With years of experience designing thoughtful, livable spaces, I’ve had the joy of helping countless clients transform their homes into something truly personal. It’s an incredible privilege to do what I love—creating spaces that not only function beautifully but also tell the unique story of the people who live in them.
But sometimes when I tell people what I do for a living—whether it’s local business owners, fellow parents, community members, or friends-of-friends—I often get a specific reaction.
People exclaim, “Oh gosh, please don’t judge! I’m so embarrassed for you to see the house! It’s not finished, the furniture doesn’t match, and we’ve just been making do for years.”
Somehow they think because I’m an interior designer, I’ll worry about whether their home feels “put together,” if their furniture choices reflect good taste, or if each room looks intentional instead of thrown together over time.
Believe me, I DO NOT come at it from that point of view at all!
I don’t make value judgments. I don’t scrutinize with “designer-ly biases”. But I DO like to help people make choices that result in homes they feel deeply connected to and truly love living in.
Why? Because the spaces we live in shape how we feel, how we function, and how we connect. Our designs help people start their day with clarity, unwind with comfort, and feel genuinely at home. We believe every room should support your lifestyle, reflect your story, and create a sense of ease, beauty, and belonging.
Home is the place where we feel comfortable, safe, and truly ourselves.
Yes, my background does allow me to quickly see possibilities and make suggestions.
Through my 19 years of experience as an interior designer, my team and I certainly know how to analyze interior spaces, and of course I notice things that non-designers do not.
But these skills and my experience are not at all about being judgy. I can assure you my own home is far from perfect! Things change, trends evolve, and nothing stays absolutely perfect forever.
As an interior designer, I consider myself, first and foremost, a problem-solver. I like to ask questions, figure out what’s not working (and why), evaluate, and come up with solutions to my clients’ problems. It is enormously satisfying for me to do this.
So, when I go into or visit someone’s home for the first time, here are the things I do notice:
Here are the things I do notice:
I notice the very best qualities of a space—the bones. It could be an original architectural detail, the way natural light fills the room, unique sightlines to the outdoors, or the flow between rooms. I also look for textures, proportions, and how the space can best support how my clients live and move through it.
In other words, I immediately see the best features a space has to offer. Then my brain automatically envisions how those elements could be enhanced or enriched. Maybe it’s an outdated light fixture that, when replaced, instantly modernizes the room. Or original trim and molding that, with a fresh coat of paint, subtly elevates the space. Perhaps original architectural details—like exposed beams or brickwork—that can be restored to add warmth and personality to the space.
As a designer, I can visualize what someone’s home will look like in its most perfect state, so really, when I see your home, I see beauty and possibility.
I can tell if a space is being used in the best way just by looking at it. My mind starts thinking about how to make the room work better, like changing where the furniture is or how the space is used.
I pay close attention to how people move through a room. Sometimes furniture blocks natural pathways or creates tight, uncomfortable spaces. For example, I’ve shifted a sofa away from a doorway to open up flow, rearranged seating to create better conversation areas, or replaced bulky pieces with streamlined options to make a room feel more spacious. Even small adjustments like moving a coffee table or adding a rug can transform how a space feels and functions.
I consider the functionality of a space and consider a family’s morphing needs. By this, I mean that I see into the future of the homeowners’ lives. Their home tells their story. And I like to think about how a home needs to be adjusted to ensure there is an optimal fit between the house and the people who occupy it-not just NOW but also in the future as the family ages and grows.
Busy professionals often need multifunctional spaces that balance work-from-home setups with relaxation. Growing families require adaptable rooms that evolve from play areas to study zones as kids get older. Empty nesters look for comfortable, stylish spaces that support entertaining and quiet retreats. And for clients planning ahead, I focus on designs that accommodate changing mobility needs while maintaining beauty and function.
I immediately notice when a space isn’t working for the way a client lives.
Like a formal dining room that rarely gets used because the family prefers casual meals in the kitchen nook, or a kitchen layout that doesn’t provide enough prep space for someone who loves to cook and entertain. Or a home office tucked into a hallway with little natural light for someone who spends hours working remotely. When I spot these mismatches, I start brainstorming ways to redesign the space so it truly supports how my clients live, work, and entertain.
I think about how a home could be worth more money.
For most people, their home is the biggest asset they’ll ever own, so it’s important to take care of it. It’s a shame when someone sells their home but doesn’t get as much value out of it as they could.
This often occurs when essential repairs are overlooked or when a home’s style feels outdated. In my experience, these issues can turn away potential buyers who aren’t looking to take on major renovations or ongoing upkeep.
I believe that thoughtfully maintaining and updating your home not only protects your investment but also enhances its value by creating a space that feels fresh, functional, and inviting—qualities that resonate with buyers and make your home truly stand out when it’s time to sell.
So, you see, I will never judge you or your home. But I will see possibilities, I will notice the beauty that does exist, I will see opportunities. I will think about how small changes may result in big transformations, like more use, more function, more value, and more joy!
So, never be reluctant to have an interior designer visit or see your home.
With a fresh perspective and creative ideas, your home can be transformed into a space that truly reflects your lifestyle, making everyday moments more enjoyable, comfortable, and inspiring. To learn more about how we can help you with your home, check out our interior design services here.
FALL IN LOVE with where YOUR LIFE UNFOLDS
ASR Design Studio is an exclusive residential interior design studio in Southern California.
We specialize in remodeling, new builds, furnishing, and thoughtful styling.
Our approach to creating homes blends our signature style of modern coastal design with our clients’ personal preferences, lifestyles, and objectives.
We believe that your home should tell the story of who you are.
