I recently met a family for a consultation in their new home. As we entered what will become the post-nursery bedroom, my thoughtful client revealed a hang-up that keeps her mind spinning. Read on to find out what was causing her decision fatigue and what advice I offered her as an interior designer and a mother of two young children myself.

With a professional e-design plan as reference, making changes as your space needs to evolve becomes a manageable task. For example, when you suddenly need to upgrade the family sofa, you’ll have a reference for style, color, and dimensions right there with you. Your deliverables will serve as a launch-pad and guide for all of your evolving home needs!

If there’s anything I understand as an interior designer and mother of small children living in an 1890s multifamily fixer upper, it is this: There is no such thing as perfection — only progress. That is, what might best suit the needs within a space can evolve over time, and often, sooner than we think.

I’m not suggesting you overhaul the same space again and again. In fact, with an intentional design plan in place, you shouldn’t have to! Instead, this is an invitation to embrace a growth mindset — the belief in improvement through effort, learning, and adaptability — to how you design, organize, and maintain your home. It’s an invitation to see your spaces as living, breathing entities that can grow and evolve right alongside you.

Are you already embracing a growth mindset in your home? Let’s start with a self check-in!

Shay walks us through a major basement bathroom transformation, recapping the e-design project that allowed her clients to install this space all on their own. The inspiration? Old British pub vibes… Watch this basic bathroom breathe new life with a fun and funky interior design plan!

Shay takes us through an actual client brief, before image, and quick-sketch design plan for a fireplace face lift (complete with built-ins). Watch how adding a couple cabinets, enhancing the existing shelves, and replacing the mantel can completely transform the space! Here’s a look at what a Spruce package, our most affordable e-design package, can offer!

Springtime offers a chance to reenergize our routines, to spruce up our spaces. And here, you’ll find a collection of my favorite products to refresh your home. I’m pleased to present to you this Spring 2024 Collection by Shay Gabriel Interior Design: A curated collection of inspiring furnishings and decor, featuring quiet luxury, and inspired by nature. Here you’ll find auras of heritage, heirlooms, roots; earthy lines and creative curves; deep tones offset by soft beige; lush textures and sophisticated detail. Oh, and a subtle splash of bold pattern and vibrant color, too.

No matter your style preferences, the throw pillows you choose can make a big impact on the vibe of your space. As an interior designer, I pay attention to even the finer details of furnishing a space. Throw pillows included. You can hire me to tackle that task for you! But if you’d rather curate a pillow collection yourself, this blog is for you – I’ll share some tips for selecting the right throw pillows for your space.

As the new year approaches, I’m also reflecting on my favorite design elements from recent projects. Here I’ll share some timeless and trendy picks I’m taking with me into 2024!

Shay sits down for a Q&A in anticipation of launching her new website as the year turns. Learn more about Shay Gabriel, interior designer from Grand Rapids, MI who serves clients with local and remote services all throughout the United States.