We all dream of homes that could grace the cover of a glossy magazine—perfectly styled, effortlessly chic, and full of character. But let’s be honest: life happens. Snack time crumbs, playdates with a dozen tiny tornadoes, and the inevitable red wine spill are all part of the reality we design for. The real magic lies in creating stunning spaces while working hard behind the scenes to support everyday life. Over the years, I’ve learned how to strike this balance in my projects, from a family room with performance fabrics that shrug off juice stains to a sophisticated dining area that doubles as a homework hub. It’s all about combining beauty and functionality to craft homes that don’t just look good—they feel good to live in.

A great example of this balance between form and function—our goal in every design project—is to take you behind the scenes of our kitchen renovation from our Sea Glass Cottage project.

Photography by Meghan Sepe

Magazine-worthy spaces go beyond just looking beautiful; they evoke emotion, set a mood, and tell a story unique to those living there. It’s not just about picking the right furniture or color palette—it’s about crafting an environment that reflects a lifestyle and creates an experience. A stunning space might draw you in with its polished design. Still, it captivates you through thoughtful details: a vintage piece that whispers history, layered textures that invite you to linger, or curated accents that spark conversation. Our projects aim to create spaces that feel alive and personal, blending visual appeal with meaning and character. This deeper narrative transforms a room into a home that feels as good as it looks.

We went visually bold in this kitchen with the harlequin floors and sea-green cabinetry. The luxurious heated floors are inexpensive ceramic tile, but the pattern in which we laid them is bold and eyecatching. We removed an old cast iron radiator to save on space and went with heated floors to make up for the lost heat source. The ceramic tile is super durable, easy to clean, and still gorgeous and fun.

The Myth of Perfection

Stunning design doesn’t mean untouchable perfection—it’s about creating spaces that feel inviting and livable. The most beautiful rooms celebrate real life with finishes that can handle everyday messes and layouts, encouraging connection and comfort. A carefully designed home isn’t one where you’re afraid to kick off your shoes or where every surface feels off-limits; it’s a space where beauty meets practicality, letting you live fully while still feeling inspired.

A well-designed home can (and should) accommodate life’s chaos. For that reason, we went with quartz countertops, where we didn’t have to worry about spilled red wine or citrus juice and not immediately wiped up … It is a vacation house, after all.  We also did the backsplash using the same material.  This makes the space feel more open and larger while needing little maintenance over the years.

Key Strategies for Balancing Beauty and Functionality

Balancing beauty and functionality is the secret to creating visually stunning spaces perfectly suited to everyday life, and it all starts with thoughtful design choices.

High-quality plumbing fixtures are essential in any design project, not just for their durability but for elevating the entire space. These fixtures are both functional and design-driven, serving as key details that tie a room’s aesthetic together. When you choose quality, you ensure that the fixtures will stand the test of time, perform flawlessly, and maintain their beauty even with daily use. Plus, premium fixtures often feature thoughtful design details—like smooth finishes, modern lines, and water-saving technology—that add an extra layer of sophistication to any bathroom or kitchen. Investing in top-tier plumbing not only enhances the functionality of your space but also boosts its overall appeal, giving it a polished, timeless feel.

The kitchen in this house is tiny, so we wanted to maximize the workspace by keeping the countertops open.  We didn’t need large appliances as the space is primarily used on the weekends and in the summer, and there are plenty of excellent restaurants in Newport. Check out our blog posts about our favorites here.  So we needed the kitchen more for coffee and cocktails, packing beach coolers, and the occasional charcuterie board prep. 

Layering for Comfort and Personality

Open shelving prevented this kitchen from being too crowded and also gave us a chance to display some beautiful art, glassware, and pottery by local artisans.

Conclusion: A Home You’ll Love Every Day

At the end of the day, your home should be a safe space where you can lounge in your comfiest sweats and host the dinner party you dream about. Creating a home is much more than living in a house. You get to do it your way, but if you’re unsure how to do this, click here to see our portfolio. We would love to help you create your own magazine-worthy home.

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Are you planning your dream home and need some guidance on how to make the project come together? Or are you exhausted by all the little details you have to decide on? We can help. As you can see, we practice interior design in Ridgefield, CT, and beyond. Let’s have a conversation and bring your dreams to reality. Call us for a free discovery call today. You can also follow us on Instagram to see our daily updates!