And I think the answer starts with understanding your authentic design aesthetic—what you’re naturally drawn to, and more importantly, why. That clarity is what helps you make better decisions whether you’re renovating a home, building from the ground up, designing for clients, or simply choosing a sofa or a few accessories for your living room.

When you know what you like and why you like it, everything becomes easier and more intentional.

My design aesthetic

I want to start by sharing a little more about me—something I don’t think I’ve fully broken down here before. And then we’ll move into how you can apply this to yourself.

When I think about my own aesthetic, I tend to go to my roots - my family heritage and upbringing.

I was born and raised in Utah, but my dad is from Nebraska and my mom is from Washington D.C.. I love both sides of my family heritage - the homesteaders and farmers from my dad’s side and the East Coast city vibe of my mom’s family. My style lives between these two mediums often.

I feel most like myself when I’m surrounded by a mix of relaxed ranch-inspired sensibility and more refined, traditional East Coast influence. I grew up around a lot of antiques, which is probably where my love for them began. At the same time, I spent time visiting family in Washington, D.C. and fell in love with historic architecture and the kind of effortless classicism you see in brands like Ralph Lauren.

In many ways, I think that blend is why I tend to attract a lot of East Coast clients as well—I naturally lean in that direction while still grounding everything in a more lived-in, Western ease.

Questions to help you narrow down your style

Now I want to share a list of questions that have helped me—and that we use with our clients—to better define their aesthetic from an authentic lens. To me, what makes something truly timeless is authenticity, so it’s important to begin there.

1. Where are you and your family from?

2. What areas are you drawn to? The city? The country? The coast?

3. Where do you feel most at home?

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For this post, we thought it would be fun to collaborate with someone who we consider to be an expert in the field and get their take on what really matters when designing a kitchen. And who better than Stoffer Home Cabinetry - a company that focuses almost entirely on kitchens and specifically cabinetry. I’ve always loved Jean Stoffer’s design aesthetic and her approach to creating an English-inspired look here in America. Her cabinetry company is such a smart idea, and as a designer who’s also expanding into the product side of things, I really admire all the different ways she’s growing her business.

In our conversation with Stoffer Home Cabinetry, we wanted to get a closer look at what they’ve learned from their experience - smart solutions they’ve seen, things they’d avoid, what people should know about cabinetry, layout tips, and more. We’re sharing all of their thoughts below.

Think through storage - making sure everything has a home.

There is tremendous opportunity in the kitchen to design smarter, and not just prettier. We believe thoughtful storage is one of the most transformative elements of a well-designed kitchen.

We regularly incorporate built-in interior solutions such as spice organizers, knife blocks, utensil dividers, vertical pan and lid storage, tray dividers, and drawer inserts that keep everything in its place. When every tool has a home, daily routines become smoother and more enjoyable.

But beyond interior storage features, there’s one smart solution that often gets overlooked: protecting the cabinetry itself.

The kitchen is one of the hardest-working spaces in the home, especially the dishwasher and trash bin. They both endure constant touch, water drips, grease and food splatter, and more. That’s why we often incorporate brass as both a design element and a protective feature. You’ll see it used in our designs as a brass strip on top of a pull-out trash cabinet, a protective strip on a dishwasher panel, and also island leg caps to prevent scuffs from shoes and vacuums.

These subtle details preserve the cabinetry in high-impact areas while adding interest and character. Smart design isn’t just about beauty and storage, it’s about longevity.

One thing we avoid - a traditional corner cabinet (ex. a lazy Susan)

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There is a lot that is open to interpretation during the construction process that can increase your budgets and often it’s confusing and we are left wondering “how did we end up here?” My hope with this series is to educate us all, trade by trade, by sharing the intricacies and ways that each line item can get out of control and where that sweet spot is between savings and quality results.

As part of our new “Hidden Cost” series we recently sat down with a finish carpenter we love working with to talk through one thing we see constantly on projects: clients being confused by finish carpentry costs.

Not because anyone did anything wrong, but because finish carpentry is one of those trades that’s hard to define, easy to underestimate, and wildly affected by decisions that feel small at the time.

So we asked all the questions clients usually don’t think to ask. These are some of the highlights we cover:

• Where finish carpentry actually gets expensive (and why certain “simple” details aren’t simple at all)

• Which design decisions quietly add weeks of labor and thousands of dollars

• Where custom millwork is worth the investment—and where it isn’t

• The trim details and upgrades that deliver the biggest visual impact for the cost

• What makes one bid look higher than another

• Common spec and design mistakes that create costly change orders

• How to prepare before calling a finish carpenter so you don’t waste time or money

• The one misconception about finish carpentry that costs homeowners the most

What is finish carpentry anyway?

Read more

Think About Scale

Exterior fixtures almost always need to be larger than your instinct tells you.

A helpful trick before ordering: take the dimensions of the fixture you’re considering and tape out its size directly on the exterior wall where it will live. This simple step lets you see the scale in relation to your home’s elevation, doors, and windows—and can save you from a fixture that feels undersized once installed.

That being said, sometimes choosing a smaller scale can be a very intentional choice. I went a bit smaller for the sconces flanking my front door.

Placement Matters

Even the best fixture fails if it’s placed incorrectly. Now, like a lot of things we talk about, there is no definite rule for how things can be done, but we’ve found these diagrams on the Schoolhouse’s website to be a helpful resource.

Note: These diagrams lean towards the scale of a smaller home which is important to consider. If you are working with a larger, grander home, your scales are going to be different.

In both the Spring Creek exterior drawing and the Sycamore Street rendering (pictured below), the architects mocked up the size and placement of the exterior lights at each door, garage, and entry. Having some kind of mockup like this (even if it’s not a full rendering) can be really helpful. It gives you a much better sense of where lights should live on the house and helps you dial in a size that feels right before anything is installed.

Let the Architecture Lead

Exterior lighting should feel like it belongs to the house—not like an afterthought.

Before choosing a fixture, consider the architectural style of your home. Ask yourself:

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If you’re planning a remodel or even just dreaming, here’s where I’d invest, where I’d save, and what I’d think twice about.

Where I would invest…

start with the layout (this is the most important part of your remodel)

Before cabinets, finishes, or hardware—the layout matters most.

No amount of beautiful cabinetry or hardware can make up for a kitchen that doesn’t function well. Flow, clear work zones, and how the kitchen connects to adjacent spaces should be your top priority. Get this right and everything else falls into place. Finalizing the layout is something worth hiring a professional for - an architect or designer - even just a consultation will save you thousands in mistakes.

countertops are worth it

Countertop material is absolutely worth investing in. It’s one of the most heavily used surfaces in your home and has a huge impact on both function, resale, and the style/look of your kitchen.

appliances: worth the investment (with some thought)

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custom dining banquette

What I chose and why:

I debated on doing a built-in dining bench or a furniture piece and ultimately decided to have a custom dining banquette made locally. I chose the fabrics and design. The fabric is a performance/outdoor fabric ticking stripe and I had the cushion upholstered in a camel colored leather-look vinyl.

How it’s going:

The frame and comfort of the bench is great - I still love it so much. The fabrics…not so much. The striped performance fabric started looking dingy pretty early on. A lot of stains come out, but there is a general discoloration that seems to be present in certain areas and won’t come out - even when I use bleach. The vinyl cushion has started to crack and because the background color of the vinyl is black, it’s showing through. I have loved the wipe-ability of it and that it doesn’t stain at all, but I am going to choose a higher quality leather-look this next time around.

What I learned:

• Glad I didn’t do a built-in bench. I’ve liked the fact I can change this piece out and I like it being open below where I can fully vacuum under it.

• Would use a wipe-able leather-look product again on the seat cushion, I would just choose a higher quality material and make sure the backing matches just in case it cracks.

• I am going to look at a more patterned outdoor fabric for the back and skirt that will hide the wear better and possibly even go with just a protective finish on a natural fiber material that can be cleaned by a professional cleaner. I think it might look better long term.

primary bedroom bed

What I chose and why:

I wanted an upholstered bed with a footboard that had modern styling but not overly contemporary. I didn’t want the bed to sit too low so I chose a style that I could have a box spring paired with it. I decided on a beige linen so it would go with any decor changes I made throughout the years. The bed is from a to-the-trade only source but it’s one of their standard frames.

How it’s going:

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#1 Candles and little lamps always help with the vibe. Rechargeable ones are great because I can carry them anywhere—even next to the tub.

Here are a few of my favorite candles

My favorite portable lamp

Cordless lamp (shown below)

#2 Splurge on a blanket. I will never regret purchasing a Lola blanket, it’s the first blanket that everyone in my family reaches for (an investment but worth it).

#3 Slippers, a house shoe or a nice pair of socks. I love these socks and slippers from Bombas.

#4 A large cardigan to wear over pajamas. Mine is from Lauren Manoogian, and it makes me feel a little more put together than a robe. I wear it almost every day. However, it is very pricey so I’ve added a few similar options below.

My Lauren Manoogian Cardigan ($$$)

Almina Concept Wrap Cardigan ($$)

Quince Wool Cardigan ($)

#5 Art prints or paintings that make you feel happy when you see them. Putting art up on the walls really does make a difference, especially in unexpected places. I love putting a small floral print next to a bed or in a bathroom, laundry room, pantry or kitchen.

#6 Have a self care routine that has nothing to do with anti-aging or makeup, etc and include it in your every day as something to look forward to. Just a way to pamper yourself—a hand cream you really like, taking a bath, reading a book, making your morning coffee, etc.

#7 Reach for an activity instead of your phone. When I spend my time just scrolling or on social media, it usually makes me feel worse. This year I’m determined to spend more time on activities/hobbies instead of a screen - a few ideas: paint by number, puzzles, cross-stitching, knitting, baking, etc. Thought both this puzzle and this paint-by-number were fun.

#8 Get a really nice coat, hat, and scarf so that you can still get outside for a walk. Take a hot tea or drink in a thermos to warm you up while you’re out.

Quince Long Puffer

Thermal Leggings

#9 Change how you workout. Take it easy, use a walking pad or do yoga, I like to dance to music in my bathroom (as long as no one is around).

#10 Find small accessories to add to your home or try moving things around. A lot of times people tend to be more seasonal in their decor, but I personally love a floral pillow in the winter. When it’s gray outside, having a little color inside can make a big difference. I also love moving things around (especially after putting away Christmas decor) to make things feel new and fresh.

#11 Lastly, add some plants to your space. This could just be flowers, or something green to take care of throughout the season. I love the small plants from Trader Joe’s because the options they have are usually pretty easy to take care of.

At the end of the day, none of these things are about a total reset or doing more, they’re just small ways to make the season feel a little better. Winter can be slow and quiet, and I’m trying to lean into that instead of fighting it.

#1 If I Could Design My Kitchen Again, I Wouldn’t Change a Thing

#2 Read This if You’re Feeling Pressure to Have the Perfect Home

#3 Introducing Sycamore Street: Our Latest Project Full of Classic Southern Charm

#4 I’ve Been Thinking…Might It Be Just Too Much

#5 Designing a Shower? Here Are 4 Things Designers Do That Homeowners Often Miss

#6 The Perfect Painted Tile for $10

#7 5 Years Later: Here Are the Things I Wish I Spent More Money On

Plus a couple of collabs we did here on Substack that you might not have had a chance to read:

#1 Behind the Design: W Design Collective by

#2 I Asked an Interior Designer the Best Way to Display My Film Photos by

Thank you so much for reading and for all the support this year. We’re excited for another year of posts, project reveals, AMA chats - and a few new things we’re working on here on Substack. If there’s anything you’d love to see us cover next year, leave a comment below!

It’s the small details of these products that make us use them time and time again. It’s that the hand towels have a nice weight and feel to them and always look nice, or the perfect sized vase to go in bathrooms where the flowers stay put in the best ways, or the size and color of the book just seems to work in every house. These are our tried-and-true, no fail favorites. Save this post for the future when you need to refresh your small accessories!

It took what felt like forever to narrow this list down, which should tell you how much we love everything on it—you can consider this our designer cheat sheet.

I think we’ve used this Murchison Hume Hand Soap in every single project we’ve installed. The original fig scent is amazing + container looks cute and is one that you can continue to refill rather than having to buy another one. The Frama Hand Soap from Shoppe Amber is another favorite.

Gingham Hand Towel —Another item we’ve brought to almost every shoot/install we have done. It has a great weight, washes well, and is just so cute—my top pick for a kitchen.

Organic Cotton Hand Towel —I always recommend a waffle knit hand towel for bathrooms because they dry well and don’t get all wrinkled so they stay looking nice. This one from Matilda Goad is another great option if you’re wanting a bright white option.

Chances are you’ve see us use this Brass European Salt Mill and Pepper Mill. They’re on the pricier side, but they are such a nice upgrade and make a kitchen feel that much more put together. If you don’t already have them, this is your sign to grab them.

A detail that’s often forgotten, but trust us on this, a woven basket makes a bathroom look so much better. I love that this one from Zara Home also has a lid (especially for the ladies).

We’re always styling with different candles sticks depending on the project and almost always using vintage ones (so we don’t have a true go-to). That said, we’ve been reaching for our Chadwick Candle Holder in just about every project lately—and I have several at my own home. It’s one of those timeless pieces that feels special anywhere you place it, from a mantel to a coffee table and particularly on bookshelves.

I think that everyone needs these two vases in their collection. The Sphere Vase is just the right height and shape to add some interest and the smoky glass color makes it that much better—we love it in a bathroom or on a mantel or really anywhere (we use it A LOT). It’s also available in a clear glass option.

This Como Ripple Vase is also a classic. It’s small and dainty, and the width at the top of the vase is perfect for holding up flowers upright.

I like to find pretty and simple candles that also smell nice to put on top of coffee table books and these are our very favorites.

Maison Louis Marie Candle—If you purchase anything on this list, let it be this candle. We love it because it has such dainty writing on it and looks good on any countertop, coffee table, shelf, etc. It also smells amazing (we’ve burned through too many to count at our office).

Le Labo Santal—You can’t go wrong with this candle which is why we end up using it in client’s homes a lot, it’s one of those “safe scents” that I know everyone will love.

Baies Classic Candle—If you’ve smelled this candle then you’ll understand the hype behind it, not to mention it looks so elegant. It’s a little pricey, so if you’re looking to try it out at a lower cost, this one is a good dupe (and it’s sold at a local UT shop that we love).

I like to add tiny candles for next to the soap for powder bathrooms or a bathroom with minimal countertop space. This trio set from Le Labo is perfect for those spaces.

The biggest thing to look for when sourcing books for your coffee table, shelves, sideboards, etc., is the size. One of my personal pet peeves is when stacked books are all the same dimensions, so make sure you mix it up—grab a bigger one and pair it with a smaller one. Also pay attention to the colors and the spine. I usually stick to neutrals or tones that play nicely with the room. These four are my favorites for size, color and content.

#1 John Derian Picture Book II

#2 Golden Light: The Interior Design of Nickey Kehoe

#3 RHS Orchids

#4 DISC Interiors: Portraits of Home

More of our favorites are linked here

We always have some throw blankets on hand because we love layering on sofas, beds, etc. There are so many options out there depending on the style of home, but these two are great, classic options that could work in any home.

Snug Russet Throw—This one is really cozy and comes in great colors.

Laba Linen Silk Throw—A lighter weight option that has some great texture to it.

We typically go with linen sheets and Quince is our go-to. Their neutral linen sheets are a classic and these striped ones are so cute too. We didn’t list these here, but we also sometimes get our clients sheets from Costco. They have great affordable but nice options.

When it comes to duvets, we normally stick to a linen or cotton option. I think the Zara Home Pinstriped Duvet is so charming and love the thin stripes. The Sand Linen Duvet Cover is another one of our favorites because it’s good quality and comes in SO many colors and a few cute patterns.

Last but not least, a couple of our favorite quilts for layering bedding. For a an affordable option that comes in lots of colors, we normally go with the Organic Airy Gauze Box Quilt. This one from Zara Home has a little bit more personality with the dainty dot detail.

We hope this list helps take some of the guesswork out of styling your own home and gives you some new favorite sources. Thank you for reading, and as always, let us know if you have any questions!

Because we want to encourage working with a professional installer, we’re sharing what we do to prepare, plan, and make smart choices when it comes to all things wallpaper. These are tips we’ve gathered through our own experience and from professional installers we’ve worked with over the years.

#1 — We don’t recommend peel-and-stick. You may think it’s easier than traditional wallpaper, but speaking from experience, it can sometimes be more complicated than the real thing. Because of the way it adheres, it’s more prone to issues like bubbling or not lying flat. If you’re in a rental, this may be the only option and worth exploring, but it isn’t the best choice if you own your home.

#2 — Make a general estimate of how much wallpaper you’ll need for budgeting purposes. Even though we recommend having your wallpaper installer measure your space for the final wallpaper order, there are things you can do to get a rough idea of how many panels you will need. Our designers take the elevations in AutoCAD and draw out the panels to see how much is needed. Another option is to take your square footage/wall measurements and use a wallpaper calculator (maybe even use multiple calculators to double-check). We like the calculator from Wallpaper Direct and we also have one on our W.D.C. Home website.

#3 — Leave your windows, doors, and built-ins as part of your measurements; don’t cut them out. You will need the wallpaper to go above doors and below windows, so you can’t exclude them from your measurements. Treat the wall as if it’s all blank.

#4 — Account for the base, crown, and built-in’s of the wall in your measuring. You can minus the square footage of these details in your space.

#5 — Add at least 15% to your order. We always buy at least an extra double roll for our orders. You’ll never be able to order from that same dye lot again, and just like keeping a can of paint, it’s good to have extra stored away in case something happens to your walls later in life or during installation.

#6 — Wallpaper your outlets, switch-plate covers, and maybe even your vents. This makes everything look more seamless and clean. Let your installer know ahead of time so they can pattern-match.

#7—Prepare your walls. Your walls will ideally be Level 5 smooth to be wallpapered (definitely the preference of the installers), although we’ve wallpapered Level 4 drywall and it’s turned out beautifully. For more information on wall prep, visit our Paint Guide. We also recommend painting your walls to match the wallpaper background so the seams don’t show - this is essential with darker background wallpapers.

A Few More Tips from Our Designers—

• Don’t double-check — triple-check.

• Ceilings are actually triple the cost in labor. This isn’t meant to discourage wallpapering the ceiling (we love how this looks and do it quite often), but it’s something to keep in mind.

• Don’t do an accent wall. Commit to it!

• Consider what art and rugs your space will have when selecting wallpaper. You want to make sure the wallpaper will be a good backdrop for those pieces.

• Embrace the seams in your grasscloth. It’s just the nature of the material and part of what makes it special.

• If you are hesitant to use wallpaper because you’ve removed wallpaper from an older home please know that so much has changed in recent years - wallpaper and the paste used has evolved so much that removing wallpaper is not difficult like it was in the past. No need to be hesitant!

My final thoughts on wallpaper:

Wallpaper contributes greatly to a space - both in aesthetic and in feeling. Not many design elements have such a high-impact vs. the cost of it. I’m a big fan of wallpaper, particularly textures and subtle patterns that are easily layered with art and window coverings, which is why we created our own wallpaper.

I recently visited the Vanderbuilt mansions in Newport, RI and much of the wallpaper was still in tact and just as beautiful and relevant today. If it’s the right wallpaper for the room, for the aesthetic of the home, it can outlast most of the furniture and other details in the room, and it’s a favorite detail for most interior designers for a reason.

What are your thoughts and experiences with wallpaper? (If you have any pictures please share) We love our community on here and need all the advice and experience we can get!

choosing between custom and non-custom

One of the first choices you’ll have to make is whether you want to do a custom or non-custom door. In our own projects, we do end up doing a lot of custom doors, but they’re a lot more involved and technical—they require drawings and specifications like the thickness of mullions and more consideration for the door hardware.

If custom feels a little bit out of your depth or you aren’t working with a designer, there are some great semi-custom options out there. TruStile is one of our very favorites and where we get 90% of our doors. It’s a semi-custom option because, on their site, you can customize the sticking and what kind of panel you want (raised, flat, etc.) When it comes to choosing the sticking, we typically go with a bevel, bolection moulding, quarter bead, or roman ogee.

our favorite TruStile profiles—

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For this reason, we get lots of questions in our chat and on Instagram about trim, baseboards, t&g, crown moulding, etc. and we wanted to share a few resources and tips that will make the process a whole lot easier.

Step #1 - Know what style your house is

This might seem like a simple tip, but it makes all of the difference and can really help you to narrow down your options. The thing about moulding is that whatever is historically accurate is what will typically end up looking the best in a home - because it feels authentic. Two of our favorite books that will help you to narrow down the style of your home are A Field Guide to American Houses and Get Your House Right.

Step #2 - Gather inspiration

We give this tip all of the time and it’s because it’s so important - don’t skip this step. You’ll really want to think through what kind of mouldings you like or what kind of look you’re going for. Scour Pinterest or design books, photos of hotels you like, any inspiration and find examples of the kind of crown moulding you like or a trim piece that you really like. Do you like a chair rail? a reeded option? v-groove paneling? And if you can’t visualize what any of these look like - that’s okay! Just gather your inspiration and then that’s where we go to the next step.

Step #3 - Gather moulding options - we recommend going to Kuiken Brother’s website - they are such a great resource

They have mouldings broken up by style, they have packages for different ceiling heights, mantel styles (with examples), crown combinations, etc. I would suggest exploring a little bit on their site just to see what options are out there. We actually curated a section on the Kuiken Brothers website to do a little bit of the work for you (and for our future projects). If you feel that you have a similar style to a lot of the projects you seem from us, this curated collection would be a great place to start.

View our curated collection here

Step #4 - Choose a profile and material

Once you’ve gotten to this point, it still might be feeling a little overwhelming with everything you’ve seen or maybe can’t visualize how different profiles will look once they’re installed. Here are a few inspiration images of the moulding and millwork that we use most, followed by a breakdown of which profiles you would need to create a similar look. Note: when it comes to choosing a material, if we were to rank the materials from good to best, it would go: MDF, then primed pine, with primed poplar at the top.

These tips are overly simplified (for the sake of making this into a digestible post). With that said, this information should be enough to help you with the basics and if it’s more complex and feeling outside of your depth, we would suggest consulting with an expert. Whether that’s through a designer, more education (we would suggest Brent Hull’s videos) or even the moulding company (like Kuiken) - any of these would be great options to help you through the process.

We also created a course last year with Ryan Mulkeen of Kuiken Brothers. It’s called Mastering Finish Work: The Art of Mouldings in Interior Design and covers the basics like material, application, various profiles, etc. We tailored the course for industry professionals but it offers valuable guidance for homeowners embarking on personal projects as well. This course can be purchased here on the W.D.C. Home website.

Now let’s get to your questions!

FIREPLACE MATERIALS/INSERTS

#1 Best fireplace inserts?

The Birmingham Fireplace is a great one for a more traditional home that wants a wood burning/gas option. For more customized sizes we recommend Isokern and if you are looking for both traditional and contemporary, Ortal has some great options. In my home, I used the Heat & Glo because I wanted a double-sided fireplace and this was the best option I could find. For a standard glass-front gas insert my go-to is the Heat & Glo True Series.

#2 Do you ever use refractory panels inside the firebox? If so, what brand/make?

We have done it in the past to conserve budget, however it isn’t typically our first choice. In a modern home it could work well. As far as brands go, this is something you would probably want to talk to your rep. or vendor about because there are so many regulations.

#3 Favorite brick source for fireplaces?

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If you want to extend the life of your upholstery, here are a few things we recommend:

#1 Have your upholstery cleaned professionally (depending on the material)—This is something I would recommend once a year. There are professional companies that specialize in cleaning natural material upholstery. But not all upholstery cleaners are equipped to handle natural fibers safely. Many standard carpet and upholstery cleaning services focus on synthetics and can actually damage delicate natural fabrics if they use the wrong method. So make sure you choose the cleaning company carefully if your sofa or chairs are made of natural materials.

#2 Cover pieces with a sheet or throw—This is an old method you may have seen your grandmother do, but it works! And it doesn’t have to be ugly, either. In the photo below, we used a throw blanket to cover the seat cushion of the sofa from our Spring Creek project — and it actually turned out to be one of my favorite details in the living room.

#3 Cover cushions with a thin cushion—We found some elevated versions of these thin cushions on Arhaus and West Elm. They are easy to throw on and take care of and less expensive to replace than having to reupholster your sofa.

I love this one from W Concept that has a subtle print to it.

#4 Use a fabric shaver to remove pilling and surface fuzz. Here is a link to one that is top rated for upholstery.

#5 Rotate your cushions regularly to even out wear.

#6 Keep furniture out of direct sunlight (if possible) to prevent uneven fading. You can do this by pulling your drapes or by covering your furniture. Here is a link to a cover we like from Etsy & another from Pottery Barn.

#7 Vacuum regularly to remove dust and debris from the surface of the fabric. I know for some vacuum cleaners there are attachments you can get that work will for fabric surfaces. This is the attachment I use: Dyson Mini Motorized Tool.

#8 Clean spills quickly so they don’t set in. This is very important! As soon as a spill is made or a scuff is seen, take time to clean it right away before it really sets into the fabric. I would research the best way to clean the material you have but blotting and cold water is usually a good place to start.

So much of today’s conversation focuses on “durability” that we forget the beauty of natural materials—and how they wear over time. There is, of course, a place for performance fabrics, and we use them when needed. But textiles have been around for thousands of years. When we walk through a historic home or a European castle, we don’t criticize a snag or a stain—we admire the craftsmanship and the patina. We feel the soul of a lived-in space.

We try to think this way about the homes we create. Natural materials ground us, giving depth and character. They age—and they age well. This is true for textiles as much as wood, marble, and brass. All beautiful things require care. Caring for materials shouldn’t be seen as a chore, but as a privilege—a small act of love toward the home you live in.

If you liked this post and want a further deep dive into the topic, we recently added another guide to our journal that breaks down all things textiles. We cover how they’re made, what we consider when choosing them, our thoughts on performance fabrics vs. natural fibers and how to choose the right material for you or your client. Use the link above to access the guide. Note: these guides are only available for founding members to our journal, which is an upgrade from the basic paid membership. If you have any questions about founding memberships or how to upgrade, send us a message!

our collaborations

If you follow us on Instagram, you might have seen that I was in Ohio last week - and you’re probably wondering why. We’re working on a flooring collection (curating the best tile, carpet, and wood flooring options and bringing them all together for you in one online shop) with an amazing showroom, so we flew out to Columbus to meet with some brands and see what they had to offer. We looked at lots of product, learned a lot, and even found some great budget-friendly options to add to the collection. I’d call that a win.

Out of everything we saw, the wood (and wood-alternative) floors surprised me the most. I mean, who knew there was a laminate floor on the market that actually looked good? I’m curious if you can tell which one of the photos below is laminate (because it totally fooled me). We also saw some really nice LVP options. While I usually lean toward natural materials, I completely understand why vinyl flooring can be such a good, affordable choice for lots of people. Excited to share more with you soon!

We also saw some really pretty wool carpet samples and we’re hoping to offer a few as custom rugs online. More to come on that - but I’d love to hear if there are specific sizes or styles you’re always searching for but can never find.

And of course, since tile is what kicked off this whole collaboration, we spent plenty of time looking at that too (my camera roll is proof - so many tile photos). We found timeless classics along with some fun ones, like an octagon dot and a reeded subway. Best of all, a lot of the options we loved will be really affordable!

On another note, Columbus totally surprised me with its restaurants and shopping. A few favorites: Marcella’s, Del Mar, So Cal & Brassica.

from our subscriber chat

If you aren’t a part of our subscriber chat, you’re seriously missing out! In all seriousness, I think it is such a great resource because there are so many people in it (and you can join the chat here). I try to answer what questions I can and love interacting with you all there, but am truly so impressed by how active everyone is there and how much you all help each other out. Thinking back to when I first started my design career (or even before that when I was remodeling my own home), I would’ve loved to have a place to send in photos of what I was working on and get the input of other people who love design - or if I had a specific question, to have a place I could send it and learn from the experiences of others who were deep in their remodel.

I wanted to share a few examples of what people have been chatting about just to give a glimpse into what you can expect. These are just a few questions that have been sent in this week, but I’ve also included screenshots further down of some of the more in-depth questions and answers.

Note: If you have a free membership, you can see what’s in the chat and respond, but if you want to send in your own messages, you’ll have to be a paid subscriber. Our ask me anything sessions are a step beyond just the normal chat (they’ll be all in one thread so that they’re all in one place and I don’t miss any - and those are for founding members only). If you have any questions about these different tiers or are having issues with the chat, please let us know. We’re continually working with Substack to make sure the platform is user friendly.

round table / what’s inspiring us

—These brass and metal islands by Dewinter Metalworks are so cool - just watch this reel to see all the detail that went into making the island in the photo below. Definitely something we’re keeping in mind for a couple of our projects.

—This one is for my fellow designers. If you don’t follow this account on Instagram, you should! They post lots of helpful tips and do polls/research amongst designers to share what’s working for people collectively. I really liked this post where they broke up the amount of time it takes to design per room.

—I love these unique tile layouts from MA Tile & Stone Collection (another great follow on Instagram.

—High gloss ceilings and paint: It’s definitely not for everyone or every project, but when it is a fit, it looks so cool. We’ve seen other designers using a high-gloss or polished plaster that feels like such a unique alternative and fits better with our aesthetic. I’ve also come across high-gloss wallpaper, which could be a fun, less permanent option (and maybe better for installation/wear). A lacquer paint isn’t the best fit for any of our current projects, but it’s something we’d be excited to try when the right opportunity comes along.

—Always a fan of small scale wallpaper and this one from Whittney Parkinson Design’s latest project is so cute. I’ve also been loving these sconces (right photo) from Claude Home Lighting. They have lots of great colors and I love how they feel charming and delicate.

Guy Goodfellow is a London-based interior design firm led by Guy himself alongside Creative Director Steven Rodel. Known for respecting architectural heritage while bringing in a sense of contemporary elegance, the firm has earned a place on House & Garden’s Top 100 and Country Life’s list of Britain’s best interior designers.

In this Q&A, Steven opened up about his thoughts on “perfectly imperfect” spaces, the beauty of patina and age, his design process, and the artisans and sources that inspire him. We can’t wait for you to dive into this conversation—it’s a good one.

#1 What does the phrase “perfectly imperfect” mean to you in the context of interiors?
It’s that point where comfort meets character—where a space feels lived in, settled, and completely at ease with itself. A perfectly imperfect room is never too polished or self-conscious; it’s layered and relaxed, with the odd clash, frayed edge, scuff, or irregularity adding to its charm rather than taking away from it.

#2 Why do you think imperfection is often more inviting or beautiful than perfection?
Because it takes the edge off. A flawless space can feel cold and untouchable, but the gentle wear in a timber floor or the soft fade of a favourite fabric signals that the room is one that is used and enjoyed. Imperfection adds humanity, and humanity makes people feel at home. It is also much softer on the senses, your eye moves across the room and tells a story of all the conversations and lives that have passed through it rather than feeling like a stark gallery space.

#3 How does your design process account for aging—of materials, furnishings, or the house itself?
We design with the long view in mind. Just as we layer patterns in a considered hierarchy, we choose finishes and fabrics knowing how they will develop over time. Brass will deepen, oak will mellow, and textiles will soften and a patina of time will develop, all part of the evolving harmony of a home.

#4 In your view, what gives a space soul?
Soul comes from a mix of history, craftsmanship, and personality. It’s in the antique mantel re-homed in a new building, the cast-iron radiator left proudly on show, the chintz that’s been reupholstered rather than replaced. It’s a space where every element earns its place, and nothing feels like a set piece. It’s also an uncontrived lack of perfection, with some pieces that don't necessarily fit - that belong there because the inhabitants love them, and that makes them work.

#5 Are there certain materials you find become more beautiful as they age?

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Outlets are a code requirement in kitchens and bathrooms—but they also have a major visual impact. A poorly placed outlet can disrupt an otherwise beautiful backsplash or interrupt clean cabinetry lines. On the flip side, thoughtful placement can preserve your aesthetic and make your space more functional.

Note: You may notice that many of our photos on Instagram or Substack don’t show outlets—and that’s intentional. We often edit them out to keep the image clean and focused on the design, but in real life, outlets are a necessity. While they can stand out in a still photo, they tend to blend into the background in everyday use—and thoughtful placement can make all the difference.

Things to consider with outlet placement

FUNCTIONALITY FIRST

The most obvious place for an outlet is where you typically need to plug in an appliance—a curling iron or blow dryer in the bathroom, a blender or coffee maker in the kitchen. Surprisingly, even in these obvious areas, the number of outlets/placement is still often overlooked. My tip when thinking about outlets in these common places is to really think how you’ll be using your space. For example, I didn’t put enough outlets in my own bathroom, which makes it frustrating when trying to have my hair dryer and other things plugged in at the same time. Once you know where and how many you need, consider placement that is the most convenient and the least distracting.

For the spaces below, we didn’t use any special covers or integration techniques, we just tried to choose the least distracting, most convenient place to have an outlet. If the placement of the outlet is functionally inconvenient, it will bother you more than the way it looks.

INTEGRATE THEM

If your backsplash has a bold pattern or a natural stone slab, a standard white outlet right in the middle can be distracting. Consider using outlets or covers that match the hardware, maybe horizontal outlets that blend into the grout lines, or for slab backsplashes, see if your fabricator can notch the stone to recess the outlet and keep it flush. In my opinion, if you are already going to have an outlet/outlet cover that stands out, maybe go for a brass or stainless plate rather than a white or black.

In the example above, we chose an outlet cover that would match this island to make it less distracting and more visuality appealing. Below are some other creative ideas for integrating your outlets (choosing a brass cover to stand out or laying it flush and painting it to match the tile/stone).

If your space features wallpaper or a bold paint color, consider painting the outlet cover to match or wrapping it in wallpaper. It’s a simple detail that helps the outlet visually blend into the wall, keeping the focus on the design. We have also seen clear outlet covers that can make less of a statement and blend well.

Another thing to consider is the color of the actual outlet. Maybe try to go for a creamier color rather than a stark white or black. Some brands offer creams, beiges, or other colors that may blend better with your space. In our office, we chose some from Amazon that would blend well with the color of our desks. Legrand also has some great, more unique color options.

HIDE THEM (IF YOU CAN)

When possible, tuck outlets out of direct sight—on the side panels of islands or end cabinets, just underneath upper cabinets, or even inside drawers/cabinets (ideal for charging stations or hidden appliances).

In one of our recent projects, we used small, round outlets that were more discreet and matched the marble for a seamless look. Here’s a link to some we like! We’ve also seen other designers tuck outlets into the molding of an island or base cabinetry for a truly hidden solution (see example here & here).

If you’ve been following along with new code updates, you’ve probably heard rumors that there are some new restrictions that no longer allow outlets on the side of kitchen island. While these haven’t been enforced in Utah yet, I do have lots of thoughts on this new code restriction (and have talked to many of you about it in Instagram DMs). It has also had us exploring alternative solutions. One option we’ve seen is pop-up outlets installed directly into the island countertop—functional, but often tricky to keep clean. Another option that’s newer to us is a brand that offers small, round outlets with brass caps, which feel like a more elegant and low-profile solution.

options for outlet plate covers: option 1 & option 2

PLAN EARLY

Outlet placement should be considered at the design development stage, not as an afterthought. This is especially important if you're working with custom cabinetry or integrated appliances.

As we mentioned earlier, what's possible will ultimately depend on the electrical code in your area—so always check with your contractor or electrician. Our hope is that this sparks some creative thinking and highlights how important outlet placement really is in a well-designed space. If you have questions or ideas to share, we’d love to hear them. This is a topic we’re always learning more about, especially as codes and technologies continue to evolve.

Links to all of our recommendations

1. Legrand Outlet Covers

2. Prado Round Outlets

3. Legrand Outlet

4. Amazon Outlet From Our Office

5. Lewis Outlet Cover

6. Forbes & Lomax Outlet Cover (Aged Unlaquered Brass)

7. Forged Brass Cover (House of Antique Hardware)

8. Fenton Single GFCI Switchplate (Several Finishes)

9. Paintable Outlet Cover

*With that being said, these are just our own opinions and of course there is always a time and place to break even our own rules from time to time ;)

#1 DO plan for floor outlets. They’re easy to overlook, but make a huge difference when you want to plug in a floor lamp or table lamp that isn’t close to a wall.

#2 DON’T impulse buy just because it’s a deal. It’s easy to let a deal sway your decision making, but if it doesn’t end up working in your space then you’re not really getting a deal. Try to be really intentional about what you purchase (especially furniture).

#3 DO start with a concept board. Even if you plan to furnish your living room over time, having a strong idea of the end result will help you to stay on track (and avoid getting overwhelmed). If you need some help creating a concept board we have a class for that!

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In this article we’re sharing the different cabinet styles we most frequently use and providing a LOT of cabinetry inspiration from our own projects and others we are inspired by.

Our eight most commonly used cabinet door styles

Inspiration for your next cabinetry remodel

If you’re looking to dive deeper into the different types of cabinetry, we’ve put together a comprehensive cabinetry guide that shares everything we’ve learned through our experience. It includes insights on cabinet construction, materials, storage solutions, hardware selection, common mistakes to avoid, and even a helpful checklist to guide you through the process. You can explore the full guide below.

We hope this post offered plenty of inspiration for your next cabinetry project. If you have any questions, feel free to leave them in the comments, we’re always happy to help. Thanks so much for reading!

This project is located in Salt Lake City’s historic Avenues neighborhood. While this house was a new build, we wanted it to feel like it belonged and echoed some of the character of the area, while still feeling fresh. A lot of new homes in this area lean heavily modern, with “boxy” silhouettes. We took a different approach, drawing inspiration from modern Belgian architecture and partnering with Hebdon Architects.

*the home was staged to sell so we just took strategic iPhone pics and did the best we could to show off our favorite elements and rooms in the house

designing for the market while staying true to our W approach

This was a departure from our typical client-based projects. The client here was an investor planning to sell the home after completion. That meant two things: a strict budget and more creative freedom. This challenged us to make smart, high-impact design decisions—splurging strategically, cutting in the right places, and taking risks that (thankfully) paid off.

If you’re designing your own home or renovating a space to sell, we hope this behind-the-scenes look helps you feel more confident in making choices that add both value and beauty to your home.

paint

We chose to use Portola’s roman clay throughout the home. It’s a decorative, lime based paint that has more of a plaster finish. It costs a bit more than standard, but has a depth and texture that immediately elevates a space. While it can be 2x the cost of regular paint, it’s a lot more affordable than using millwork everywhere and still has a great payoff.

We also made a few bold paint color choices, like the deep green in the powder bath. I think this color helped the space to feel richer and more high end. When done thoughtfully, paint is one of the easiest things to change down the line, so it’s a great area to take design risks that help a space stand out.

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