Transforming Spaces, Transforming Lives: My Journey from Vacation Homes to Chic Rentals

I remember the first time I really got into interior design. It started as something small and personal, just me experimenting with a space I loved. There was something magical about walking into an empty room and slowly shaping it into a place that felt intentional and comfortable. At first it was just a hobby, something fun to do on the weekends. Over time it became a passion, and eventually it turned into the work I do today. What I have learned is that design is never just about how a room looks. It is about how it feels, how it supports the way people live, and how it makes them feel at home.

Finding My Voice

Before I started renovating homes, I worked in fashion marketing and content creation. Those jobs taught me how to tell a story, to notice the little details, and to be authentic. I realized that interior design could do the same. Every room has a story to tell. Every choice, from a rug to a lamp, can create a feeling or a memory. I have always leaned toward simplicity. I like clean lines, thoughtful touches, and spaces that are functional but inviting. I want every room I work on to feel effortless and lived in, not like a showroom.

My First Big Project

My first real project was a vacation home I owned. The property had charm, but it needed work. I rolled up my sleeves and got to it, redesigning the layout, picking furniture, and thinking about light and texture. One of my favorite moments was the living room transformation. I replaced heavy old furniture with a neutral sectional, layered rugs and pillows, and let sunlight pour in. The room went from dark and closed off to fresh and calming. That project taught me how much small, intentional choices can change a space.

Learning Through Challenges

Of course, renovation is never smooth. Furniture can arrive late, paint colors might look different on the wall, and layouts need adjusting. I have made plenty of mistakes along the way. But each challenge taught me something. I learned to be patient, to trust my instincts, and to make thoughtful decisions. I realized that setbacks are not failures. They are opportunities to grow, refine your vision, and discover new solutions.

Turning Projects into Short-Term Rentals

After completing my own vacation home, I started thinking about how I could help others feel the same way. I began transforming other homes into rentals that felt both functional and memorable. I wanted guests to walk in and feel instantly comfortable and inspired. Every detail mattered, from the lighting to the linens to the artwork on the walls. I wanted each home to have a personality and a sense of warmth.

The Little Things That Matter

I have come to believe that details are everything. A textured throw, a soft rug, a perfectly placed plant, or the right mirror can completely change the energy of a room. I like to make sure everything has a purpose, but it should also make the space feel alive and welcoming. That balance between beauty and function is what makes a room feel effortless.

Watching a Room Come Alive

One of the best parts of this work is watching a room transform. A small dark kitchen can become bright and airy with light cabinets, modern fixtures, and a more open layout. A living room that feels stiff can become a space where people linger and talk for hours. Guests often tell me the homes feel calming and welcoming, and hearing that always reminds me why I do what I do.

Design That Supports Life

For me, interior design is not just about how something looks. It is about how people live in a space. How they move through it. How color, texture, and layout influence mood. A well-designed home can make life feel lighter, more joyful, and more connected. Each project is an opportunity to create that kind of experience, and that is what makes this work so special to me.

What I Have Learned

Looking back, working on these spaces has taught me so much about patience, creativity, and trusting myself. Design is a process. Every project is a combination of vision, adaptability, and attention to detail. Most importantly, I have realized that the spaces we inhabit shape how we feel and how we interact with the world.

Creating a Feeling of Home

At the heart of it, I want every space I touch to feel like home, even if someone is just staying for a short visit. I want guests to feel comfortable, inspired, and cared for. I want every room to tell a story and offer a sense of ease. That philosophy has also influenced the way I live my life- intentional, authentic, and balanced.

Transforming spaces has changed me as much as it has changed the homes I work on. It has taught me how to combine creativity with practicality, beauty with function, and patience with vision. Every detail, every little choice, every room is a reminder that thoughtful design can change life in ways that are both subtle and profound.

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