There are moments when we realize that feeling steady is not something to take for granted. A slippery shower floor. A shift in balance. An injury, pregnancy, recovery period, or simply the quiet awareness that we want to remain in our home as we age. These moments are not always dramatic, but they are deeply personal— and they matter…

Walk into a space, and you feel it immediately. Before a word is spoken, before a service is offered or a meeting begins, the walls are already communicating. They’re setting expectations, shaping perception, and telling a story—often without us realizing it. Yet too often, art is treated as a final layer. Something to consider if the budget allows. Something added once the “important” decisions have been made…

In an age defined by constant motion— notifications, updates, shifting trends— it’s easy to believe that tradition belongs to the past. Those rituals slow us down, hold us in place, or make us appear rigid in a world built on reinvention. But what if tradition is not the anchor that keeps us from drifting forward, but the steadying force that helps us know exactly where we stand? Traditions, after all, are the moments when we exhale…

A friend recently shared how excited she was to pull out a pair of shoes she bought thirty years ago— a beautiful, classic leather loafer she admittedly spent a bit more on at the time. But she loved them. She felt something when she slipped them on. And all these years later, they’re still perfect. Still beautiful. Still her. It made me think about how true this is with interiors…

I’ve often felt that turnabouts — those places where a train shifts direction and the journey continues on a new track — are a lot like some of the spaces we design in homes, restaurants, and offices. They’re not the final destination, but they matter deeply. They’re the pause before the pivot, the moment that hints at what’s next…

Post-Labor Day always feels like a natural reset—a time when we shift from summer’s pace and start focusing on the interiors that carry us through the seasons ahead. Every year brings a fresh wave of “must-haves” in design, including colors that dominate, furniture shapes that flood your feed, and materials that suddenly feel essential. It’s easy to feel like you need to keep up. But here’s the truth: trends don’t define your style, and they certainly don’t create a home that stands the test of time…

Let’s Talk Sheen. Choosing the Right Finish, Room by Room. We get asked all the time: “What sheen should I use?” In this journal, we’re breaking down the most-used sheens—where we like to use them, why, and what to watch out for. Whether you’re a flat finish fan or semi-gloss loyalist, you’ll walk away with a few design tips—and maybe a new favorite…

Here’s a little-known fact about me: my journey into the world of interior design started with window treatments. Yep— my very first “project” was our first baby’s nursery, where I found myself learning to sew custom drapes because I couldn’t find anything just right. That was over 25 years ago, and window treatments have held a special place in my heart— and in our design firm— ever since…

When a beloved sofa starts sagging or a vintage chair’s fabric no longer fits your style, you’re faced with a common dilemma: Should you reupholster and refresh, or is it time to replace it? The answer isn’t always obvious, and there are several factors— beyond just cost— to consider. Let’s break down the pros, cons, and hidden details that could influence your decision…

Lighting is the unsung hero of interior design. It has the power to transform a space, evoke emotion, and enhance functionality—all with the flick of a switch (or the tap of a smart app). Yet, one of the most common design mistakes is relying on a single light source to do all the heavy lifting…

We’re honored to be featured alongside wonderful design talents as they share holiday wreath design tips in Redfin’s latest holiday blog, “18 Holiday Wreath Ideas to Bring Festive Cheer into Your Home.”Read more via Redfin and take a look at our insights…

Don’t let anybody tell you that wallpaper is dated! Wallpaper is back in big, bold, and beautiful ways, and we at Carlisle Design are here for it! Our team of in-the-know designers never strayed away from this versatile design element. And, we are using it in more impactful ways than ever. Our clients love it…

You’ve probably noticed that we’ve leaned into using select vintage pieces in our design spaces these past few years. 

We love mixing the warmth, character, and patina of a great found piece into classic and contemporary design. Some call it mixing high and low. It works like this…

In the time we spent working on this new website, we noticed a few recurrent themes in our weekly meetings and daily designing. One of the larger ideas is our industry’s intersection with environmentalism. When Julie began as an interior designer decades ago, it was–or sometimes seemed–as simple as upholstered chairs and custom curtain trims…

Can’t appreciate good design without the right lighting, right? Lights should sing, call out and beckon you as you enter a room. With so many neutrals in today’s interiors lights with personality and unexpected qualities have the perfect backdrop and will elevate any space…

Color plays a more monumental role than you might imagine as it carries and connects our history, and our stories. Color truly embodies all aspects of our lives. Yet, to fully appreciate this, it is important to understand the study of color or color psychology…