There’s something about December that always makes me pause and look back at the homes I had the joy of designing throughout the year. Not the furniture or fabrics (though you know I could talk about those forever), but the people who invited me into their lives.
Because at the end of the day, design isn’t just about choosing the perfect sofa or finding that one piece of art that makes a room sing — it’s about understanding how someone truly wants to live.
This year brought so many meaningful moments. Clients who craved color. Families who needed softness and durability. Professionals who wanted a home that exhaled calm at the end of a long day. Each project came with its own wishes, quirks, challenges, and little joys — and that’s exactly what makes this work so fulfilling.
I always say the final reveal is my favorite part of the entire process — and it is. Seeing clients step into a finished space that fully reflects them is a moment I will never get tired of. Their reaction, their excitement, the pause right before they say, “This is exactly what I pictured”… it never gets old.
But there’s a quieter side to the experience too.
One that happens long before the final photos and celebration.
It’s the moment they realize:
“Wait… this is really happening. My home is transforming.”
That spark of excitement is what I love designing around.
I guide my clients through each step so they feel supported, understood, and honestly — a little pampered. Great design should feel effortless on their end, even when there's a million decisions behind the scenes.
Every project has a story. The art that sparked the entryway design. The swatch that unexpectedly became the whole color palette.The custom furniture piece that went from sketch to showstopper.
These stories matter because they’re what make a home feel intentional and personal — not copied, not generic, not “trendy.” And those tiny details are what my clients remember long after the furniture is in place.
As I plan for next year’s projects, I keep coming back to the heart of my work: crafting spaces that reflect who my clients are and who they’re becoming. Whether it’s a cozy family home, a colorful new build, or even an inspiring commercial space, the experience always starts the same way — with listening.
If the new year ahead has you dreaming of a home (or office!) transformation, I’d love to help bring that vision to life. There’s nothing more exciting than starting with a blank slate and watching a meaningful space take shape.
Thank you to every client, every collaborator, and every person who has followed along on this year’s design journey. Your trust and enthusiasm mean everything to me.
Wishing you a December filled with beauty, calm, and the comforts of home. 🤍✨
-Mandie
P.S. Thinking about how your home could feel in the year ahead? Let’s talk. A Discovery Call is the perfect first step to explore your vision, your lifestyle, and how we can create a space that’s uniquely yours. Schedule your call here
.png)
