This resonates so much with me! As someone pursuing design, I often find myself gravitating to simple timeless, design… and feeling like it’s not enough to be in the design world! But it truly is a service to those who will live in the home now and later to exercise restraint
Feeling “not good enough” is probably the hallmark indicator of a designer so it sounds like you already are an interior designer! 😂 I love that you are drawn towards the classic - that is a gift for your clients. How we execute it is where our talents really shine. Best of luck as you continue to pursue design!
I’m in a similar position with pursuing design, and I’ve been learning kitchen design through my flooring job. I have customers that I’ve done “basic “kitchens for. And I’ve questioned if I’m not serving them well enough because I’m not doing any trendy or groundbreaking things. But to hear them at the end say they wouldn’t change a thing, and couldn’t be happier, tells me I did exactly what I needed to do. In the end it’s all about the customer.
I used to subscribe to architectural Digest and none of it was relatable. It felt like it was a showpiece for celebrities. And the goal is to be as extravagant as possible. Not relatable for the majority of people. And it kind of gives this idea that if you’re not “out there” in your design, you’re boring. …Restraint is not something our culture really values enough of.
I work in a kitchen design studio and I could not agree more. The wheel does not need to be reinvented every time. My favorite projects are always the ones with fewer, extremely well executed elements.
Thank you for commenting - so validating coming from a kitchen designer. It really is true - we don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just add unique to the home/inhabitant touches here and there
Such a thoughtful, insightful post. Kitchens are the hub of our families not a show place. They should be above all functional and timeless. I think your kitchen is stylish and classic. I love your work because it always check those boxes. Most people would be thrilled to work and live in such a pretty kitchen. Congratulations for staying true to yourself.
Thank you for your thoughts, Ferdy! I agree - how could anyone ever question a nice kitchen - it’s such a gift no matter what it looks like. Thank you for the kind compliment and for being here!
I love these thoughts and love your kitchen!! I often think that about my own remodel I did 2 yrs ago… as a fellow interior designer, sometimes I feel like I shoulda been bolder, but it’s a cozy, functional space with classic materials- wood, white, and natural stone. The memories made, the kids art pinned up on the fridge- that’s what matters!
I’m glad to know I’m not alone - thank you for validating what I think a lot of us designers wrestle with when it comes to our own homes. And your kitchen sounds classic and beautiful and I couldnt agree more that the kids art and all of our accessories of life are what matters!
Thank you for this wise insight. I'm in the middle of figuring out my kitchen remodel. Have waited 20 years and need it to look good for another 20. I squealed when I saw your Mill Road Project. Exact vibe I'm aiming for. Always love your designs and wise insights.
Yes, so many of us wait years and years saving to update our kitchens and when we finally have the opportunity we truly need it to last. I’m so happy that Mill Road can serve as inspo. I do think it’s a classic design that will age beautifully!
Amen! This article resonated with me so much, thank you for pushing against the trends and “insta kitchens.” I love what you said, and love your 100 year old kitchen you designed.
Agreed! Love a timeless kitchen! Sometimes I wonder if the client of a bold and trendy kitchen wants to kill the designer after living in it for a while.
Marianne, your kitchen Counter stools are great! Would you share where they are from?
Jackie, I've wondered the same thing! And my kitchen stools are a lucky find from Round Top - they are antique - glad you like them and I wish I had a source for you.
Breaking the Internet with a room doesn’t do anything for the inhabitants. It’s mostly show, nobody lives that way. Your designs are simple, but elegant. They support the people that live there. They let the people fill that room with authentic things, and mostly the enjoyment of a well designed, and well put together home.
This resonates so much with me! As someone pursuing design, I often find myself gravitating to simple timeless, design… and feeling like it’s not enough to be in the design world! But it truly is a service to those who will live in the home now and later to exercise restraint
Feeling “not good enough” is probably the hallmark indicator of a designer so it sounds like you already are an interior designer! 😂 I love that you are drawn towards the classic - that is a gift for your clients. How we execute it is where our talents really shine. Best of luck as you continue to pursue design!
I’m in a similar position with pursuing design, and I’ve been learning kitchen design through my flooring job. I have customers that I’ve done “basic “kitchens for. And I’ve questioned if I’m not serving them well enough because I’m not doing any trendy or groundbreaking things. But to hear them at the end say they wouldn’t change a thing, and couldn’t be happier, tells me I did exactly what I needed to do. In the end it’s all about the customer.
Yes, yes and yes!!!
Your kitchen was my inspiration kitchen!! It’s definitely a space where form follows function!
I think you’re right on, Marianne.
I used to subscribe to architectural Digest and none of it was relatable. It felt like it was a showpiece for celebrities. And the goal is to be as extravagant as possible. Not relatable for the majority of people. And it kind of gives this idea that if you’re not “out there” in your design, you’re boring. …Restraint is not something our culture really values enough of.
Appreciate your thoughts!
I work in a kitchen design studio and I could not agree more. The wheel does not need to be reinvented every time. My favorite projects are always the ones with fewer, extremely well executed elements.
Thank you for commenting - so validating coming from a kitchen designer. It really is true - we don’t need to reinvent the wheel, just add unique to the home/inhabitant touches here and there
Such a thoughtful, insightful post. Kitchens are the hub of our families not a show place. They should be above all functional and timeless. I think your kitchen is stylish and classic. I love your work because it always check those boxes. Most people would be thrilled to work and live in such a pretty kitchen. Congratulations for staying true to yourself.
Thank you for your thoughts, Ferdy! I agree - how could anyone ever question a nice kitchen - it’s such a gift no matter what it looks like. Thank you for the kind compliment and for being here!
I love these thoughts and love your kitchen!! I often think that about my own remodel I did 2 yrs ago… as a fellow interior designer, sometimes I feel like I shoulda been bolder, but it’s a cozy, functional space with classic materials- wood, white, and natural stone. The memories made, the kids art pinned up on the fridge- that’s what matters!
I’m glad to know I’m not alone - thank you for validating what I think a lot of us designers wrestle with when it comes to our own homes. And your kitchen sounds classic and beautiful and I couldnt agree more that the kids art and all of our accessories of life are what matters!
Your kitchen is gorgeous! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much
Thank you for this wise insight. I'm in the middle of figuring out my kitchen remodel. Have waited 20 years and need it to look good for another 20. I squealed when I saw your Mill Road Project. Exact vibe I'm aiming for. Always love your designs and wise insights.
Yes, so many of us wait years and years saving to update our kitchens and when we finally have the opportunity we truly need it to last. I’m so happy that Mill Road can serve as inspo. I do think it’s a classic design that will age beautifully!
Amen! This article resonated with me so much, thank you for pushing against the trends and “insta kitchens.” I love what you said, and love your 100 year old kitchen you designed.
Thank you Whitney! It’s always lovely to “see” you on here!
Agreed! Love a timeless kitchen! Sometimes I wonder if the client of a bold and trendy kitchen wants to kill the designer after living in it for a while.
Marianne, your kitchen Counter stools are great! Would you share where they are from?
Jackie, I've wondered the same thing! And my kitchen stools are a lucky find from Round Top - they are antique - glad you like them and I wish I had a source for you.
Breaking the Internet with a room doesn’t do anything for the inhabitants. It’s mostly show, nobody lives that way. Your designs are simple, but elegant. They support the people that live there. They let the people fill that room with authentic things, and mostly the enjoyment of a well designed, and well put together home.
Agreed - what does "popularity" have to do with the day to day of the inhabitants?! Thank you for sharing your thoughts and your kind words.
Love love love 🩵 all these thoughts!!! Bravo!
Thank you Alison!