A floor plan that fits your family’s rhythms, routines, and lifestyle is one of the most important design investments you can make. Whether you’re building from the ground up or refining an existing plan, taking the time to get the layout right sets the stage for a home that feels effortless, personal, and enduring.

When I work with clients on new builds or large-scale renovations, one of the most exciting design decisions we make is choosing the right countertop material. It’s about finding the balance between what looks beautiful and how the surface will live with you, stand up to daily life, and support the overall tone of your home. Countertops are a major design element in kitchens and baths, and the right selection can elevate both the aesthetic and functionality of a space.

Here are the five countertop materials I recommend most often for our luxury new build homes along with the pros and cons I walk clients through when we’re making those decisions together.

If there's one design element that has the power to completely transform a home, it’s lighting. However, this is one of the most overlooked design decisions during a project. The truth is, lighting is not just a technical necessity. It’s a design layer that touches every other decision in your home from color and texture to mood and function.

Renovating a home, especially a forever home, is a big, exciting investment. But as beautiful as the final result can be, the process itself is full of potential pitfalls. Over the years, I’ve guided clients through full-scale remodels and detail-rich refreshes, and I’ve seen firsthand how a few common missteps can turn an inspiring project into an overwhelming one.

When it comes to planning for your forever home, every choice is an investment. It’s not just about materials or finishes, it’s about how your family will live and grow in that space for years to come. True luxury isn’t about excess; it’s about making intentional design decisions that balance beauty, function, and longevity. As your interior designer, I know where to invest (and where to simplify) which allows us to design a home for you and your family that feels elevated and effortless at the same time.

I always say that the most worthwhile design investments are the ones that impact your everyday life. Think of the surfaces you walk on, the lighting that sets the mood each evening, and the cabinetry you open daily. These are the details that define how your home feels.

Tile layout is just one of hundreds of decisions necesssary during the design process. It may seem like a small design choice, but it’s one of those details that makes a home feel intentional and well-designed. Whether you’re drawn to the clean lines of a vertical stack, the timeless feel of a staggered bond, or the sophistication of a herringbone, the right layout should complement both your personal style and the architecture of your home. My goal is always to guide clients toward decisions that make their spaces feel beautiful, functional, and tailored to their lifestyle for years to come.

Over the years, I've worked on so many kitchen projects throughout Northeast Georgia, and one thing has become clear. The difference between a beautiful kitchen and a truly custom kitchen comes down to the details. I’m talking about those thoughtfully designed features that don’t just look good but also make your daily routines easier, faster, and honestly more enjoyable. From personal expereince, I find that when I am cooking in the kitchen, it’s those little details that make the entire expereince more enjoyable from gathering all the ingredients to washing the dishes.

If you’ve been thinking about building a new home or remodeling your kitchen, this is the post you’ll want to bookmark. I’m walking you through some of my favorite custom kitchen features that I’ve loved incorporating into client projects and that always earn rave reviews long after the dust settles.

Performance fabrics are the perfect blend of style and function, making them a must-have for luxury homes that see real-life use. In this post, Northeast Georgia interior designer Esther of Effortless Designs explains what performance fabrics are, how they differ in quality, and how to determine if a fabric is truly built to last. From trusted brands to insider tips on double rub counts and cleaning codes, you’ll learn how to select fabrics that protect your investment and keep your home looking beautiful for years to come.

You’ve made it through construction — the hard part’s over, right? Not quite. Furnishing a brand-new home comes with its own set of challenges. From budget surprises to long lead times, many homeowners are caught off guard by how much planning goes into creating a fully finished, livable space. As a result, many homeowners put off furnishing altogether and end up living in a space that feels cold, empty, and far from the inviting home they envisioned. This post breaks down what many homeowners aren’t prepared for post-construction and why full-service design should include both the build and the furnishings that make it feel like home.