the effortless edit

Behind the scenes of creating personalized, collected spaces—without sacrificing function, comfort, or timeless style.

Esther Ellard Esther Ellard

Where to Invest and Where to Simplify in Interior Design

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.

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Esther Ellard Esther Ellard

Popular Tile Layouts for a Timeless and Elevated Home

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.

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Esther Ellard Esther Ellard

Custom Kitchen Features That Elevate Everyday Living

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.

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Esther Ellard Esther Ellard

Interior Designer’s Guide to Performance Fabrics

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.

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Esther Ellard Esther Ellard

What to Know About Furnishing After Construction

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.

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