur, which feel both timeless and sophisticated. I also appreciate her variety of scale in the prints from very delicate to large scale (love “Muggle of Jugs” too). Additionally, Annika offers a bespoke service which allows clients to create a unique and completely tailored design.

Enjoy our interview where we discuss her process, studio, and what makes a home special.

1. Tell us about yourself and what led you to starting Annika Reed Studio, your work is so beautiful!

Thank you, that means a lot. I’m Annika, a woodblock printmaker and designer based in the UK. I came to wallpaper in a fairly sideways way. I studied Fine Art Printmaking, became completely obsessed with woodblock printing, and then travelled to China in 2006 to learn traditional techniques. There’s something about the slowness of it, the carving, the inky fingertips, the fact that nothing is ever perfectly perfect that just stayed with me.

Pattern has always been in my life. My dad was an upholsterer and I grew up watching chairs and sofas being brought back to life with fabric. So perhaps it was inevitable. But the real turning point came when I was pregnant with my daughter. I wanted wallpaper for her nursery that felt playful without being childish, and I simply couldn’t find it. In a very naïve moment I said, fine, I’ll make my own and that was that. I had absolutely no idea I was starting a business.

Inspiration comes from the absurd and the beautiful - theatre, folklore, Victorian oddities, the lion outside her studio. These fleeting moments become patterns, setting the backdrop for life’s unfolding stories.

2. Can you tell me more about the bespoke process if someone wants to create their own custom wallpaper or fabric?

Bespoke work is one of my favourite parts of the studio because it allows a home to feel genuinely personal. Sometimes it’s a completely new design, and sometimes it’s a bespoke colourway of an existing pattern so it sits perfectly with your scheme. Both approaches work well and can make a huge difference to a room.

The process starts with a conversation. We look at the space, how you use it, and what you want the design to bring to the room. People often come with a starting point: a family story, a plant from a garden they love, a place that means something, or a nod to folklore or childhood memories. Other times, they just know how they want it to feel and we figure it out from there.

I then sketch ideas and develop a repeat. If it’s a brand new pattern, I’ll carve the woodblocks by hand, which gives the design that distinctive character. We’ll review colour samples, refine details, and once everything is approved, the wallpaper or fabric is printed to order here in the UK.

3. Wallpaper and fabric add such a cozy layer to a home and really share the personality of the person living in the space. Can you tell us what makes home special to you?

For me, home is where real life happens, not the polished version, the actual version. Muddy boots in the hallway, drawings stuck to the fridge, piles of kids’ treasures and toys you fall over going up the stairs. It’s the place you return to, the place that carries all your ordinary and extraordinary days.

Pattern plays a big role in that for me. I believe it’s the visual soundtrack of a home. It sets the tone for how a space feels and quietly holds all the stories unfolding in front of it. When you get it right, it pulls a room together without shouting for attention. It can make you feel grounded, or nostalgic, or just a bit more yourself.

I love the way wallpaper or fabric can say something about the people who live there their humour, their history, the things they treasure.

4. Is there anything you are working on for 2026 that you are excited to tell us about?

Yes, it’s shaping up to be a big year. I’m back at trade fairs since having my son, and I’ll be showing at Chelsea Harbour in March, which I’m really looking forward to. There’s nothing quite like seeing people experience the patterns in real life rather than through a screen.

I’ll be launching two new collections. The first is based on board games I’ve been down a bit of a rabbit hole with vintage sets, old rule books, and all the joy and chaos that comes from people playing together. It’s playful, a bit nostalgic, and full of small details you might only notice on the tenth glance.

The second collection is still in its early stages, but I’m hoping to take my mum to India on a big adventure, and I have a feeling the colours, textures, and everything we experience there will make their way into the designs. Nothing set in stone yet, but that’s often the best stage when anything could happen.

Thank you Annika for sharing about your work with us. For more on Annika, please visit her website and instagram. Or email her at hello@annikareed.com

I’m not sure if it’s all the Nancy Meyers movies I watch this time of year or the cozy, lamp-lit spaces I find myself gravitating towards right now, like Graydon Carter’s NY apartment, but I can’t get enough of that layered 90’s aesthetic. Think “You’ve Got Mail”, mixed with Ralph Lauren Home catalog from 1996. I love the patterns (lots of florals and stripes), the wicker chairs, the overstuffed rolled arm sofas, the rooms with a soft lamp glow, the surfaces stacked with books and papers, the walls filled with art, the pot racks in kitchens and dining tables seated with windsor chairs. I could go on and on.

Linking some favorites from above.

Ann Morris Double Pot Rack

Gusto Canasta Wingback Rattan Blue Stripe Chair

Windsor Armchair

Home Lyons Mini Table Lamp

Dinan Console

Scalloped Wall Light Shade

Alywn Accent Table Ralph Lauren

Leonor Weathered Floral

Vine Dinner Plate

Colonial Maple Hutch

For more images and inspiration I’ve linked my pinterest board here.

My oldest son, Arthur, turned four today and with him I celebrated four years of motherhood.

Lately, I find myself clinging to the simple, fleeting moments as both boys grow so quickly. Yet, simultaneously each day feels like a marathon where I’m just trying to make it to the finish line (bedtime).

I think often about home and the role it plays in shaping childhood memories. I imagine how space and routines will impact the boys in bigger ways than I can see right now. It’s in the meals shared with family, the Magnatile towers built at the coffee table, the laps around the living room after bath while Rob plays the piano, and the puzzles scattered across the dining table.

While the design aesthetic of home matters and I strive to bring beauty into our home I know that the memories of home will live in the the energy of the experiences and the people we share the space with. The boys will likely not remember as much about how tidy our home was, but rather the way it felt.

Was there laughter? Joy? Playfulness?
Was it cozy and comforting?
Did it feel like a safe space to learn, grow, and become their best selves?

As much as I want to create my own version of design paradise, I’m learning to embrace that home is never truly finished or perfect (saying this as I look down at my dining chair to see permanent scribbles from Arthur on the upholstered arm). It isn’t a static project that gets installed and then left untouched. It’s a living space that evolves as life evolves. It goes where you go. If my home can feel warm, inviting, and comfortable to friends and family that is all I can hope for.

Here’s to imperfect homes and memories with the people you love. I’m so thankful to have you here.

I have a prospective client who is trying to make a decision on whether or not they should do an extensive remodel on their existing home or tear down and build new. There are pros and cons to each approach so I thought it could be helpful to go through a detailed list.

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I first met Barbora Samieian in Seattle, when she was opening the Sundays Furniture showroom, and I was struck by her warmth. She has co-founded three businesses — Field & Social, Sundays, and now Hetta — all while raising four children. I’d say she is superwoman! I’m excited to share a candid chat as we discuss business, life, and home and her new brand, Hetta.

You’ve founded three businesses — Sundays Furniture, Field & Social, and now Hetta — all while raising four children. Balance may not truly exist, but how do you navigate the demands of entrepreneurship and motherhood?

It’s so true that there is no such thing as balance, many balls to juggle and sometimes not possible to do it all at once. Motherhood has taught me to ruthlessly prioritize. Being a mom has given me the clarity to say yes to the things that matter most “Done it better than perfect.” Nurturing a family and nurturing a community have many common threads. My role as a mother has deepened my commitment to community building, a value reflected in the company’s ethos from team culture to customer engagement. On the notion that being a mom slows down one’s career: I’ve found the opposite to be true. Having kids has helped me scale my business. With each child came another major leap in my career, from opening a new storefront to launching a new business. All thanks to the fact that motherhood had also taught me to delegate and trust more openly. I’m an extroverted introvert, and do really recharge by spending time on my own - that might be a walk or a stay at a favourite coffee shop, I try to sneak in these micro moments of stillness where possible.

Hetta is grounded in tradition, craftsmanship, and heirloom quality. Can you share the story behind the brand and the vision you and your co-founders had in creating it?

Our most recent business, Hetta, comes at a moment when the desire for meaning, warmth and authenticity in culture, and especially design is peaking. We wanted to capture that sense of heritage and permanence, but with the modern craftsmanship and quality our customers expect. The collection is rooted in the idea that through warmth and tradition, you can not only make a house feel like yours, but make it feel like one that is welcoming and comfortable. People want fewer, better things that tell a story, have character, and evoke a sense of style that encourages connection alongside an increasingly digital world. As co-founders, that travel a lot and grew up with more traditional furniture whether at a family cottage or in our grandparents homes, we developed an early appreciation for furniture with soul and story and we’re excited to marry that with the modern conveniences and premium service that Hetta offers.

The name Hetta feels both timeless and personal. What inspired it, and what meaning does it carry for you?

We were inspired by the English name ‘Etta’, the ruler of the hearth, and the ‘h’ is a light nod to Home. It feels grounded and timeless, just like what we hope to achieve with the pieces.

With a young and growing family, what matters most to you in creating a home?

Natural light is a non-negotiable and something I look for first in all of our homes. We have been in our three bedroom condo (with 4 kids) over the last 7 years and what’s made it feel good are pieces that get better with time such as our solid wood coffee table, and pieces that are flexible and can move around as our family grows (Hetta side table is a great piece for this). We like our space to feel cozy and welcoming for the kids, so nothing is ’too precious’ for them to chat, art that we’ve collected over time, and we keep minimal clutter, regularly decluttering toys as with 4 kids that can add up quickly.

Looking ahead, what excites you most about Hetta’s journey? Are there any new launches or news you can share with us?

Very excited about our Pop-up in New York, we’ve transformed the downstairs at our Sundays showroom into the world of Hetta, in Flatiron, if you’re in town be sure to check it out on 18th between 5th and 6th.

Thank you Barbora for chatting with us! We appreciate you. Barbora is on instagram @bsamieian. You can follow Hetta on instagram @hettahome. Or check out their furniture at Hetta.com

Below sharing some of my favorite pieces from Hetta, enjoy!

Hetta Favorites

1. Austen Sofa - Dark Earth

2. Rook Lounge Chair - Alabaster

3. Arden Lounge Chair - Gardenia

4. Hetta Side Table - Dark Brown Oak

5. Thicket Dining Chair - Espresso Ash

6. Clover Round Dining Table

7. Turner Console Table - Country Elm

What is the meaning of home? I ask myself this question often.

Home is the most important space we interact with in our lives. It is the place where we rest, the place where we gather, where we find inspiration and creativity, not to mention the place where we cook, wash clothes, bathe our kids. It is the space that holds our memories and gives us daily rhythm.

For me, when my home feels organized, clean, and beautiful I feel my best. I can approach my day with clarity and focus. I feel energized and hopeful. I find beauty in the simple moments like when I see afternoon light flickering through leaves in the backyard and onto my kitchen floor. Or in the evening, when I’m prepping dinner, there is a soft glow of light in the space, my kids running around having fun, and the smell of food gently dancing through the air.

But home is not just about the present moment. It carries our past and it shapes the future and who we want to become.

Home can be an anchor when life feels uncertain, a place that grounds us, but it can also be a vehicle to imagine our future selves. If you’ve gone through loss or life feels stagnant and you need a refresh—home has the power to reinvigorate your life, and to give you a new outlook. When we design our homes to support our best lives, to make us feel like our fullest selves, there is nothing better than that.

How does home shape your life? I would love to hear your thoughts.

Photo above by Kara Mercer, Design by Chloe Deane Design

Running an interior design business is one of the most rewarding journeys of my life. I wake up most days and can’t believe I get to do this dream job, but it is not without it’s challenges. Along the way, I’ve learned some valuable lessons that have completely shifted the way I work today and how I will approach future work.

In this post, I’m sharing 10 important business lessons I wish I had known earlier — from time management and billing, to client boundaries and systems that work. If you are an aspiring interior designer I hope you find this helpful.

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Hiring a skilled and thoughtful general contractor is one of the most important decisions you’ll make in a remodel or new build. A good one will make the process collaborative, efficient, and you will end up with a beautiful home. Here is my personal list of things I look for in a good contractor.

1. They Have Established Relationships with Designers and Architects

If you notice that a contractor has worked repeatedly with the same designers or architects, take note. That usually means they are consistent, trustworthy, and produce a level of work that keeps designers and architects coming back.

2. They Don’t Lowball to Win the Job

A low bid is a red flag in my opinion. Contractors who underbid frequently make up the difference later through change orders or cut corners on quality. The saying “You get what you pay for” has never been more true.

3. They Are Problem-Solvers

No remodel is perfect. The best contractors don’t throw up their hands when challenges arise—they troubleshoot with the designer and/or architect, and owner to find the best solutions. They are always willing to work through so that the end result makes for a happy client and team.

4. They Avoid Saying “We Can’t Do That”

With detailed drawings, specifications, and inspiration images, a contractor should work toward achieving the design intent. They may point out budget constraints or other limitations, but they shouldn’t automatically dismiss a detail just because it’s difficult. As a designer, I’ve learned to never be afraid to push back and ask questions. “Well why can’t we do that like this,” “what if we try this",” or simply asking the contractor if they can suggest a way to do it that makes more sense. I’m always open to listening to a suggestion and working thorough to find a way to do that makes sense.

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When it comes to bathrooms, the vanity often sets the tone. Too often, we assume that something beautiful has to be custom-built by a cabinet shop (for years this was the case)—but there are some great options available now that bring a high-end bespoke look.

1. Studio Ham Scalloped Vanity

Uk based company, Studio Ham is known for their playfulness with historic detailing, and the scalloped vanity is no exception. The design feels straight out of a home in the British countryside and I love the green color, great for a kids bath.

2. Studio Ham Spool Vanity

Another favorite from Studio Ham, the Spool Vanity incorporates turned-wood detailing reminiscent of antique furniture. This piece would look stunning in a English-inspired remodel. While it’s a great price for the quality and detailing, shipping to the US could get expensive.

3. Water Monopoly Large Paris Basin on Frame

For those who lean toward the traditional, Water Monopoly’s Paris Basin on Frame is in my mind the perfect classic vanity. It recalls the elegance of early 20th-century bathrooms—with porcelain and polished nickel frame. Love this one!

4. Made Goods Amara 36" Freestanding Vanity

The Amara blends luxury and functionality with its burl wood and canned panel doors. It’s the kind of vanity that instantly elevates a bathroom, introducing texture and warmth. It feels so unique and special.

5. Vanity & Co Anna Vanity in Studio Green

Vanity & Co, by interior designer, Katie Rosenfeld is one of my newly found favorite vanity brands. In the Anna vanity I love the exposed hinges, the metal inset mesh with fabric panel. It feels so sweet and special and I love that there are quite a few design options.

The kitchen is the most important room in a home—and often the most expensive to remodel. The internet is full of information on kitchen costs, but I wanted to give a real breakdown based on actual kitchen remodels I’ve worked on.

For this comparison I pulled numbers from 4 different contractor bids (2 smaller kitchens and 2 larger kitchens). The result? A realistic average for both a small high-end kitchen remodel and a large high-end kitchen remodel. Keep in mind these are designer kitchens with high-end finishes, custom inset cabinetry, and professional grade appliances. The time span for these bids was from 2023 - 2025.

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I’ve admired Brian Paquette’s interior design work for many years, but even more than that, I’ve valued the friendship we’ve built through the Seattle design community. Brian approaches interiors and life in a way that feels refreshingly honest. He is one of the most genuine and kind people I know in the interior design space, always willing to lend support and advice. With a background in fine arts and a focus on conceptual art, Brian brings an artist’s eye to every project. His spaces feel refined, but also comfortable and functional. In our conversation, we talk about challenges in the design industry, what it means for memories to shape a home, and why intuition can can be an important part of the design process.

1. In your book, “At Home,” you mention that reference and sense memory is an important jumping off point when working with clients. Can you expand on this idea and how you apply it when designing homes for clients, I’m so intrigued.

   I think when most people think about referencing a clients past etc into the design process it comes across as very literal, like...you went to college in Boston, you lived here before, you like wine etc etc. I am much more interested in trying to get deeper into the ways spaces in their past have made them feel, what did you dorm room in college make you feel, what did it smell like where you lived before in spring. what was the light quality in your bedroom...and then dissect what those memories bring up...I tackle these things more like a therapy session where I am trying to bring things to the surface that might otherwise be hidden to uncover what true comfort means.

2. Once you understand what a client wants from a program perspective, how do you approach the design process itself? Do you start with a spatial walkthrough of the home room by room, do you start with an inspiration piece of art or fabric and expand from there? I love learning how designers work and their process.

   I think this can be super client and project specific and I try not to keep rules around where the process starts. obviously there are practical things and we want to pay attention to those first and foremost...but from there a lot of it is intuition and understanding the clients value systems as to where to start the design process.

   

3. What are the key details that make a house really feel like a home?

   I think a good well thought out lighting plan and meaningful art are the true main characters in any home.

   

4. Your work is often so sophisticated and elegant, yet at the same time feels cozy and comfortable, how do you create such a good balance?

   I lead with comfort first, always...and comfort means different things to different people right? so I take in what they give to me and then run it all through my lens and experience. I think our clients come to us and most designers because they dont have the words to create the home...anyone can buy furniture and lighting, but they balance, comfort and thought in our spaces and understand that, that is the true value.

5. Do you prefer working on older home remodels or high-end new construction projects? What do you find the most challenging about one or the other?

   I personally like new builds, I love working with a great architect and having total control of the bones. I value so much what they bring to the table and understand that really good bones need way less fluff.

6. What dream home project would you like to work on and why?

   I don’t have a dream project. I only require kindness and realistic expectations. The rest is just ego and I've learned that while being a creative involves a healthy dose of ego, the more I can do to remove it the better and more honest the relationship.

7. What are the biggest challenges you currently see in the design industry and/or your business?

   I think so much in changing in terms of pricing and client expectations around pricing. It is very disheartening to price out furnishings for a new build for budgeting purposes before the ground is broke and then come back 9 months later and see it has risen 30%...I can no longer design homes the way I did 3-5 years ago due to pricing. Not every client can just add 30% and call it a day...so that I think is the biggest issue and because the issue is so new, the education around it is ever evolving.

Many thanks to Brian Paquette for the feature. All project photos designed by Brian Paquette with photography by Miranda Estes and styling by Sara Duncan.

I’m currently back in Virginia visiting family and had the chance to tour the 2025 Southern Living Idea House. The home is located in Keswick, just a short drive from downtown Charlottesville. The property is nestled on a large lot and sits between pine woodlands and a small lake. When arriving to tour the idea house, you park in a lot and take short bus ride to the property passing by Keswick Hall and many other stately homes.

The home was designed by architects Julie Kline Dixon and Keith Scott of Rosney Co. Architects alongside interior designer, Charlotte Moss. The architectural design embraces a more traditional, closed floor plan—rooms with distinct personality.

Personal Tour Highlights

• Chartreuse Living Room
  The space felt vibrant and unexpected. The chartreuse walls (Sherwin-Williams Chartreuse SW0073) , coupled with oversized picture windows and layered drapery (Schumacher - Daydream in Citron) was bold yet cozy. The Versailles Surfaces LLC - 17th Century Distressed French Limestone fireplace was timeless and elegant.

  

  

• Library Bar
  The library bar was perfection—warm, private, and inviting. It’s tucked off the library with a Thibaut wallpaper (Lindsey in Sand). Calcutta Violetta countertop, antique mirrored glass backsplash, and cabinetry painted in dark brown (Sherwin Williams Rookwood SW2808 semi gloss). The Rohl Apothecary Single Hold Kitchen Faucet in antique gold was stunning against the mirrored backsplash and countertop.

  

• The Bootroom

  The bootroom painted in Sherwin Williams Studio Blue Green SW0047 with matching millwork was stunning and a bit moody. I loved the Versailles Surfaces LLC French Sorbonne Limestone flooring and the the details of the art & forge hardware felt really timeless and thoughtful. The Kravet Lee Jofa Nevis in Teal and Russet was lovely as well. The whole room just felt like such a comfortable and welcoming moment.

The rest of the home was beautifully done, sharing additional photos below. I will say, architecturally I thought the entry was a little too grand and the dining room felt proportionally small to the rest of the home, but overall it was wonderful. I highly recommend a visit if you can make it!

Stained glass can transform a home, bending light into patterns of color and shadow. In the hands of artist Erin Crosby, the craft becomes a seamless blend of historical reference and modern design. Working from his studio in Washington, Erin partners with homeowners and designers to create beautiful custom panels. In our conversation, he shares his collaborative process, the practicalities of working with glass, and the projects that have most shaped his craft.

1. Tell us a bit about your process for doing stained glass, do you prefer when designers provide reference photos, drawings, or historic details and you work from those?

After the initial conversation regarding the scope of the project, budget and dimensions, I work on the design in collaboration with the homeowner/interior design team. After the design has been agreed upon, we get to choose the glass. This can be done at my studio in Bellingham, or at my glass supplier in Everett. Beyond that, I manufacture the panels and either deliver them to the site, or they are picked up by the contractors working on the project. I am always happy to consult or assist in installation.

I absolutely love having reference photos, drawings, inspiration ideas, etc. I find that the designer has a vision for each project, and my role is to meet (and hopefully exceed) those expectations.

2. What are the limitations in working with stained glass? Are there specific size constraints etc?

There are some limitations with stained glass regarding size and location. When leaded windows get beyond the 10 sq ft range, I have to consider structural issues and possible reinforcement. There are various ways to resolve this issue, but rarely do my clients want windows so large.

It is also important to remember that the glass in leaded glass panels is not tempered, so consideration should be given to location (nothing large in a shower or near a pool for example). I would note that Washington state building code requires tempered glass be used in door and landing windows, however there is an exemption for art glass.

3. If someone wants to add stained glass into a project that feels fitting to the architecture where do you recommend they start in the design?

Design is always personal/specific to the homeowner, but I suggest considering:

- are there existing glass or architectural features already in the space that we would like to reference/mimic/echo?

- what is the over-arching theme - Victorian, MCM, Deco, Nouveau, Arts/Crafts, etc

- what is the color palette

Finally, I like to point out that windows can last more than 100 years so the design should also feel somewhat timeless.

4. What is your favorite project you have worked on?

I have so many windows of various sizes that were my ‘favorite’… Overall I am most proud of a 1920’s Seattle house project I worked on with Lisa Staton Design. Lisa’s firm is wonderful to work with. The scope of the project put me through my paces, and confirmed my ability to meet lofty expectations. It was a fun mix of design motifs, colors, etc. And finally, it was gratifying to be a part of such a large/professional/elegant whole-home design build.

Thank you Erin! To learn more about Erin’s work visit his studio Crosby Glass_ or follow him on instagram at @crosbyglass. Photos in article image provided by Erin Crosby from projects with Lisa Staton Design, Studio Solberg, and Lairmont Manor.

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