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Casa Millie Blog
Where we love to share design tips, ideas, unique finds, and inspiration with you!
Interior Design from Afar: Kiawah Island, Key West, San Antonio, and Kennebunk
Designing from afar has become a passion point for me, but that wasn’t always the case. From my "baptism by fire" on Kiawah Island back in 2015 to navigating "Texas-sized" renovations and the unique climate of Key West, I have learned over the years that distance is no match for a clear vision…
A New Build Case Study: Blending Modern Organic Design with Eastern Influences
The approach to this new build was modern organic with an Eastern influence given our clients’ family roots in India. Modern organic style blends modern architecture and design with natural and organic materials to create soulful interiors that are deeply approachable, warm and welcoming…
Four Design Principles You Need to Know, and Their Overlap with My Other Passion: Yoga
Yoga is central to my life here in Northern Virginia given all the physical and mental benefits it brings, ranging from balance to clarity. As I’ve continued to deepen my practice, I’ve noticed how yoga subtly reinforces my design aesthetic, creativity, and principles. While there are a number of elements tied to both yoga and interior design, some of the most critical components that bridge the gap between these two distinct worlds, include: alignment, flow, focus, and balance…
Wool: the Quiet Interior Design Hero and Essential Staple
Wool textiles - diverse and global - have been around for thousands of years. In design, wool is a quiet staple, with a rich history and laundry list of benefits. I love using it in my Casa Millie design projects and thought as we head into the winter months and our search for cozy items that warm the soul and our homes, it’s the perfect time to talk wool!
I also was inspired and my curiosity was piqued after a recent visit to Holland & Sherry at the Washington Design Center where representatives serendipitously invited team Casa Millie into an employee training about their wool fabrics…
Using Whimsical Design to Bring Personality, the Unexpected, and Joy into your Home
Every time I travel, it’s a shift in perspective and refresh for my soul. Homes should be our happy place. We often look for ways to reinforce this, through everything from lighting, color and materials, to who we welcome. Whimsical design is another element. It’s the secret ingredient that turns function into fun. While it goes back centuries, its popularity spiked in the last few years as home owners look for opportunities to add more personality and create a more joyful environment in their homes….
Design and Travel Inspiration Near and Far: The Amalfi Coast
Every time I travel, it’s a shift in perspective and refresh for my soul. This year I traveled to Italy’s Amalfi Coast with my family and close friends in the last days of summer before the school year kicked back in. We enjoyed plenty of good food, fresh sea air, history, culture, art and artisan-watching. From the hand-painted tiles to the ancient architecture, everywhere I went the experience sparked curiosity and new design ideas…
Kitchen and Bath Tile to Fit Your Style
Tile has been used in homes for thousands of years, from ancient Egypt and the Romans to modern times. Today, they are a must-have design element, often found in kitchens and especially in bathrooms….
Pattern Play: Making Your Home Feel Custom, Curated & Cozy
When you think about patterns, they can bring so many different images to mind. For example, you might think of your favorite holiday socks, or tiles in a mosaic. Patterns don't have to be loud or colorful, and can actually be quite subtle…
Multifunctional Interior Design Spotlight: Daytime to After Hours Home Office Space
In the interior design world, multifunctional spaces have been making themselves useful for a while, with no signs of slowing down. We all love to carve out different sections of our nests for various needs. Unfortunately, it’s not always possible to have a dedicated room for each activity (including a gift wrapping room!) and that’s where multifunctional spaces come in…
Made in the USA: Our Favorite American Companies for Home Goods of Every Kind
July 4th is upon us, and as usual it’s taking me by surprise. Wasn’t it just New Year’s Day a few weeks ago? I try to head into this annual mid-point with a bit of zen and gratitude, thinking about who and what I am thankful for, and adjusting my “life sails” as necessary to make sure I stay on my best course.
In honor of Independence Day, I also want to take a moment to give a shout out to our very appreciated “Made in the USA” suppliers. When I work on design projects, it feels good to buy home goods that are locally manufactured. When you make this choice, you are supporting local economies while often lowering your carbon footprint thanks to reduced shipping distances..