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The Vacation House Effect: How to Make a Space Instantly Relaxing
Have you ever walked into a room and instantly felt your heart rate slow? The tension releases between your shoulders and your jaw unclenches. That is your body’s way of signaling that it is at ease. Typically, hotel rooms and vacation homes tend to follow this relaxation-based formula when designing the space. It’s a method of creating an environment that is inherently welcoming and serene. Some places can have the opposite effect. The scary part is that sometimes the design
Shana Beck
Jul 3


The Designer's Edit: Living Room Refresh
Every home has a signature space—the room that sets the tone for your entire aesthetic. For many, that is the living room; a space that demands a cohesive vision and a polished, thoughtful approach to design. The challenge, however, isn’t just filling the floor plan; it’s avoiding the common pitfall of a space that feels disconnected or cluttered. To achieve a true bespoke-feel, you don't need a limitless budget or custom-ordered furniture. Instead, you need a disciplined, in
Ahuva Schmerhold
Jun 7


Effortless Coastal Design
It’s 2026, the time to move from themed interiors to conceptual based spaces. Behind every known design style is the obvious, in-your-face way of designing. But past the signage and obvious objects, is a way to create a deeper connection to the root of the style. By abstracting the idea and utilizing the underlying aesthetic, a more cohesive space is produced, crafted with finesse. Below are a few ways to integrate a coastal setting without filling a room with seashells and
Shana Beck
May 26


The Designer's Guide to Rugs
In our last few installments, we explored lighting—the foundational layer that sets the mood for a home. But once the atmosphere is established, we need to turn our attention to the "foundation" of the room—the rugs. This layer can be the soul of a room. It’s the bridge between an aesthetic house and a functional home. Whether you’re trying to anchor a large seating area or add a soft landing for bare feet in the morning; getting the rugs right is what makes a space feel poli
Ahuva Schmerhold
May 11


Unexpected Color Duos
The world of color is expansive, filled with reliable choices and roads less traveled. Neutrals are undeniably safe, and often, they create spaces that feel effortless and visually calming. But what about contrast? What about energy? Pantone’s bland choice for Color of the Year (Cloud Dancer) should be a call to action, that as a society, we need to bring back color. We need to reawaken interiors that feel expressive, layered, and alive. Bringing bold or unexpected hues into
Shana Beck
Apr 27


The Designer's Guide to Light Fixtures: Task Lighting
In our first installment, we explored Ambient Lighting —the foundational layer that sets the mood for a home. But once the atmosphere is established, we need to turn our attention to the "focus" of the room- Task Lighting. I like to think of this layer as the "intentional focus" of a room. It’s the difference between an aesthetic house and a functional home. Whether you’re trying to read in bed without straining your eyes or preparing supper without working in the shadows; ge
Ahuva Schmerhold
Feb 10


Cities that Tell the Origin Story of Design
While frigid temperatures blanket much of the East Coast, lets take a moment to transport ourselves to other climates. Or perhaps, you are vacationing in one of these locations now. Cities and towns are more than just pretty places to look at. There is a rich heritage and culture, a history that speaks to the design of the architecture. Style is not determined by individual preference, typically, local aesthetics are informed by a multitude of factors. A combination of styles
Shana Beck
Feb 3


What is Passive Design, and is it the Future of Home Design?
Snow falls steadily outside in the middle of the never-ending winter. You find yourself huddled under the warmth of a throw blanket. Lit candles give the illusion of warmth. And though the heat is pumping away, it does not keep up with the cold outside, leaving your space chilled. Flip the switch. It’s 90 degrees out. The sun is casting its warmth throughout the house with golden streaks flooding through the space. Along with the raised temperatures comes the constant need fo
Shana Beck
Jan 6


The Designer's Guide to Cabinet Hardware
Do you ever walk into your kitchen or bathroom and feel like something is just not quite right? Maybe the space feels a bit dated or it just lacks that "finished" designer look. Before you start envisioning a full renovation or an expensive paint job, I have a secret for you: look at your cabinet's hardware. Architectural Digest - Ross Group Creative I like to call hardware the "jewelry of the home." Just like the right jewelry can pull an entire outfit together, the right kn
Ahuva Schmerhold
Dec 30, 2025
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