What’s Inspiring Me These Days

Musings from the Return of My Life Force

After a quiet, introspective winter, I’m finding myself reawakened — not just personally, but creatively, professionally, spiritually. As a Bay Area interior designer constantly on the move between the studio, client projects, and industry events, this slower season gave me space to pause. And now, I can feel the creative spark returning. The light has shifted and Spring is in bloom.

Winter was quiet. Slower than I’m used to. And my usually optimistic, joy-charged self took a bit of a breather. But now, the real new year. In case you missed my last blog post, I shared how Spring has always felt more like the true start of the year than the first of January. And it makes sense: this is when nature wakes up. The sun returns. Buds appear. The air smells like potential. The energy shifts.

And last week, something shifted in me too.

Scott took off on a climbing adventure, and Jett came home for Spring Break. When she left again, the house was empty, but not in a lonely way. It was full of promise. The quiet held possibility. Ideas started flooding in. I felt the desire to write again, which hasn’t been easy lately. I’ve been in hibernation. But something about this new season stirred me awake.

What I’m realizing is this: I LOVE DESIGNING. And I LOVE running this business. (Like, deeply. Fully. Still. Always.)

And so, here are a few aspects of what I do that are currently reigniting my fire:

1. Collaborating with Clients in Flexible, Creative New Ways

Recently, Linnette and Tammy from Abio Properties came into the studio for help selecting materials for their California Ranch remodel. I had already started building out a Pinterest board and had made a few rounds through local tile shops to pull more materials. (Because yes, I always want more materials to play with.)

We rolled up our sleeves, laid everything out, and just… flowed. Collaborated. Dreamed. By the end of the meeting, we had a beautiful, clear direction and a palette they were excited to implement on their own.

Normally, we oversee a full-service process from concept to install. But this dynamic duo has chosen to manage the project themselves, given their experience in the residential renovation world.

What I wish more people understood is how valuable that kind of collaboration is. Too often, well-meaning contractors without design training make decisions based on cost or efficiency, and the results end up ripped out and sent to landfills within a few years. It’s wasteful. And it’s often boring.

There’s a huge difference between minimalist and vanilla. The first is intentional. The second is usually a missed opportunity. So here’s a loving PSA: When you work with a designer, you don’t just get a prettier result. You get a more sustainable, soulful, thoughtful home.

2. All Things Handmade, Vintage, and Antique

I’ve also been so encouraged by the return of the old and the authentic. And it’s not just me… It turns out, Gen Z is pretty mad at us elders for stripping all the soul out of homes. I recently saw a video on social media of a Gen Z girl imploring us to “please leave something old for us to enjoy.” She was heartbroken over how much character had been torn out of historic homes. And honestly? Same.

Maybe that’s why vintage markets are thriving again. People are craving things with history, with energy, with soul. Not mass-produced filler, but objects and spaces that have been touched by time and carry meaning.

I’m happy to report that several of our recent projects have had clients adamant about keeping the original moldings, baseboards, and built-ins. We’ve got you, kids! Not all the Victorians, Craftsmans, California Mediterraneans, and Tudors have been stripped of their charm. Some of us are saving them for you.

You may just need a Gen X designer who has your back. That’s where I come in.

We just restored a Victorian that would turn those corsets around, and are currently renovating a Tudor in Upper Lakeshore with Amato Architecture that’s going to be full-on OG — everything lovingly brought back to its original glory.

The old is new again. And I am so here for it.

And hey, if you don’t have a home to lovingly restore to its former splendor (yet!) but you’re ready to ditch your West Elm pots and generic prints for something with soul, I’ve got you.

Here are a few fun finds from two of my favorite treasure troves for vintage accessories and one-of-a-kind pieces that bring good energy into your space.

3. Long-Standing Relationships with Kind, Open-Hearted People

The third inspiration stirring in me lately is something so simple but so profound: Working with people who are kind, curious, and here for the long game.

When I look back at the most soul-satisfying projects I’ve been a part of, they all share one thing: collaboration with people who trust, care, and want to create something meaningful. From vendors I’ve known since the early days of my business, to architects and reps who go the extra mile, to clients who invite me into the sacred space of their homes…

Every space holds the energy of the people who have touched it. It’s not just me. It’s a team. And that team leaves their fingerprints in the most beautiful way.

The spaces that sing, that truly hold something sacred, are the ones made through relationships like this. They’re not just well-designed. They’re energy-rich.

So yes, I’m back.
Back in love with what I do.
Back in rhythm with the beauty of collaboration.
And back to calling in projects that stretch me creatively and nourish the soul.

If you’re dreaming of a space that feels timeless, grounded, rich in story, and uniquely yours… let’s talk. I’d love to design a room, a home, or an estate you never want to leave.

Let’s make magic. Click here to explore working together. 

With love,

Laura

Photos by Laura Martin Bovard unless otherwise noted.