Our Design Philosophy

I’m relaxed; I like to enjoy the work I do. I truly love design and couldn’t see myself doing anything else. I just love it, live it, breathe it. I can’t get enough. And it has a certain organic way of coming together. I also really enjoy the people. Well, most of the people, no, really, I do love working with people. There’s an element of psychology to design. It’s probably a large percentage of the design process. Sometimes, I think I’m hired to be someone’s friend or a couple’s therapist. Either way, I love diving into someone’s life and helping them make their personal space exactly what they want. It’s so amazing to help someone create their dream home or space.

When someone says, “You made my dreams come true,” I could cry. It’s so special, and often, these clients turn into friends. (but not until the work is complete) it’s my rule. Not every project is a magazine-worthy, but I’ll get there. Not every project represents my style, and it shouldn’t. It’s not my home. What I would like to stress is that it’s a collaborative process; it’s my thoughts and ideas, my creativity, and my expertise, but the homeowners really do contribute to the end results, as they should.

And the contractors are a huge part of it all. We couldn’t do any of it without them. Over the years, I have really found some of the most patient, talented, skilled, kind, and thoughtful gentlemen to work with, and I’m grateful for them. Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today. I am very lucky.

One more thing. I find a lot of inspiration from the materials used. I love materials and thinking of interesting ways to use them. I love seeing what’s new to the market and what stands the test of time. Materials are like candy and jewelry, mixing and matching, bringing a space together, some being the star of the show, some taking a back seat, but all so important to the overall look.

– Danielle Relyea