Q&A Nancy

1. I started working in professional sports for the Arizona Diamondbacks. I was part of the team that helped renovate Chase Field and then pivoted into residential design working for a top firm in Aspen Colorado and Del Mar.

2. How would you describe your design philosophy in your own words?

I believe great design should feel effortless, layered, and deeply personal. My goal is to create spaces that reflect who my clients are, not just what’s trending—homes that feel elevated but never precious, curated but still comfortable.

3. What kinds of spaces do you feel most drawn to designing, and why?

I love designing spaces where people truly live—family rooms, kitchens, primary suites—areas that set the tone for daily life. I’m especially drawn to projects that blend architecture with warmth and soul, whether that’s a modern home that needs softness or a historic space that needs a fresh perspective.

4. Where do you personally find inspiration right now—travel, architecture, nature, fashion, or something else?

All of the above, honestly. Travel is a huge one for me—hotels, boutique spaces, old European buildings, coastal towns. I also look to fashion for color pairings and proportions, and nature for texture and organic shapes. Even a great restaurant interior or art gallery can spark an idea.

5. What’s one thing people often misunderstand about what an interior designer actually does?

People sometimes think it’s just about picking pretty furniture, but there’s so much strategy behind the scenes—space planning, construction coordination, budgets, sourcing, logistics, problem-solving. A big part of my job is anticipating issues before clients ever have to deal with them.

Design Style & Trends

6. How would you describe the design trends you’re loving at the moment?

I’m loving the shift toward warmth and individuality—richer colors, collected interiors, vintage pieces mixed with modern silhouettes, and homes that feel layered over time rather than perfectly matched.

7. Are there any trends you think are overrated or on their way out?

Ultra-minimal, overly stark spaces are starting to feel less livable to me. I think people are craving personality and comfort again—rooms that invite you in rather than intimidate you.

8. What materials, colors, or textures are you seeing clients gravitate toward lately?

Natural stone, limewash walls, warm woods, plaster finishes, moody blues and greens, and soft neutrals with depth. Texture is huge right now—bouclé, woven materials, ribbed glass, hand-crafted ceramics.

9. How do you balance timeless design with trends so a home doesn’t feel dated in a few years?

I treat trends like accessories—great for pillows, lighting, art, or paint—while keeping the foundational pieces classic: layouts, cabinetry, flooring, and major furniture investments. That way the home can evolve without a full overhaul.

10. What’s one design detail that instantly elevates a space but is often overlooked?

Lighting—always lighting. Layered lighting with sconces, lamps, and dimmers completely transforms a room. Hardware and millwork details are another big one; they’re small touches that make a space feel custom.

Working With Clients

11. How do you help clients define their style when they don’t quite know how to articulate it?

I ask a lot of questions—about how they live, what spaces they love when they travel, what colors they naturally gravitate toward, even what clothes they wear. Visuals help too—mood boards and references often unlock preferences people didn’t realize they had.

12. What does your design process typically look like from the first conversation to the finished space?

It starts with really listening. From there, I develop a concept, layouts, and material direction, then move into sourcing, drawings, and implementation. I stay closely involved through construction and installation so the final result feels cohesive and intentional down to the last detail.

13. How do you approach designing a home that needs to feel both beautiful and livable?

Function is the foundation. If a space doesn’t work for your daily life, it doesn’t matter how pretty it is. I focus on durable materials, smart storage, comfortable seating, and layouts that make sense—then layer in beauty on top of that.

14. What’s the biggest value you think a designer brings that clients don’t always expect going in?

Peace of mind. We manage the moving parts, solve problems, and keep the big picture intact so clients can actually enjoy the process instead of feeling overwhelmed.

15. If someone is renovating, buying, or furnishing a new home, when is the ideal time to bring in a designer?

As early as possible. The sooner we’re involved, the more impact we can have—on layout decisions, finishes, budgets, and long-term planning. Early collaboration almost always leads to a smoother process and a better end result