Designing Without Judgment
A Space to Be Themselves
Being judged is one of the most painful experiences. As a child, I struggled with being labeled in ways that shaped how I saw myself for years. But the one place I always felt safe was in my room, surrounded by books.
Now, as an aunt to two little boys, I find myself thinking about how early that judgment starts. Will they be labeled as too loud, too sensitive, too wild, not tough enough? These labels happen casually, constantly—and they stick.
But what if a child’s room wasn’t designed around who we think they should be? What if it made space for all of it at once—energy and quiet, imagination and rest, softness and strength—without forcing either?
That’s what led me here: dreaming up bedrooms that feel less like a theme, and more like a foundation. Spaces that don’t define them, but support them as they grow into themselves.
I’m naturally drawn to blue—not as a “boy color,” but for its calm, expansive, and versatile feel. It felt like the right place to begin building a room that doesn’t ask them to be anything other than themselves.
Here is the result. . .
1. Parachute Pip Wallpaper 2. Mylar Stool 3. Martha Stripe Quilt 4. Panton Junior Chair 5. Love You So Heat Ruffle Pillow 6. Babar in the Bath 7. Cirrus Candlestick 8. Somerset Stripes Wallpaper 9. Celestial Rug 10. Eve Blue Wallpaper
11. Acadia Stripe Wallpaper 12. Personalized Ceramic Bubble Letters 13. Hand Knotted Tibetan Tiger Rug 14. Sibley Accent Chair 15. Hand-Painted Decorative Iron Tray 16. Classic Scallop Baby Pillow 17. Longchamp Wallpaper 18. Moss Nightstand 19. Kalani Mini Table Lamp
Here are this week’s interior finds. . .
1. Flourish Gathered Lamp Shade 2. Zodiac Sign Gallery Print 3. Truffle Garden Stool 4. Lucia Quilt 5. Martinique Gold Bamboo Easel 6. Siena Woven Lounge Chair 7. Scalloped Edge Woven Vase 8. Imperial Dragon Jar 9. Plymouth Stripe & Vine Wallpaper 10. Inslee Fariss- Birth Flowers 11. Rufus Table
12. Yvette Chair 13. Donna Wilson x SFMOMA Color Wheel Pinch Pot 14. Nube Oval Melamine Serving Platter 15. Chain Stitch Sentiment Pillowcase 16. Monte Cordless Lamp 17. Asheville Basket 18. 8" Marble Catchall Tray Off-White 19. Tisane Herb Linen Napkin, Set of 6 20. Burled Wood Tray 21. Couple Vinegar & Oil Handblown Flask 22. Woven Ceramic Platter 23. Large Woven Storage Tray
24. Cirrus Footstool 25. Jonathan Charles Baronial Dining Side Chair- Set of 2 26. Cumulus Chair 27. Inch Back Bench 28. Neo Wall Light 29. Paper Lamp 30. Anna Modern 31. The Chanterelle 32. Oatmeal & White Alto Side Table 33. Figure Side Table 34. Newman Dining Table
Here are this week’s fashion finds. . .
1. Straw Tote Bag 2. Alessandra Mini 3. Multi Valentina Sneakers 4. Linen-Blend Drop-Waist Corset Maxi Dress 5. Serafina Embroidery Shortsleeve Top 6. The Margot Mini Dress 7. Kristen Linen Two Piece Set 8. Maren Sandals with Memory Foam Insole 9. Elowen Top 10. Natural Monogrammed Canvas Make-Up Bag 11. Karla Midi Dress
12. Odette Satin Midi Dress 13. Puoti Unikko Pants 14. Boybands are Magic Hat 15. Belted Linen-Blend Shorts 16. Calie Embroidered Cotton-Blend Midi Skirt 17. Marisol Floral Embroidered A-Line Cover-Up Midi-Dress 18. Ciel Pareo Skirt 19. Marissa Maxi Dress 20. Hibiscus Silk Wrap Skirt 21. Brittina Caftan Tunic 22. Large handknotted straw tote
23. 871 Lucy Dress 24. Noche Top 25. Lace Tie Midi Dress 26. Cimone Silver-Tone Crystal Earrings 27. Mia Dress in Paisley Reverie 28. Orla Linen Dress 29. Varsha Blouse 30. Julianne Cashmere Wrap 31. Embroidered Maxi Dress 32. Venus Caftan 33. Lori Sunglasses 34. Floral Kaftan Dress
Wishlist (Not a Shopping Cart)
I keep seeing this cup on social media and think I want to try it.
I dear friend uses this to chill or champagne on the go and it’s brilliant!
I want this tee.
I think I need this. My “backpack” at boarding school was one of these bad boys.
This salve looks soothing.
This body bar seems yummy.
I want to try this shirt on my never ending quest for a perfect button-down.
Dear Santa, can I please have this skirt?
I want this so badly. It was literally made for me and the cavalier in the picture solidifies that even more.
Considering trying this for PMS and hormone support.
Home Maintenance Reminders
Re-mulch outdoor planters (just add some new mulch to the top) and add accent plants for outdoor planters.
Plan for pressure washing and window washing.
Pantry clear out of expired perishable goods.
Closet clear out and inventory needs to upcoming season changes.
Wash mattress pads and pillow inserts.
Will comforters need to go to the dry cleaner when spring is in full swing?
Annie Meyers-Shyer recommends cleaning your range hood filter (something we all forget even exists), cleaning refrigerator coils (watch a youtube tutorial), and cleaning your dishwasher filter.
Things I’m Trying and Liking
This weekend was my 20th high school reunion, and I wore this red dress and this polka-dot dress.
If you’re recovering from a hangover and horrible illness, Biolyte is amazing.
I tried this dress on. It was so flattering, but the neckline isn’t for me as I have a large chest, but for those with smaller chests it’s a great basic!
I just got these towels and I’m LOVING them.
CURED sent me their dream gummies to try. I’ll report back!
I just got this boar bristle brush. It’s much cheaper than a Maison Pearson.
Bobbi Brown color corrector. My dark circles have been rocking me.
Current Obsessions
This Harry Gesner designed house is for sale for the first time in 28 years.
This calming London townhouse.
Barney’s is coming back to Madison Avenue!
Tory Burch’s apartment in the Pierre.
Design Consult Services
I am now offering design consults services. Here are some of the projects I’ve helped people with for you to check out!
Things I can help with:
Picking out materials and finishes
Furniture options for needs and budget
Reworking a room, reimagining what you already have
Talking through your ideas you’re not sure about (think of me as a sounding board)
Making the most cost effective decisions for your space and current phase of life
So many good things here! That giraffe tray! The Apiece Apart dress (which I feel like could work with boobs!) I’m inspired to go reassess my kids rooms!