A Home That Lives With You, Not Just Around You

In the April 2025 edition of Homes & Gardens UK, interior designer Beata Heuman shares her perspective on bringing modernity into old buildings, thoughtfully updating interiors without stripping them of their soul. Her article is a wonderful read—but there were three quotes in particular that truly struck a chord with me.

“What we need is a home that can take being a bit of everything, just as we ourselves are a mix of many things.”

So often, homeowners feel the pressure to define their home with one style label: modern farmhouse, boho, traditional, coastal, and so on. But here’s the truth—our homes, like us, contain multitudes. They don’t need to be a perfectly executed theme. They need to be spaces that reflect your lived experience, your travels, your hand-me-downs, your bargain finds, and your evolving tastes.

The best rooms are layered over time. They hold a mix of practicality, personality, and purpose. Whether you're working with a historic home or a blank-slate new build, it’s okay—and even encouraged—for your home to feel a little bit like everything that matters to you.

“A home shouldn’t be static: it needs to evolve, to change, and to live alongside and around us.”

This idea is at the core of my decorating philosophy. Your home isn’t a museum, and it doesn’t have to be ‘done’ all at once. Life shifts—kids grow, work patterns change, styles update, needs evolve. Your home should have the flexibility to grow with you.

That’s why I love creating decorating plans that clients can implement over time, repurposing what they already own, and sourcing pieces that are durable, functional, and full of personality. Good design should support your day-to-day, not just look good on Pinterest.

“The aim when designing your home is to create surroundings that make you feel good and comfortable.”

Yes, yes, and yes. This quote feels like a gentle reminder that home is personal—it’s about what makes you feel at ease. Whether that’s a room full of color and pattern or a space grounded in soothing neutrals, your home should feel like a reflection of your spirit, not someone else’s checklist.

Designing a home isn’t about perfection—it’s about creating an environment that helps you live better, laugh more, and rest easier.

So here’s your permission slip: mix styles, evolve slowly, and most importantly, design for you.

And if you need help figuring out how to make that all come together? That’s what I’m here for.