 Our latest Nailed It comic highlights the hilariously painful reality of trying to make all the right design choices. From tile tantrums to cabinet catastrophes, we’ve captured it in this month's strip. As always, thanks to Hannah & Todd Churn for their collaboration & artistry!
 Photo by Stephen Phillips - Hostreviews.co.uk on Unsplash You made all the “right” home design choices… so why does something still feel off?
You went with the neutral palette, the shaker cabinets, and the quartz countertops. Every design decision came straight from your favorite inspiration boards. The result? A beautiful home that looks great, but doesn’t quite feel like you. Sound familiar? You’re not alone. At Designed Happy, we’ve helped a lot of homeowners through this exact moment: when the house is finished but something’s still missing. And this is what happen when home is designed for perfection, not personality. Some people dream of open-concept living. Others see a toilet in the middle of the living room and ask questions. This month's Nailed It comic pokes fun at a tension we know all to well in the design world, the one between bold vision and basic human privacy. Because while "vibes > structure" is a fun idea, not every room should be an open floor plan... we’re looking at you, bathroom.
 Photo by Igor Omilaev on Unsplash When homeowners begin planning a remodel, one of the first words we sometimes hear is “expensive.” Whether it's a quote from a contractor, an image from Instagram, or a product upgrade, the immediate reaction is often, “That feels overpriced", but in reality, most remodeling projects that feel expensive are not overpriced at all; they’re just not aligned with your goals, expectations, or values. Why does this matter? We’re so glad you asked!
 Photo by Belinda Fewings on Unsplash Designed Happy clients often start with a single problem they want solved: a cramped kitchen, a lack of storage, or a need for better lighting. Many architects would listen to their clients, identify the problem, and offer a doorway to the most available solution. While this may seem good enough in the moment, we use a different approach that not only provides a fuller solution, but often get ours clients excited about their home in ways they didn't think possible.
 Photo by Stacy Zarin Goldberg We hear it all the time — and it usually comes wrapped in a nervous laugh or a quiet confession: “We thought about hiring an interior designer… but figured we could save money by doing it ourselves.”
Spoiler Alert: that almost never happens. In fact, for most homeowners, trying to tackle interiors alone is the fast track to wasted time, expensive mistakes, and a space that still somehow doesn’t feel quite right. So without further ado, let’s dig into why working with an interior designer, especially one that's part of a full-service team like Designed Happy, is not just a luxury, but a smart and strategic investment.  Photo by Rajesh Rajput on Unsplash At first glance, a screened-in porch might seem like a humble upgrade. Add some mesh, a roof, a few chairs and call it a day, right?
That’s not quite how we think about it! At Designed Happy, we see all the possibilities that come with a screened-in porch: a space that can completely shift how (and how often) you use your home. It’s the bridge between your indoor comforts and the natural world outside. In the Mid-Atlantic especially, where we get about 3.5 “not too cold and not too hot” days between March and June, it can be the difference between staying stuck inside and stretching your living space into the fresh air.  Photo by Ryan Ancill on Unsplash Maybe this is a hot take but I believe you deserve more than just a beautiful home — you deserve a home that makes you feel good. Our crew (is my "I grew up in the 80's/90's" showing??) at Designed Happy believes great design is about more than pretty pictures on Instagram. It’s about creating a space that actually makes you happier — that welcomes you home like an old friend, that helps you breathe deeper the moment you walk in the door, and that supports your life beautifully.
So we've put together five of our favorite, most impactful tips to help you create a home that does exactly that!  Photo by Jakob Owens on Unsplash Do you remember that “love at first sight” moment when you moved into your house? Everything felt fresh and full of potential. The creaky floorboards were “charming,” and the lack of closet space was just “character.” It's what we like to call the "Love Story" stage of the relationship, à la Taylor Swift.
Fast forward to today, and those quirks might be getting on your last nerve. If your once-perfect home now feels like it’s cramping your style, you’re not alone. Just like in any long-term relationship, the spark can fade. But here’s the good news—there are ways to rekindle the love or decide when it’s time to part ways. I'm Katie- the Director of Happiness here at Designed Happy- and today, we're talking about what to do when the initial "spark" you feel with your home dies down. So let's dive in! |
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