What if the thing making your room feel unfinished isn’t another piece of furniture? Sometimes it’s a little height, movement + life. In Day 25, I’m breaking down when to use plants, branches—or something else entirely. Read + subscribe: yourdesignguide.substack.com…

A simple furniture rule: contrast the shapes. Rectangular sofa? Try a round coffee table. Boxy bed? Add rounded nightstands. Curved chair? Pair it with a simple square side table. Read + subscribe: yourdesignguide.substack.com…

A finished room usually isn’t about adding more furniture—it’s about adding the right layers. Rug, lighting, art, textiles + a few well-chosen objects can completely change how a space feels. Read + subscribe: yourdesignguide.substack.com…

Curtains can change how big a room feels. Avoid rods that are too low or narrow, and panels that are too short or skimpy. Higher, wider + fuller usually gives the window a more finished look. Read + subscribe: yourdesignguide.substack.com…

The easiest pillow formula: one solid + one pattern + one texture. Or mix a large pattern with a smaller pattern + a quiet solid. Keep the palette connected and vary the scale. Read + subscribe: yourdesignguide.substack.com…

room feels more finished when you stop guessing and use a few simple formulas. Living room, entry, bedroom, reading corner + coffee table—5 easy combinations you can copy using pieces you may already own. Read + subscribe: yourdesignguide.substack.com…

Before buying anything new, shop your own home first. A rug, lamp, mirror, art, pillows or a favorite object may be all your room needs to feel more finished. Read + subscribe: yourdesignguide.substack.com…

Flash Sale: Complete Online Room Design — $397 (save $100). Floor plan + 2 layouts, furniture selections, paint colors, concept board + shopping links. Book here: mailchi.mp/02e89a66bfd7/flas…

Flash Sale: $100 off my Complete Online Room Design. Get a custom floor plan, two layout options, furniture + accessory selections, paint colors, concept board + shopping links. Now $397, regularly $497. mailchi.mp/02e89a66bfd7/flas…

Creating a gallery wall is less about filling a blank wall and more about building a composition. Start with one anchor piece, add smaller art around it, vary the sizes, keep the spacing consistent, and repeat a frame finish. yourdesignguide.substack.com…

A good living + dining layout comes down to scale, spacing + circulation. Keep pathways clear, give furniture breathing room, use rugs to define zones, and make every seat earn its place. Get more practical #interiordesign guidance: substack.com/@yourdesignguid…

Layered lighting can completely change how a living room feels. Use a mix of overhead, floor + table lamps, natural light and accent lighting instead of asking one fixture to do everything. Subscribe to Your Design Guide for step-by-step room guidance: substack.com/@yourdesignguid…

Sunset at Europa Village might be my favorite part—the courtyards, arches, vineyard views + that golden Temecula light. A beautiful place to slow down, have a glass of wine and stay awhile. designandthecityla.substack.…

Europa Village in Temecula feels like a little European escape in Southern California—stone architecture, striped awnings, vineyard views + the dramatic cave tasting room. I wrote about the design, atmosphere + why this winery stood out: designandthecityla.substack.…

What happens when an old Silver Lake church becomes a hotel? Inside Hotel Lucile—original architecture, a dramatic lounge, warm guest rooms + a courtyard pool in the heart of L.A. designandthecityla.substack.…

One of Catalina’s best design moments: the Art Deco Casino—the arches, murals, lighting + incredible waterfront setting. More from my Avalon architecture + design guide: designandthecityla.substack.…

Exterior Design Mood Board #color

A day trip to Catalina feels like leaving L.A. without really leaving L.A. Avalon, the Casino, oceanfront walks, old California architecture + plenty of design details worth slowing down for. designandthecityla.substack.… #CatalinaIsland

What happens when an old Silver Lake church becomes a hotel? A look inside Hotel Lucile—original architecture, warm interiors, a dramatic lounge + courtyard pool in the heart of L.A. designandthecityla.substack.…