A Strong Start: Where Function Meets Feeling

The start of a new year always gets me thinking… not about reinventing everything, but about refining what already works. I’ve never been big on chasing trends because I believe the spaces that last are built on intention.

For me, Q1 is about foundations. The choices that quietly support how you live, work, and socialize. Thoughtful layouts. Materials that wear well. Color used with purpose. Luxury that feels grounded, not flashy.

Heading into 2026, my focus stays the same: creating spaces that tell a story, support real life, and feel just as good years from now as they do the day they’re finished.

I’m seeing a noticeable shift in the conversations I’m having with clients. Less “What’s new?” and more “What makes sense long-term?”.

Here’s what’s I’m leaning into this quarter:

When Function Becomes the Statement
Before anything else, I always start by understanding what a room is meant to do. How it’s used, who uses it, and what needs to happen there every day. When function is right, the beauty follows naturally. The way a space works will always influence its details - layout, materials, lighting, even color. Design that looks good but doesn’t support real life never lasts.

Color Is Personal (And That’s the Point)
Color should make you happy. There’s no “right” color and no requirement to use color at all (if that’s not your preference). What matters is that the choice feels intentional and true to the person living in the space. Bold, muted, neutral, layered… none of it is wrong when it’s chosen with confidence.

A Common Thread Isn’t Matchy-Matchy
Cohesion doesn’t mean everything has to match. It’s about creating a through-line, a feeling, a rhythm, a shared language, so a home reads as connected without being repetitive. When done well, spaces can feel distinct yet undeniably part of the same story.

Designing a Vibe, Not a Moment 
More than ever, I’m seeing a move away from designing for a single “wow” moment and toward creating an overall atmosphere. A home should feel good at all times of day, in every season, during quiet mornings and lively gatherings alike. When the vibe is right, everything else falls into place.

Some of my favorite design wins from last year weren’t big renovations; they were small, thoughtful purchases (from Amazon 😅) that quietly made everyday life easier (and better looking). A few stood out enough that I wanted to share!

1. Acrylic shelves inside my coat closet
I needed a better way to store sunglasses… somewhere visible and easy to access when I’m getting dressed. These simple acrylic shelves ended up being a game changer. They keep everything organized, make coordinating accessories effortless, and somehow make the closet feel more intentional. I loved them so much I ordered them again for my bathroom perfect for organizing skincare bottles while still looking chic.

2. Layered shelving in my entertaining cabinet
We all have that one cabinet where we try and store all the stuff we only pull out a few times of year and each time it requires taking everything out to get the one platter you need. Adding interior shelf risers completely transformed how I store specialty dishes and serving pieces! Suddenly everything is visible, accessible, and actually enjoyable to use. It’s a reminder that organization isn’t about having less, it’s about being able to see what you already own.

3. New kitchen cabinet hardware
Amazon isn’t my go-to choice here, but I needed 1 set of hardware for a small project, saw these brass pulls, and decided to try them out. Let me tell you… they were so cool in person I decided I had to have them for the kitchen! This one tip is a simple, but powerful one. Swapping cabinet hardware refreshed the entire kitchen without touching cabinetry or appliances. It’s proof that you don’t need a full renovation to make a space feel updated, sometimes the smallest details do the heaviest lifting.

4. Fabric Roman shades instead of white blinds
I’ll admit it… and it’s probably no surprise that I have a strong dislike for standard white blinds. Fabric Roman shades completely elevated my windows while still giving me the privacy and functionality I needed. They added softness, texture, and a more finished look to the space without feeling fussy. And the best part was I didn’t even have to custom order them because they come in a ton of colors and sizes!

If a renovation, furnishing project, or new build is on your horizon this year, early planning makes all the difference. Q1 is an ideal time to begin conversations, align goals, and build a clear design roadmap.

You don’t need all the answers, just the right starting point! Connect here to get started.

Follow us on Instagram @amyrebekahinteriors for a weekly look inside our projects, fresh design ideas, and a little more inspiration to brighten your feed.