Design Dispatch | The Domino Effect

It started, as it often does, with something simple. The floors.

My parents are in the process of downsizing and found a wonderful home — and in a twist that almost never happens, they purchased it under budget. That gave them the rare gift of making thoughtful upgrades before moving in.

The plan felt straightforward:
Paint the interior.
Replace most of the flooring.

The existing finishes were well-loved (translated=in need of upgrading)— 12” square tile with wide grout lines and original carpet dating back to 1999. Updating them was not only necessary, but in the realm of renovation, relatively uncomplicated.

“Let’s just do the floors.”

But once flooring comes out, baseboards come off. And once baseboards come off, you’re either repairing and retexturing the lower portion of every wall — or opting for taller base to create a cleaner transition. (We chose taller. I don’t hate it.)

New baseboards then make tired door trim more noticeable. If you’re painting trim to match, damaged lower casings suddenly stand out. Add that to the list. ✓

In a few rooms, removing chair rail to freshen the paint required additional patching and blending. The master closet needed paint as well — but since the shelving system will be reworked, waiting would mean paying for touch-ups twice. It made far more sense, despite the added scope, to address it now while everything was already in motion.

Lighting joined the conversation next. If ceilings are being patched and painted, it’s the cleanest time to remove dated fixtures and install new ones afterward. We chose to replace several key fixtures now and phase the rest — an easy place to exercise restraint without sacrificing cohesion.

And that’s the domino effect.

It isn’t about inflating scope. It’s about sequencing wisely and protecting your investment — even when that means accounting for costs that weren’t part of the original conversation. When trades are already onsite and surfaces already disrupted, it is almost always smarter — and cleaner — to make the changes then rather than piecemeal later.

Do it once. Do it right.

In the Mix | The Details That Define the Whole

The new year always signals a moment to look closely at what’s emerging — what feels fresh, what feels lasting.

February also brings KBIS — the National Kitchen & Bath Industry Show — our industry’s largest stage for innovation and inspiration. By the time you read this, I’ll be en route from Orlando to Sacramento tired and overflowing with new connections, knowledge, and ideas to thoughtfully weave into projects this year. It's always worth it when I am able to attend

In the meantime, I’ve been zeroing in on bathroom trends that live in the details — the quieter elements that shape the whole.

While one bold move can elevate a space, it’s in the layering that the real magic happens.

A few details I’m loving:

Extra-high baseboards: A subtle architectural shift that instantly refines a room. I'm talking 10, maybe 12". Even in smaller spaces, especially with 9 or 10' ceilings..... it creates a grounded, finished, swoon-worthy look.

​Artisanal towel hooks: Hardware is the jewelry of a space. Even something as simple as a towel hook can introduce texture and personality.

Accent lighting: Surprisingly easy to integrate and one of the most transformative upgrades. That soft glow adds dimension and a sense of quiet luxury that makes a bath feel intentionally designed.

Unique accessories: A punchy rug or artisanal type vanity stool is an easy way to add character.

Use one. Use all. When the details are considered, the entire space rises.

Want to read about bath trends on a larger scale? Be sure to check out my latest post.

Off the Clock | New Chapters & Looking Ahead

Walking through these upgrades with my parents has been a gentle reminder of just how overwhelming even small renovations can feel when it’s not part of your day-to-day.

The decisions. The sequencing. The opinions — and the emotions attached to them.

When this isn’t something you navigate regularly, it can feel weighty very quickly.

As designers, we tend to be the artistic, feeling types. The creative vision comes naturally; the logistics — budgets, trades, timelines — are the muscles we intentionally strengthen. Our role isn’t only to create something beautiful. It’s to guide clearly, pace wisely, and translate complexity into confidence.

Doing this alongside my parents added another layer. There’s history in their choices. Comfort in what’s familiar. A desire to be prudent. It’s something I’m always keenly aware of with clients — but experiencing it firsthand in this season has reignited my appreciation for the emotional side of what we do, and again the responsibility that comes with it.

Even when I’m technically off the clock.

And speaking of off the clock — here’s a wish-I-knew-this-earlier share. (because of my recent flight)

I refuse to check a bag. Have for years.

I had been using packing cubes (and still do for some items), but over the past six months I discovered manual vacuum compression bags — and to say I love them is an understatement. No pump required, no extra equipment taking up space. Just roll and compress. They’ve completely maximized my carry-on capacity — and they’re surprisingly easy on the wallet.

Consider it my small, practical luxury of the month.

🤍

Lisa

Quality is never an accident; it is always the result of intelligent effort.
— John Ruskin

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