three things i've learned designing homes for decades
Martha has been designing homes for decades, guided by a deep appreciation for timeless design and the belief that a home should reflect the people who live in it. Through years of hands-on experience, she has learned that great design is not about following trends, but about understanding how a space functions, how it feels, and how it evolves over time. Each project builds on the lessons of the last, shaping a thoughtful approach rooted in listening, intentional choices, and creating spaces meant to be lived in and loved.
Good Design Starts With Listening
At the heart of every well-designed home is a simple but often overlooked principle: good design starts with listening. Before selecting furniture, fabrics, or finishes, it is essential to understand how a client lives, what they love, and how they want their home to feel. A beautiful space means very little if it does not reflect the people who live there.
The most successful interiors are not designed to impress trends or outside opinions. They are designed to support daily life. When a home is created around the client’s needs and personal style, it naturally feels comfortable, intentional, and timeless.
Invest in Quality Over Quantity
Another key element of lasting design is choosing quality over quantity. Thoughtfully selected, well-made pieces will always have more impact than filling a space with too much furniture or décor. High-quality furniture is an investment, not only in durability, but in comfort and long-term style.
Pieces that are built to last often grow more beautiful with time. They anchor a room, provide function, and become part of the home’s story. When you invest in fewer, better pieces, your home feels calmer, more considered, and far more personal.
The Best Rooms Are Built by Layering
The spaces that feel the most inviting and lived-in are rarely designed all at once. The best rooms are built by layering textures, colors, and materials over time. This approach creates depth and character that cannot be achieved through matching sets or overly polished designs.
Layering might include mixing antiques with modern pieces, combining soft textiles with natural materials, or using color in subtle, thoughtful ways. These layers add warmth and interest, making a space feel collected rather than decorated.
When design is approached with listening, intentional investment, and thoughtful layering, the result is a home that feels authentic, comfortable, and enduring. A well-designed space should not only look beautiful, but feel meaningful to the people who live there.
