When I think about the kind of home I want to create—both for our family and for my clients—it always comes back to three things: cozy, collected, and timeless.
Not trendy. Not overly decorated. Just warm, welcoming, and layered with quiet details that feel personal.
In this post, I’m sharing some of the design choices I’ve loved most in our home—the ones that continue to ground each space and bring that collected charm I’m always chasing.
1. Inset Cabinetry That Feels Tailored and Intentional
This detail has become one of my design non-negotiables. Inset cabinetry instantly elevates a kitchen or built-in with its clean lines and furniture-like quality. It’s subtle, but it sets the tone for everything around it.
In our kitchen, pairing the inset cabinets with a soft, warm cabinet color brought the whole room to life. It feels calm and classic, and it’s the detail I get asked about most.
All our kitchen accents + more linked here.
2. A Sink That Feels Like a Statement (Without Being Loud)
We used Taj Mahal quartzite to create an apron-front sink, and it’s easily one of my favorite elements in the kitchen. The soft veining, creamy undertones, and sculptural quality bring in a quiet elegance that feels just right with our cottage-inspired cabinetry.
It’s functional, yes—but also adds a sense of old-world charm that balances beautifully with more refined details.
3. Natural Stone + Layered Texture in the Living Room
We’re currently updating our fireplace, and the materials alone tell the story: a creamy limestone surround, walnut-stained built-ins, brass accents, and velvet upholstery. It’s a warm mix of natural finishes, classic silhouettes, and just enough contrast to feel collected.
Stone brings in a sense of permanence. Wood adds warmth. And textures like basketweave or velvet soften the space and invite you to stay awhile.
4. Unlacquered Brass, Soft Lighting, and Pattern That Whispers
Some of the most powerful details in a home are the quietest. I always lean toward unlacquered brass hardware and lighting for its warmth and lived-in patina. We also rely heavily on soft lighting—lamps, sconces, and layered glow instead of harsh overheads.
And when I do introduce pattern, it’s usually in soft wallpaper or striped fabric that adds interest without taking over the room. These elements work together to tell a story without shouting.
5. A Home That Feels Like an Exhale
At the heart of every decision is this intention: I want our home to feel like a soft landing. A place that holds us during busy weeks, big seasons, and everything in between.
Cozy doesn’t mean cluttered. Timeless doesn’t mean cold.
When you layer in warmth, thoughtful materials, and a few personal touches, you create a home that doesn’t just look good—it feels good.
And that’s the goal, always.
I hope this gave you some inspiration for your own home—whether you’re mid-renovation or just dreaming for now. Save your favorite ideas, and feel free to reach out if you’re ready to bring a bit of that cottage-transitional warmth into your space.
