Purple Mini Desks, White Chairs, and Flower Lamps

I know some of your kids have already started school, which is WILD. My girls don’t go back until after Labor Day, but I’m already getting those start-of-school scaries. Their school and after-school programs have started sending the back-to-school emails, and suddenly I find myself scrambling to get organized. I cannot believe how quickly our calendars are filling up!

However, I find that getting organized helps alleviate some of that anxiety and if I can find some beautiful items to make the process a little more fun, even better!

So here it is: my Most Wanted Back-to-School List!

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While Brad was recovering, I took Elle to the Hamptons with a group of her friends and their moms, and it was just what I needed: some good girl time. We were able to unwind, watch the girls continue to form such sweet friendships, and get to know some really awesome moms better. Sometimes a little change of scenery, a slower pace, and time with good people is exactly what you need.

While I was thinking about this week’s topic and seeing all the Instagram trends about the expensive things that are actually worth it, I thought it would be fun to do my own version. I get asked all the time where to spend, where to save, and what is actually worth investing in when it comes to your home.

After nearly two decades of sourcing, specifying, and installing for clients (and in my own homes), I’ve gotten pretty clear on the things I think are worth spending a little more on and the things that just aren’t. So, here’s my honest take.

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Friends and family always ask if we slow down for the summer, but unlike most people, summer is our Super Bowl. It is hands down our busiest season as we race to get clients settled into their homes before school starts. As I write this, we’re in the middle of several installations, and yesterday we rolled out the rugs at our Park Avenue project. I documented the entire process on Instagram Stories, and the response was incredible. My DMs were flooded with questions about rugs, where I source them, how I choose them, and how I mix and pattern match them.

On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, I also just got back from Visiting Day at sleepaway camp, which was our first time seeing Hadley in a month. I told my parents afterward that it was honestly one of the best days of my life, right up there with getting married and becoming a mom. Judging by all of your messages, so many of you were curious about Visiting Day too, especially what to wear, so I thought I’d answer those questions here as well.

I actually had a completely different topic planned for this week, but after seeing all of your reactions, I decided to pivot. So this week’s edition is all about the two things that completely took over my world this week. While they couldn’t be more different, they have one thing in common: they’re both accompanied by an unbelievable adrenaline rush. If you know, you know. And if you don’t, welcome to two of the most emotionally charged events a person can experience... for wildly different reasons.

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I’m writing this fresh off of Brimfield, something that had been on my “designer bucket list” for years.

Even more exciting, I teamed up with Claudia of The Rich Goodwill! If you don’t already follow her viral account, you’re missing out. Claudia has built an incredible community by rescuing treasures left on the curbs of her Hinsdale neighborhood and finding them new homes with her followers.

Thanks to a mutual follower, Claudia and I recently connected and instantly hit it off. I’m helping her with her home, so a trip to Brimfield felt like the perfect excuse to spend a few days sourcing together. We were hunting for special pieces for her house while also taking her treasure-hunting concept on the road. Before we left, Claudia even put up an Instagram sticker asking her followers what they were looking for, so we headed into Brimfield with a running list of requests to keep an eye out for. It made the whole experience feel like one big community treasure hunt.

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It also felt like the perfect time to write this post because I’m currently in the middle of designing both of my girls’ rooms in our new apartment. As I’m sourcing and pulling everything together, I realized there are certain pieces I come back to time and time again for organization and decor. These are the staples I almost always incorporate into my children’s room designs. They are pieces that are beautiful, functional, and can grow with them.

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It’s funny that one of the smallest rooms in our home, the mudroom bath, is also one of the ones you ask about most. Small spaces have a way of revealing what really matters in a design.

At roughly 6’ x 7’, we somehow fit everything into a very compact footprint. From the very beginning, my goal was for it to feel like a charming powder room, while still being a full bath.

Today I’m sharing all the details behind our cozy, colorful bath: the paint color, the materials, and the thinking that shaped every choice.

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I’m writing this week’s newsletter fresh off camp send-off, and it’s such a strange mix of emotions. Our oldest, Hadley, left for sleepaway camp on Saturday for the first time. She’ll be gone for seven weeks at the same camp I grew up going to, which makes it all feel super special. Watching her board the bus with the biggest smile was everything I hoped for, but I was an emotional wreck on the drive home. I was trying to keep it together for Elle, but it was hard.

All of that to say, summer has officially arrived, and as it always does, it snuck up on me. One minute we’re wrapping up spring installs, and the next my inbox is full of requests for help with outdoor spaces. Whether it’s selecting furniture, layering in accessories, or sourcing beautiful tableware for summer entertaining, everyone is ready to take life outside.

What I love most is that clients no longer think of their patios, porches, and terraces as separate from the rest of their home. They want them to feel just as collected, inviting, and layered as their interiors, and that’s exactly how I approach them.

My process is actually very similar to how I design the inside of a home. The very first question I ask is always, How do you plan to use the space? Are you hosting big summer parties? Intimate dinners with friends? Is this where you’ll have your morning coffee every day, or unwind with a glass of wine after the kids go to bed?

Just as importantly, I want the outdoor space to feel like a natural extension of the home. The color palette, materials, and overall feeling should flow seamlessly from inside to out.

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We're back for Volume II of Jen's Ten! Here is my lineup of ten incredibly creative, sharp, and endlessly inspiring women. Each of these ladies brings something unique to my life, and collectively, they push me to think differently and reach higher. They all genuinely believe in championing others and I have personally felt that generosity from each and every one of them. Check out what they're building, dive into their content, or try their products!

xx,

Jen

@blaireadie, The Atlantic Pacific,

Blair was one of my very first Instagram follows and one of the original bloggers whose posts I read religiously. She is truly one of the people who shaped the way I think about personal style. What she built with The Atlantic Pacific (starting as a passion project while working full-time in merchandising at Gap and later Tory Burch) is a testament to the power of having a distinct point of view and staying true to it.

Her love of color, pattern, and maximalism is completely infectious. She approaches fashion with such confidence and joy that even the boldest combinations feel effortless. In a world where so much style content can feel interchangeable, Blair has always stood apart. You know it’s hers the moment you see it.

But what I admire most has nothing to do with fashion. While she is undeniably a style icon, every time we’ve connected, she has been incredibly kind, genuine, and down-to-earth. She has a warmth about her that makes you feel like you’re catching up with a friend rather than talking to someone who has inspired millions of people online.

Her recent collaboration with Frances Valentine felt like a perfect reflection of everything people love about Blair: joyful color, playful patterns, scalloped details, sequins, and a touch of nostalgia. The collection flew off the shelves almost immediately, which came as no surprise.

@thisoakhouse, This Oak House,

A more recent industry friend, Annie is one of those rare people who has completely changed the way we consume design online. Of course, her talent is undeniable (her work on This Oak House is some of the best), but what makes her so magnetic is the way she brings everyone along for the journey through her storytelling.

Like so many people, I’m constantly hanging on her every Instagram Q&A. I can’t tell you how many screenshots of her answers are buried in my camera roll. Whether she’s sharing a paint color, a fabric source, or her thoughts on a renovation decision, her recommendations carry real weight. Annie has built a remarkably devoted following because she never gatekeeps. She generously shares what she’s learned, and her audience trusts her completely. In many ways, she’s become the standard-bearer how we all think about design, renovation, and home.

Trained at Harper’s Bazaar and polished at Chanel, Annie brings an editorial eye to everything she touches. Yet somehow that pedigree never feels forced. Her home doesn’t feel designed for the sake of being photographed- it feels lived in, collected, and personal.

Which is exactly why I’m so excited about her new book, This Oak House. Like many of you, I immediately preordered my copy. Out September 15th, the book pulls back the curtain on the entire renovation journey, complete with original sketches, mood boards, and lessons learned along the way. It’s equal parts inspiration and practical guidance, making it just as valuable for someone tackling a renovation as it is for someone simply dreaming about one from afar.

@aureliademark, Aurelia Demark Jewelry

If you have been following me for a while, you know that I am such a fan of Aurelia, and I love how we met! I discovered her while scrolling Instagram just days after having Hadley. I sent her a DM and made an appointment at her ultra-chic apartment. I was an exhausted new mom and a complete mess, but I loved that she welcomed me exactly as I was.

At the time, we were both just starting our businesses, and I was immediately drawn to her story. Before launching her namesake brand, Aurelia came from the world of Tory Burch, where she oversaw jewelry and accessories. As someone building my own business, I found that incredibly inspiring.

What makes her brand so special is that it was born from a family tradition: designing a pendant to commemorate the birth of a child. I happily embraced that tradition and ordered a pendant to celebrate Hadley’s arrival. Fast forward to today, and Aurelia has created countless meaningful pieces for me-from a signet ring I wear regularly to heirloom jewelry crafted from treasured family stones.

Beyond her incredible eye and craftsmanship, what I admire most is her ability to create pieces that tell a story. Every piece feels deeply personal, which is exactly what makes her work so special!

@samanthavarvel, Samantha Varvel,

Samantha’s account is like a breath of fresh air. I discovered her through Instagram and was immediately drawn to her beautiful world, filled with fashion, interiors, entertaining, travel, and family life. Everything she shares feels thoughtful and intentional, yet never overly polished. It is aspirational in the best possible way!

I love her philosophy of elevating and celebrating everyday life, and it shines through in everything she does. Whether she is sharing a beautifully set table, a beautiful outfit, or a glimpse into her home, there is always a sense of warmth and authenticity.

We finally met in person at a Homeworthy event this past spring and immediately hit it off. One of my favorite things is when someone is exactly who you hope they will be in real life, and Samantha is just that. She is incredibly kind, gracious, and genuine.

@mychicnest,

I first met Anna through Instagram, and she has become one of those people I am always rooting for. She is the best hype girl, always supportive, encouraging, and generous with her enthusiasm for others. Beyond being a wonderful friend, she has an incredible eye for design. I love following along as she works on projects across the country, bringing her signature warmth and style to each one. One of the things I find especially exciting is that she offers virtual design consultations, making her expertise accessible no matter where you live.

While her interiors are reason enough to follow, she is also one of my favorite fashion follows. Whether she’s sharing a beautifully designed space or a great outfit, her content always feels approachable. If you’re not already following Anna, I highly recommend checking out her Instagram and learning more about her services through the link in her bio.

@kristinmkennedy,

Kristin is one of those women who truly amazes me. When I think about people who somehow manage to do it all, Kristin is always at the top of my list. She is a mom of four, a former Editor-in-Chief of Seventeen magazine, and someone who is passionate about helping women feel stylish, confident, and empowered.

What I admire most is that despite everything she has accomplished, she is incredibly generous with her support. She is always encouraging me, liking my posts, and leaving thoughtful comments. Those small gestures mean so much, especially coming from someone whose career and accomplishments I respect so greatly.

I also learn something every time I visit her page or Substack, . Whether she is sharing style advice, beauty recommendations, or practical tips for everyday life, she has a way of making style feel attainable while still encouraging women to put their best foot forward.

Kristin is proof that you can be both ambitious and supportive. I am continually inspired by everything she does and so grateful to have connected with her!

@megmcgillen

Meg is one of those people I immediately associate with chic. Whether it is her sense of style, her approach to interiors, or simply the way she puts things together, everything feels thoughtful, timeless, and polished.

She spent years building an impressive career at Ralph Lauren before bringing that same incredible eye to Schumacher, and you can see the influence of both brands in everything she does. There is a strong point of view behind her work, yet it is always authentic.

I love following along with her life on Instagram. These days, she is focused on content creation, sharing a beautiful mix of fashion, interiors, and motherhood. It has been so fun to watch her build a business that allows for both creativity and flexibility during this season of life. If you appreciate timeless style, beautiful interiors, and thoughtful content, Meg is absolutely someone you should be following.

@thepottedboxwood, The Potted Boxwood

Christina and I went from Instagram friends to real-life friends, meeting up for the most fun lady lunches all over New York City. We first bonded over our Texas roots, and I am especially excited that she is now even closer after her recent move to Connecticut.

If you somehow have been living under a rock and don’t know Christina, she is the woman behind The Potted Boxwood. Long before home tours became a social media craze, Christina was creating thoughtful, beautifully curated content that gave readers access to some of the most inspiring homes and designers. What she has built as a one-woman operation is remarkable.

What I admire most is that her platform has always been about more than beautiful rooms. She celebrates great design while also highlighting the people, stories, and personalities behind the spaces.

Her video series, Beyond the Curb, is a perfect extension of everything she does so well. It gives her audience an even deeper look inside the homes and lives she features, offering the kind of access and storytelling that keeps people coming back.

@louisatakacs, @mestiza_ny, Mestiza New York

Louisa is one of my closest friends, and one of those people who brightens every room she walks into. Her energy is infectious, she is always up for an adventure, and we laugh so hard whenever we’re together. She has a way of making life feel more fun, and I am so grateful for her friendship.

She co-founded Mestiza New York with her dear friend Alessandra Perez-Rubio, and what they have built together is incredibly special. Their dresses are like wearable works of art that are beautifully crafted, timeless, and full of thoughtful details, from reversible silhouettes to convertible designs that make each piece feel even more special. I have several Mestiza dresses in my own closet, and I can honestly say that every time I wear one, the compliments are nonstop.

What I love most is that the brand feels like an extension of Louisa herself: joyful, vibrant, elegant, and unforgettable. She and Alessandra have created something that celebrates getting dressed up and embracing life’s special moments.

I was especially honored when Louisa invited me to join her on a panel earlier this year to discuss women in business. It was such a meaningful experience and a reminder of how supportive she is of other women and their success. She is the kind of friend, founder, and champion that everyone deserves to have in their corner.

@notallbeige

Molly is one of my favorite mom friends. Fun fact: we live just one avenue apart, and I love running into her around the neighborhood.

Originally from South Carolina and most recently part of the team at Chairish, Molly has built something really special with Not All Beige that feels entirely and authentically her. She has a brilliant eye and a deep appreciation for spaces that are layered rather than simply decorated.

Molly is an expert hunter, whether at an auction, an antique market, or scrolling the best corners of the internet for pieces with real history, character, and soul. She is also known to spot a discarded treasure on a New York City curb before anyone else, or come home with an armful of beautiful branches and flowers rescued from the sidewalk. She has an incredible ability to find beauty where others might walk right past it.

Her Instagram Stories are a daily ritual for me. I love her honest perspective, and her willingness to say what she really thinks. In a sea of sameness, she is one of the most refreshing voices in the design space.

If you’re not already following Not All Beige, you should be. Whether you’re looking for design inspiration, sourcing tips, or simply someone whose taste you trust, Molly delivers every single day.

While I may be the face of the brand, none of what I do would be possible without them. They are the perfect mix of hardworking and fun! They bring fresh ideas to the table, keep projects moving, solve problems before I even know they exist, and somehow manage to do it all while having fun.

Running a design firm is so much more than selecting fabrics and creating beautiful rooms. There are countless moving pieces behind the scenes, and this team is the reason the JHD magic comes to life day in and day out.

I am endlessly grateful for their dedication, their talent, and the care they pour into every project, client, and detail. Simply put, I couldn’t do it without them.

So without further ado, meet my other set of girls (besides my daughters, of course!). I am beyond lucky to have each of them.

Take it away...

Thanks Jen!

Hey y’all, we’re Julia, Emily, and Hadleigh aka the team behind Jennifer Hunter Design. We’re involved in every stage of a project: from communicating with clients, to developing plans, building presentations, coordinating with contractors, sourcing from vendors, placing orders, tracking deliveries, and bringing everything together on install days.

We thought the best way to introduce ourselves was to share a little about what we do and a few of the design things we’re loving right now.

Julia

Senior Designer: Oversees all projects, assists Jen with designs, draws floor plans, leads communications and coordination with contractors, vendors, and clients.

Favorite room Jen’s designed: Upper East Side, Den

I’m obsessed with purple and it was so exciting for our client to lean into the bold color . The dark, high gloss walls balanced with the light, neutral furniture makes the space inviting and cozy. The ceiling wallpaper is my favorite pop of fun.

Three things I’d buy for myself: Pooky Cordless Lamps (so many fun shade options), Napkins, Nightstands.

Design trend you’d personally retire forever: This may be controversial, but an all white kitchen. It’s too stark for me. I prefer some warmth through wood cabinets, or a fun marble counter.

Office snack of choice: Three Wishes Cereal 😋

Emily

Project Manager, Design: Manages projects, assists with communications and coordination with contractors, vendors, and clients, supports invoicing and ordering, and leads special projects.

Favorite room Jen’s designed: Brooklyn Townhouse, Girls’ Bedroom

Yellow is my absolute favorite color, so naturally I’ve been obsessed with this room since seeing it for the first time. It’s super playful even paired with a more elegant floral mural. A dream bedroom for my younger self!

Three things I’d buy for myself: Coffee Table, Plates, Anything covered in Mahalo by Sister Parish

Design trend you’d personally retire forever: Grey. Not sure if this is technically a design trend, but you’ll probably never find grey in my house. I like to keep an open mind to other styles and aesthetics but when using neutrals, I gravitate towards warmer ivories.

Office snack of choice: Goldfish

Hadleigh

Director of Operations: Assists with communications and coordination with contractors, vendors, and clients, leads invoicing and ordering, schedules deliveries, and assists with internal project organization.

Favorite room(s) Jen’s designed: I had to pick 2!

Chelsea, Living Room

This is one of my favorites because all the layers and textures. I feel like it blends so many kinds of styles in a chic and effortless way. Every corner offers a spotlight moment without competing and allowing the space to feel balanced. I love all the rich tones throughout the carpet and how certain accessories like the lamps and drapery play off each other. It’s just a place I could sit and relax without needing a TV because there’s so much to appreciate and look at.

Bedford, Powder Room

I love this room because it immediately makes you happy! The yellow trim and vanity create an exciting moment within a small space. I also love how it’s paired with the playful patterned wallpaper, the design feels energetic and cheerful! It brightens not only the room itself but also creates a fun mood for anyone who enters the space!

Three things I’d buy for myself: Yellow Rug, Mirror, Art

Design trend you’d personally retire forever: Minimalism... I think people get too stuck on not going for things because they’re worried it’ll be too much. I love when people take risks with their homes. It’s important to hang all the art, paint the walls, and color-drench the room. Your home is where you spend so much of your time, so you should make it feel exciting and full of personality. Every room should tell some sort of story about the people living in it.

Office snack of choice: Lifesavers

We’ve been super busy so keep an eye out for tons of AMAZING things coming your way soon:)

xx Julia, Emily, and Hadleigh

Our Connecticut mudroom is, without question, the most asked about space in our home. From the paint color, to the brick floors, and even the peg wall.

Ironically, for years I couldn’t convince a single client to paint a room this color, but now it’s one of the most requested paint colors in almost every project.

I was equally surprised (and thrilled) when this little room took on a life of its own and started circulating on Pinterest. So today, I thought it would be fun to pull back the curtain and share every detail, from the paint color and materials to the design decisions that went into this space.

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That’s what inspired Most Wanted, a new monthly series where I’ll be rounding up the products I’m loving most right now, along with the items my community (you!) can’t seem to get enough of. These are pieces I return to again and again in my projects and in my own home.

Each month, I’ll share what’s making the cut, why I love it, and exactly how I would use it. Whether you’re decorating a room, renovating a home, or simply looking for timeless pieces, I hope this becomes a resource you’ll come back to often.

xx Jen

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Homeworthy YouTube Channel, @homeworthy

Alison is one of my favorite people (fun fact: I was a bridesmaid in her wedding), a brilliant entrepreneur, a captivating public speaker, and a completely devoted mom of three (welcome baby William) who somehow makes it all look effortless. What she has built with Homeworthy is truly something special, a platform that brings homes to life in a way nobody else does. You are not just looking at a beautiful room, you are being brought into the story of the people who live there. Warm, cinematic, and deeply human content that has found an extraordinary audience because it deserves one. She also gave our Connecticut home a moment on Homeworthy that I will never forget. Being featured by someone you genuinely admire is a different kind of honor entirely.

@alongobucco

Alyssa is an editor turned friend, and one of my biggest cheerleaders. I am forever grateful for that!

She has the most incredible gift for making you feel a room through words alone. Few people in this space write with the same warmth, texture, and richness that instantly pulls you in. Her work captures not just how a space looks, but how it feels to be there, and that is such a rare talent.

She is also, I can confirm firsthand, an absolute blast. Earlier this year we co-hosted a flower pressing workshop together at the Mayflower in Washington, CT, and it is one of those afternoons I know I will look back on for a very long time.

Talented, generous, and genuinely fun —that combination is simply the best!

Erin Gates Design, Elements of Style Blog, @elementstyle

Erin is one of the people I looked up to long before I knew her. She built Erin Gates Design and the award-winning blog Elements of Style into something that has genuinely shaped how an entire generation of designers and design lovers think about their homes. Three books, countless product collections, and a hugely successful design firm later, she is the real deal in every sense of the word. What I admire just as much as her talent is the kind of person she is behind it all. Erin has always been so kind to me and incredibly generous with her time. And if you follow her on Instagram, you know exactly what I mean when I say her car conversations are the best. There is something so refreshing about the way she shows up— honest, funny, relatable, and completely herself. It genuinely feels like you are catching up with your smartest friend, and I think that authenticity is a huge part of why so many people connect with her work and her voice.

, Frances Bailey, @francesfinds

Frances is one of those people who makes everything she touches look like it belongs in a Nancy Meyers movie. As an interior stylist and creative director, she has an editor’s eye that is truly one of a kind. She has styled so many of my projects over the years (including my CT house) and somehow always makes them shine even brighter.

Working with her is always such a joy and a privilege. Beyond her immense talent, she is one of the sweetest souls with absolutely zero ego. She has this rare way of making everyone around her feel special and instantly at ease (must have something to do with her Southern roots). And don’t even get me started on her stories…she has the best ones.

Lauren Phelps Studio, @laurenphelpsstudio

Lauren and I met through Neha Ruch (also part of this inaugural Jen’s Ten), and we were instantly drawn to one another. I had followed Lauren and admired her incredible portraiture long before we met in person.

Lauren is one of those rare talents who truly does it all. While she got her start in fashion, she pivoted to fine art after becoming a mom, and I honestly cannot imagine her doing anything else. Her work stops you in your tracks, but what strikes me just as much as her talent is the experience she creates along the way.

She has a gift for making people feel completely at ease. Our girls were so comfortable during their sitting, which is no small thing, and I think every person who works with Lauren walks away feeling genuinely special. That combination of extraordinary talent, warmth, and true Southern hospitality is something you simply cannot manufacture!

Bea Collette, @meghanguffey

Meghan is one of those people who manages to make everything she does look effortless while clearly working incredibly hard at all of it. I always tell her she is one of the hardest working women I know, while also being such an incredibly present mom.

After a decade in advertising sales and brand partnerships in New York, she is now building Bea Colette from the ground up as a founder and mom of four in Dallas. If you are not familiar with her brand, Bea Colette is an online children’s boutique offering a beautifully curated shopping experience featuring some of the best European brands.

Whether it is a DM, a text, or a voice note, I know Meghan will always be there to support, encourage, and share her perspective no matter the topic. She is a great follow, a great supporter, and someone I am genuinely rooting for both personally and professionally!

The Power Pause, , @neha_ruch

Neha is one of those people you feel like you have known for a lifetime. Sometimes I forget how we even met, but then I remember it was through preschool. We actually went on what was essentially a blind park date, and I left our meetup thinking, “I want to be part of whatever she is doing.”

Neha is one of the great connectors. She has a rare gift for bringing people together, lifting them up, and making everyone around her feel like they are exactly where they are supposed to be. What she has built with Mother Untitled and now The Power Pause has given so many women the language to describe a chapter of life that previously had none.

She has been such a tremendous supporter of women in this space, and of me personally, and I am endlessly grateful for her. Every time I attend one of her events, I leave feeling inspired, energized, and so thankful to be surrounded by such an incredible group of supportive women. Watching her grow this into a true movement has been one of my favorite things to witness.

, @nicolecassidystyling

Nicole was one of my very first clients, and I remember thinking immediately how cool she was, but not in that intimidating fashion-girl way. She was warm, real, approachable, and instantly easy to connect with. Over the years, she has built something really special with Nicole Cassidy Styling.

A former VP of Merchandising at Veronica Beard and Tory Burch, Nicole brings a level of insider knowledge to fashion that very few people can. Her eye is impeccable, but what makes her truly stand out is her ability to translate the language of luxury fashion into something approachable and wearable for real women and real wardrobes.

Her Substack, Nicole Cassidy Styling, is one I look forward to every single time it lands in my inbox. She is someone I admire deeply, learn from constantly, and am always excited to see succeeding!

Riley Sheehey, @rileysheehey

Riley is an artist who makes you feel something the moment you see her work. Years ago, I was such a fan girl and asked her to paint rocking chairs for my girls, fully expecting someone at her level to politely decline. Instead, she was so incredibly kind, and those chairs are now pieces I will cherish forever.

What started as watercolor works for friends has grown into a career spanning textile design, brand collaborations, and a published book. Her style is playful and warm, yet somehow unbelievably precise all at once. There is such a distinct point of view in everything she creates.

I also have to say, watching her painting time lapses on Instagram is total ASMR for me. I have loved watching her continue to grow, evolve, and expand her creative world over the years. She deserves every bit of her success, and I am just so proud of her!

@torimellott

Tori is one of my favorite (and funniest) industry friends, and someone I have had the pleasure of knowing for many years. She has one of the best eyes in the business, full stop.

After two decades as a magazine editor at some of the most beloved shelter titles in the industry, a published book in Southern Interiors, and now as Creative Director of Home at Tuckernuck, she continues to bring that same extraordinary perspective and unmistakable point of view to everything she touches.

What I love most about Tori is that she has a way of reminding people that a home should be lived in, celebrated, and never taken too seriously. And as a fellow girl mom, I especially love following along with her life beyond work too. She brings the same warmth, humor, and authenticity to motherhood that she does to everything else.

I am such a fan of her both professionally and personally!

Bedrooms are often overlooked in the design process because they are the most personal spaces in a home. My clients naturally focus on the rooms guests will see first, like the living room, family room, dining room, etc. They want those entertaining spaces to feel impressive and polished because they are public-facing. But I always find myself making the case for the bedroom.

Because if we are being honest, the bedroom is where life actually happens. We spend more time in our bedrooms than almost any other space in the home, yet they are often treated as an afterthought.

I believe the bedroom should take priority precisely because no one else sees it. There is something incredibly luxurious about designing a space purely for yourself. And that is where the art of the bed comes in.

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Great design doesn’t happen by accident, and it doesn’t happen only because a designer has great taste. It happens because the designer asked the right questions early about how the space actually gets used, what it needs to feel like, what cannot change and what needs to. I’ve been designing for over 16 years, which is long enough to know that the process matters as much as the result. So here it is, in full: what I do, why I do it, and what you can start thinking about right now!

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After a long winter (and, in my case, two moves), my apartment is very much in a state of in-between. There are still boxes tucked into corners, key pieces of furniture on backorder, and a general sense that everything is waiting to land. Even my girls have started asking daily when things will finally arrive. As a designer, I won’t pretend this part is easy. Every day I feel anxious about it being done so that I can entertain…and of course photograph it. But the reality is, homes rarely come together all at once.

Lately, I’ve been reminding myself that a home doesn’t need to be finished to feel good. There’s a surprising amount of impact in the smaller changes, especially the ones that can make a space feel considered and refreshed, even when the larger pieces are still on their way.

Spring, in many ways, invites this mindset. It’s less about a full overhaul and more about lightening, editing, and reworking what you already have. Remember that even the simplest changes can reset the tone of a room!

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Those of you who know me well (especially my clients) know that if I could, I would wallpaper every surface. You’ll find it in nearly all of my projects and it is something that my clients never regret! More often than not, it becomes the element clients fall in love with most.

Even with smaller budgets, I always encourage clients to incorporate it somewhere. Whether it’s a tiny powder room a large bedroom with vaulted ceiling, wallpaper has the ability to completely transform a space. It adds depth, personality, and a sense of joy in a way few other elements can.

But the magic isn’t just in the wallpaper itself, it’s in the mix. How you pair it with materials, colors, and furnishings is what ultimately makes it feel intentional, layered, and livable.

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Last week I shared thoughts on my most-asked question (paint), so it felt only natural to follow it up with a close second: window treatments.

Window treatments are one of those elements that can feel surprisingly intimidating. There are countless nuances, from fabric and function to hardware and scale, and unlike a paint color you can (somewhat easily) swap, they tend to be a significant investment. In many cases, they are one of the largest line items in a home, which makes getting them right feel all the more important.

But here’s the thing: they’re also the layer that truly completes a space. Window treatments soften the space, frame views, and add that sense of polish that makes a room feel finished rather than just furnished. When done well, they quietly elevate everything around them.

In this post, I’m breaking down a few simple rules of thumb to make the process feel more approachable, and to help you make decisions with confidence rather than overwhelm.

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I’ve been hunting on Etsy since practically forever, and it remains one of my absolute favorite places to source one-of-a-kind pieces for both my clients and myself. Like any good antiquing hunt, it does take time and a bit of skill, but luckily I have plenty of tips and tricks to help you find the best pieces and the best prices.

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If you’ve been following me for a while, you already know this about me: I do not cook. Not “I don’t love cooking”…I truly do not cook. I am a takeout-for-every-meal, meal-delivery-on-speed-dial, coffee-made-by-someone-else kind of person. It’s not my strength… and honestly, it’s one of my favorite indulgences. Sue me!

And yet (despite all of that), the kitchen is still the center of our home.

It’s where takeout containers pile up during movie nights, where friends gather with a glass of wine while I pretend I contributed something culinary, and where my kids spread out crafts across the island. For me, it’s not about cooking, it’s about living.

So here’s the story behind the kitchen and everything that went into it.

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Lighting is one of those things that you want to think about from the very beginning. The moment you’ve locked in your furniture layout, lighting should be your next priority. This isn’t about randomly placing fixtures and hoping for the best; it’s about creating an intentional roadmap that transforms how a room feels and functions.

The secret is simple: your lighting plan must mirror real life. Think about where you’ll sink into the sofa with a book, where you’ll work at your desk, how you’ll navigate the room when it’s dark, and which corners need task lighting versus ambient warmth. Every movement, activity, and moment you spend in that space should inform your lighting decisions. This is the difference between a room that merely looks good in photos and one that genuinely enhances how you live.

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