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 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…

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….

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…

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….

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…

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…

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..

See the beautiful image above? It's one of my favorite places in the world: Ålesund, Norway. Most known for its Art Nouveau architecture and incredible views of surrounding mountains and fjords, I know it as one of the most welcoming places on earth.  My husband Steve’s parents hail from Ålesund and a town just across the fjord, Langevåg, and we’ve spent many glorious summers in Ålesund, Langevåg, and other Norwegian locales, surrounded by family.  With each trip to Norway, I come home refreshed and newly inspired.

Whether you’re a design-build newbie or veteran, one of the most important considerations and initial questions for clients is cost. Understanding the realities of a design-build investment from the inception of a project is critical, and honoring this step helps us to meet expectations and reduce frustration, for everyone!