How can I, as an Interior Designer, make your home more sustainable?


As an interior designer, my approach to creating sustainable homes is centered on the profound impact that thoughtful design choices can have on both the environment and the well-being of the occupants. Here’s how I, as a designer, integrate sustainability into my projects:

Material Selection

  • Prioritizing Sustainability: I choose materials that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible. This means opting for recycled, reclaimed, or sustainably sourced materials whenever possible. I also look for products with low VOC emissions to ensure healthier indoor air quality.

  • Durability Matters: I focus on selecting materials that are built to last. By choosing high-quality, durable finishes and furnishings, I help my clients invest in pieces that won't need to be replaced frequently, reducing waste and promoting sustainability.

Energy Efficiency

  • Innovative Lighting Solutions: I integrate energy-efficient lighting into my designs, such as LED fixtures, and make the most of natural light, reducing the home's energy consumption.

  • Smart Home Technology: Recommending energy-efficient appliances and smart systems for heating, cooling, and water usage is a standard part of my practice. These technologies not only reduce energy bills but also lessen the home's environmental footprint.

Water Efficiency

  • Conserving Water: I specify low-flow fixtures in bathrooms and kitchens to minimize water use. Where applicable, I incorporate systems for rainwater harvesting and greywater use to further conserve this vital resource.

Waste Reduction

  • Creative Reuse: I encourage my clients to see the beauty and potential in repurposed and upcycled items. This approach not only adds unique character to their spaces but also aligns with the principles of circular design by reducing consumption and waste.

  • Adaptable Design: I select furniture that is versatile and multifunctional, anticipating the evolving needs of the space and its occupants, which discourages the disposable culture often seen in interior design.

We used these vintage doors in this home to add character and also reduce consumption

Enhancing Indoor Environmental Quality

  • Healthy Living Environments: I am committed to choosing finishes and materials that contribute to a healthy indoor environment, avoiding those that emit harmful chemicals and pollutants.

  • Maximizing Natural Ventilation: Designing spaces that encourage natural airflow helps to reduce the need for air conditioning, promoting a healthier and more sustainable living environment.

Educating and Influencing

  • A Role Beyond Design: I see it as part of my responsibility to educate my clients about the benefits and possibilities of sustainable design. By demonstrating how eco-friendly choices can be both beautiful and functional, I aim to inspire a broader adoption of sustainable practices.

Incorporating sustainability into my design philosophy is about creating spaces that are not only beautiful but also kind to the planet and healthy for those who inhabit them. It's a holistic approach that considers the environmental impact of every choice, from materials and energy use to water conservation and waste reduction. My goal is to create homes that are as sustainable as they are stunning, proving that style and sustainability can go hand in hand.

Can you mix metals?

Yes, in fact it’s highly encouraged! Mixing metals in interior design is a popular and effective strategy to add depth, interest, and layers to a space. When done thoughtfully, it can elevate the aesthetic appeal of a room and create a rich, nuanced look. Here are some tips for mixing metals successfully:

1. Choose a Dominant Metal

  • Hierarchy: Select one metal finish as the primary or dominant metal in your space. This will serve as the main color tone around which other metal accents will revolve.

  • Consistency: Using your dominant metal in several places creates a sense of cohesion. This could be in light fixtures, door hardware, or furniture pieces.

In this bathroom I actually mixed three different metals. The flooring helps unify the different tones so it feels cohesive

2. Incorporate Accent Metals

  • Contrast and Complement: Choose one or two accent metals that complement or contrast nicely with your dominant metal. For example, if your primary metal is warm (like brass or copper), you could select cooler accent metals (like chrome or stainless steel) for a striking visual balance.

  • Limit Choices: To maintain harmony and avoid clutter, it's generally advisable not to mix more than two or three different metal finishes in a single room.

In this bathroom the brass was used as an accent to bring some warm tones to the bathroom

3. Distribute Evenly

  • Spatial Distribution: Spread your metal finishes throughout the space to create a balanced look. Avoid clustering all elements of one metal in a single area.

  • Visual Balance: Use your accent metals in various decorative elements such as lamps, frames, or small furniture pieces to balance the visual weight across the room.

4. Match Finishes

  • Finish Styles: Pay attention to the finish of your metals (e.g., polished, matte, brushed). Metals with similar finishes can coexist more harmoniously, even if their colors differ.

  • Texture and Patina: Mixing textures can add depth to your space. For example, a polished finish might bring a touch of elegance, while a brushed or matte finish can contribute to a more subdued, sophisticated look.

5. Consider the Room’s Color Palette

  • Color Harmony: Metals should complement the room’s overall color scheme. Warm-toned metals like brass or gold work well with warm colors, while cool-toned metals like silver or chrome pair nicely with cool colors.

  • Neutral Backgrounds: Metals often stand out beautifully against neutral backgrounds, making them focal points without overwhelming the space.

6. Use Metals as Unifying Elements

  • Thematic Links: Use metals to tie together different elements within the space or across rooms for a cohesive home design. This could mean repeating the use of a specific metal finish in various rooms or furnishings.

7. Experiment with Accessories

  • Accessories as Test Grounds: If you're unsure about mixing metals, start with smaller accessories like vases, picture frames, or throw pillows with metallic accents. This low-commitment approach allows you to experiment with combinations before making larger changes.

Mixing metals adds a layer of sophistication and ensures that interior spaces feel curated and dynamic. It's an opportunity to express personal style and create an interior that feels both timeless and on-trend.

Why does Interior Design Matter?


I had always been interested in fashion and design growing up but when I was first deciding whether or not to make interior design my career, I kind of had the thought that it was a frivolous and unimportant career, until I took Interior design class. I quickly found out that interior design matters for several reasons, spanning aesthetic appeal, functionality, psychological well-being, and even economic value. Here's a breakdown of why it's significant and why you should prioritize it in your home.

Enhances Aesthetics and Comfort

  • Visual Appeal: Good interior design transforms a space into a visually appealing environment, making it pleasant and inviting. It involves choosing the right colors, textures, and layouts that fit the personality and tastes of the occupants.

  • Comfort: Designing spaces with comfort in mind improves the quality of life for those using the space. Comfortable, well-thought-out spaces encourage relaxation and can help reduce stress.

Improves Functionality

  • Space Utilization: Effective interior design optimizes the use of space, making it more functional and livable. It ensures that every square foot of space is used efficiently, which is particularly important in smaller living areas.

  • Flow of Movement: Good design considers the flow of movement within the space, arranging elements in a way that makes navigation through the space intuitive and effortless.

Boosts Psychological Well-being

  • Mood and Atmosphere: Colors, lighting, and textures play significant roles in influencing the mood and atmosphere of a space. For example, certain colors can energize a room, while others can create a sense of calm.

  • Personal Space: A well-designed space reflects the identity and preferences of its occupants, making it feel like a personal retreat. This personalization can enhance emotional well-being by making individuals feel more connected to their living or working environment.

Increases Economic Value

  • Property Value: Aesthetically pleasing and functional spaces can increase the market value of a property. Good interior design is often a key selling point in real estate transactions.

  • Cost Efficiency: Thoughtful design can lead to cost savings in the long run, through efficient energy use (by optimizing natural light, for instance) and durable, timeless design choices that reduce the need for frequent renovations.

Fosters Social Interaction

  • Entertaining and Hospitality: Spaces designed with entertaining in mind can facilitate social interaction, making it easier to host guests and hold gatherings.

Enhances Safety

  • Safe Environments: Proper design incorporates safety measures, ensuring that spaces are not only beautiful but also safe for all users, including children and the elderly.

Interior design matters because it significantly impacts our daily lives through the environments we occupy. It's not just about making spaces look attractive; it's about creating environments that improve our quality of life, support our well-being, and meet our functional needs.

Will Interior Design Be Replaced by AI?


The integration of AI into interior design is increasingly becoming a reality, offering tools and technologies that can enhance the design process. However, the idea of AI completely replacing human interior designers is not straightforward. Here are several points to consider:

All of these images were created by AI based on my prompts. I love the texture on this hood!

I love the cabinets in this, although they are not realistic

  1. Enhancement, Not Replacement: AI can significantly enhance the capabilities of interior designers by providing them with tools for better visualization, more efficient space planning, and personalized design recommendations based on vast datasets. These technologies can streamline the design process, making it faster and more efficient, but they don't replace the creative intuition and personal touch that a human designer brings to a project.

  2. Creative and Emotional Intelligence: Interior design is not just about the functional arrangement of space but also about understanding the emotional and aesthetic needs of clients. The ability to interpret a client's vague ideas and turn them into a coherent and visually appealing design requires empathy, intuition, and creativity—qualities that AI currently lacks.

  3. Complex Problem Solving: While AI can suggest design solutions based on predefined parameters and trends, human designers excel at complex problem-solving that involves unique constraints and preferences. As designers, we can negotiate between conflicting client desires, budget limitations, and structural realities in ways that AI might not fully grasp.

  4. Cultural and Contextual Sensitivity: Interior design often involves cultural considerations and sensitivity to the specific context of a project, including historical and environmental aspects. We designers can navigate these nuances and incorporate them into their designs in a way that resonates on a personal level with clients.

  5. The Role of AI in Automation: Certain aspects of design, particularly those involving repetitive tasks or data analysis (such as optimizing space utilization or energy efficiency), are more likely to be automated by AI. This doesn't mean replacing designers but rather freeing them to focus on the more creative and impactful aspects of their work.

  6. Collaboration Between AI and Designers: The future likely holds a collaborative model where AI and human designers work together. AI can provide designers with innovative tools and insights, while designers can imbue projects with the creativity, empathy, and understanding that AI lacks.

Such good inspiration on the cabinets

AI generated kitchen with some interesting floors

Although I don’t love this design, there are some good ideas that can be adapted to fit a real home

While AI will continue to transform the field of interior design by offering powerful tools and efficiencies, the core of interior design—rooted in creativity, emotional intelligence, and human experience—is unlikely to be fully replaced by AI. The relationship between AI and interior design is more about augmentation and collaboration than replacement.

What interior design style do i like?

Discovering your preferred interior design style can be an exciting journey! It involves exploring various elements, themes, and aesthetics to see what resonates with you most. Here are some popular interior design styles to consider:

I often don’t know how to describe the style of a home I design, what would you consider this project? I think I would describe it as modern transitional with a few coastal farmhouse elements.

  1. Modern: Features clean lines, a simple color palette, and the use of materials like metal, glass, and steel.

  2. Contemporary: Focuses on the here and now, with an emphasis on space rather than things. It often includes open spaces and natural light.

  3. Minimalist: Takes notions of modern design and simplifies them further. Color palettes are neutral and airy; furnishings are simple and streamlined, and nothing is excessive or flamboyant in accessories or décor.

  4. Industrial: Draws inspiration from an urban loft or an industrial warehouse. High ceilings, old timber, dangling metal light fixtures, and sparse functional furniture are common.

  5. Mid-Century Modern: Characterized by refined lines, minimalist silhouettes, and natural shapes. It gives a nod to the 1950s and '60s.

  6. Scandinavian: Inspired by the simplicity of life demonstrated in Nordic countries. It blends textures, soft hues, and clean lines.

  7. Traditional: Reflects classic European decor. Themed around dark woods, rich color palettes, and a variety of textures and curved lines.

  8. Bohemian: Represents a carefree lifestyle with little rules, emphasizing vintage furniture, globally inspired textiles, and light fixtures.

  9. Rustic: Draws inspiration from the outdoors and incorporates raw and unfinished elements, including wood and stone.

  10. Shabby Chic: Utilizes antique style and vintage fabrics to create an appearance of age and signs of wear-and-tear.

Reflect on which materials, colors, and furnishings make you feel most at home or excited. Consider looking through magazines, websites, or social media for inspiration.

As we work together, I will guide you through a few questions to help narrow down your preferences, or you can share more about what you're drawn to in your living space. This exercise ensures that we are on the same page and you love the design throughout the process. Also keep in mind that you don’t have to fit into one of these styles, I always love mixing and matching to create a unique but cohesive design.