Designing Your Space, Designing Yourself: A Journey of Growth
Every year brings a sense of reflection and renewal. Whether it’s the start of a new year, a birthday, or the first blooms of spring, there’s always a moment when we pause to look back at where we’ve been and where we’re headed. For me, that reflection often comes with a journal in hand, scribbling my goals, achievements, frustrations, and even my moments of losing my cool (hello, chaos).
Reviewing the past year helps me appreciate the progress I’ve made, the lessons learned, and the areas where I still need to grow. It puts time into perspective—reminding me that change is never perfect or immediate but always worth celebrating.
As a mom running an interior design business from home, I spend a lot of time thinking about how our environments influence us. Our homes aren’t just where we live—they’re reflections of who we are and who we’re becoming. A cohesive, organized, and beautiful space can inspire us to grow, just as a chaotic one can hold us back.
Design as a Metaphor for Life
Think of designing your home as designing the life you want to live. If you want to grow in your career, what does your workspace say about your ambitions? Does it support your focus with good lighting, thoughtful organization, and inspiring touches like art and natural elements?
If health is your goal, how is your environment helping you achieve it? Is your kitchen set up for easy meal prep and nourishment? Are your vitamins and supplements within reach? Do you have spaces dedicated to mental and physical well-being—like a cozy corner to journal or meditate, or space for workouts and recovery?
Every small change to your environment is a step toward shaping the life you envision. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the scope of what you want to accomplish, but growth—both in your home and in yourself—isn’t about perfection. It’s about starting somewhere, building momentum, and watching how the pieces come together over time.
Turning a Snow Day Into a Start
This year began with what felt like the world’s longest Christmas break. After juggling two family birthdays, holiday travels, and trying to make the season magical for my kids, I was more than ready to jump back into work—only for snow days to extend the chaos. It felt like the universe threw a snowball at me, laughing.
But instead of spiraling into frustration, I decided to use the extra time at home to create something meaningful. I finally tackled the project I’d been putting off for over a year: hanging artwork to create a focal wall in our primary bedroom.
This wasn’t just any wall. It now holds pieces that reflect love and connection in my life: a painting by my dad, an ink rendering of the house I was born in, a candid photo captured of me and my husband, and more. My son even helped me with his toy hammer, and my baby girl practiced crawling on the rug as we worked together to transform the space.
It’s not perfect, but it’s a start. The earthy, natural tones of the wall remind me of how deeply connected I am to this home and the memories we’re building in it. The joy I feel walking into this room now is a reminder of what I want this year to be: a time of growth, love, and beautiful transformations—not just in my home but in the lives of my family, friends, and my clients as well.
Small Steps, Big Impact
Design and personal growth go hand in hand. It doesn’t take a full renovation to feel fulfilled in your home. It’s about starting small and appreciating the journey. Move some furniture. Swap out your pillows or bedding. Hang a piece of art. Add a plant. Change the lighting. Each small step builds momentum, and before you know it, the life you dreamed of starts taking shape.
Just like when you change your diet—you don’t dive straight into baking sourdough and obsessing over apps like Yuka on day one. You start by cutting out sugar and processed foods, and the rest follows.
This year, I’m taking the time to appreciate where I am now, how far I’ve come, and where I want to go. I’m inviting you to do the same. Your home can be the foundation for the life you want to live. It’s your canvas—start creating.
