My Top 10 Interior Design Lessons
For me, this year marks two decades spent working in interior design (and 8 years blogging about it). I’ve spent the start of 2025 reflecting on what I’ve accomplished so far. Over the past 20 years, I’ve designed hundreds of residential and commercial projects around Austin & nationwide, launched my own hardware line, and published my first book this year.
Thinking about everything I’ve learned along the way, I kept coming back to 10 takeaways I rely on time and time again. And I decided to share those 10 interior design lessons with you. As you read through, feel free to dive deeper into the topics that resonate.
1. If a Deal Sounds Too Good to be True, It Probably Is
Quality craftsmanship takes time and care—and that comes at a price. If something sounds too good to be true, it probably is. Always pay attention to a product’s materials and weight, and see it in person before you buy.
2. Trust the Experts, Everytime
You don’t know what you don’t know, and the internet doesn’t take the place of experience. While some jobs may appear to be an easy fix or DIY-able, I always say to defer to the experts. Trust me. You will be so much happier with the end result (and you will probably save money and time not having to fix your mistakes).
3. Prioritize Quality Over Easy
Sometimes, the desire for next-day shipping or to score a deal in a flash sale can distract us from investing in quality pieces. The easy option is seldom the best. Remember, the home design process takes time. Trust me. Quality is worth the wait.
Quality Furnishings
4. Mother Nature Makes Better Than Any Copycat
Humans have gotten pretty good at making materials. But we will never be as good as Mother Nature herself. You cannot recreate the look and feel of natural wood and quarried stone. When you can, always go for the real thing.
5. If It Feels Forced, It Probably Is
It can feel overwhelming to keep up with trends and to try and figure out how the latest and greatest can fit into your home. Well, if it feels forced, it probably is. Don’t succumb to the pressure of keeping up with the Joneses. It’s your home—no one else’s.
6. Choose What You Love, Not What’s in Style
Expanding on that, the only way to live authentically in your home is to fill it with things you love, not what’s in style or expected. Trends will come and go. But an authentically personal design is timeless.
Personalized Decor
7. Consistency Matters
Every home has an architectural style, and it is important to honor it. Look for style indicators like a Craftsman porch, Mediterranean wrought iron accents, or mid-century clerestory windows. Stay consistent with the architectural elements. Otherwise, your home will start to look like it has a personality disorder.
8. If Everyone Has It, Maybe You Shouldn’t
Don’t be envious of the latest gadget or viral glassware everyone seems to have. There’s something to be said for staying true to your style and following your own design path. If everyone is doing it, that’s a pretty good indication it’s time for you to do something different.
9. Only Keep What Sparks Joy
I am a minimalist at heart. If it doesn’t spark joy, it has no business being in my space. Everyone’s “joy” is different. Think about the items in your home that bring a smile to your face. Focus more on those and less on the rest of the clutter.
A Collection Curated with Joy
10. Some Things Truly are Timeless
Some design strategies have remained the same for years, which, in my experience, is a sign that they work. Look back on classic interiors throughout history. If they’re beautiful after 25, 50, and 100 years, it’s safe to say they will remain timeless for many more decades to come.
Timeless Design
The Bottom Line
We never stop learning. The past two decades have given me a wealth of knowledge and experience that I am happy to share with you. I can’t wait to see what new experiences teach me this year.