10 Years of Thoughtful Design: What I’ve Learned, Loved, and Look Forward To

As I reflect on reaching the 10-year milestone with ES Designs, I am filled with gratitude and excitement. Ten years ago, I embarked on this journey with a passion for design. I did not have a focus, but I knew I wanted to use design to make a house feel like home. Over the years, ES Designs has become a place where thoughtful design meets meaningful transformation. In this post, I’m sharing the lessons I’ve learned, the projects that have inspired me, and what the future holds for ES Designs.

Biggest Lessons Learned

1. The Power of Listening – The most important lesson I’ve learned is the importance of truly listening to my clients. Every space tells a story, and it’s only by understanding the lives, needs, and challenges of those who inhabit it that I can design spaces that truly work for them.

2. Design is About People, Not Trends – While staying current with design trends is important, I’ve realized that good design is timeless. It’s about creating spaces that resonate with the people who live in them, not just following the latest style. This is especially important when designing for accessibility and aging-in-place, where functionality is key.

3. The Value of Collaboration – Interior design isn’t a solo endeavor. I’ve learned that collaborating with contractors, suppliers, and other professionals is crucial to bringing a vision to life. Working together creates better results and ensures that every aspect of a design is seamlessly executed.

Favorite Projects and Moments

Over the past decade, there have been many moments that have stood out, but a few projects have truly made an impact on me.

• A Very Tiny Kitchen: Early in my career, I had the opportunity to work on a kitchen in a 950 sq. ft. home built in the 1940s. While the kitchen had undergone some updates, it remained the same size as the original 1940s layout. We were able to double the kitchen’s size, but it still holds the title of the smallest kitchen I’ve ever designed. The challenge of maximizing every inch of space was both thrilling and rewarding. It required creative problem-solving and innovative design solutions, all while working with one of the tightest budgets I’ve ever had. The experience taught me the value of thoughtful design, no matter the size or scope of the project.

• Some “A Ha Moments”: 

  • After taking a break from design to focus on being at home with my kids, I realized in the summer of 2018 that it was time to ease back into the design world. I applied to be an instructor at Heritage School of Interior Design in Denver, and this fall marks the start of my 7th year teaching there. Over the years, I’ve taught technical classes as well as a Kitchen and Bath Design course. I absolutely love mentoring the next generation of designers, hoping to inspire their passion for the field while equipping them with the tools they need to succeed.

  • In early 2024, I attended the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show (KBIS) and had the opportunity to hear from a designer specializing in design for neurodiverse needs. This was a pivotal moment for me as I realized that this could be my own area of focus. As a parent to neurodiverse children, I have a unique understanding of the right questions to ask and the challenges families face. This insight allowed me to merge my personal and professional lives, giving me the chance to make a meaningful difference for families like mine.

• The Aging-in-Place Bathroom: Designing a bathroom that catered to aging-in-place principles was another highlight. Incorporating universal design features like non-slip flooring, grab bars, and smart storage solutions made the space not only more accessible but also more comfortable for the client. Knowing that I could help my clients live independently for longer was an incredibly fulfilling experience.

Becoming a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD)

Becoming a Certified Kitchen and Bath Designer (CKBD) was a transformative milestone in my career. The certification process was demanding—six months of rigorous study and preparation, refining my skills across every aspect of kitchen and bath design. It was a challenge, but one I was determined to conquer, and I successfully passed each section of the exam.

Achieving my CKBD certification opened up new opportunities. Prior to earning this certification, I had been teaching technical design classes, but becoming a CKBD allowed me to move into teaching the Kitchen and Bath Design course at Heritage School of Interior Design. This shift not only gave me the chance to share my knowledge with aspiring designers but also provided a much-needed focus for my career. 

The CKBD certification was a defining moment in my professional journey, giving me both the confidence and credibility to pursue a more focused path in design and teaching, and I am grateful for the doors it has opened.

Shifts in the Industry—and How I've Evolved

The interior design industry has undergone significant evolution over the past decade, particularly in areas like sustainable design, accessibility, and how we communicate our designs. There has been a growing emphasis on wellness in design and a shift toward creating more thoughtful, personalized spaces.

In response to these changes, I’ve prioritized staying ahead of trends while staying true to my core values of functionality and inclusivity. I've deepened my expertise in areas like universal design, lighting, and color, ensuring that ES Designs is always prepared to offer modern, tailored solutions that meet the unique needs of each client.

Vision for the Future of ES Designs

As I look ahead, I’m excited to continue growing ES Designs and focus on creating spaces that prioritize accessibility, functionality, and personalization. My goal is to design for those who need a specialist—whether for neurodiverse needs, aging-in-place solutions, or physical disabilities. I envision expanding my team with talented individuals who share my passion, allowing us to reach more families and make a greater impact in the design world. Together, we’ll help clients create spaces that truly work for their unique needs and lifestyles.

Gratitude for the Journey So Far

As I reflect on these 10 incredible years, I am filled with gratitude for the people who have played a pivotal role in the success of ES Designs. First and foremost, I want to thank my husband, who supports me every step of the way—whether it’s serving as my tech guru or advising me on business decisions. My mom has also been a constant source of help, editing half my work and connecting me to invaluable resources. I’m deeply appreciative of the support and resources available in our community, which have helped me grow and restructure my business over the years.

Most of all, I am incredibly grateful for the clients who have trusted me with their homes. Every project, big or small, has been an opportunity to transform a space into something that works better for the people who live there. Your trust has been invaluable, and I am honored to have had the chance to help you create environments that are functional, beautiful, and reflective of your unique needs. You are the heart of ES Designs, and I couldn’t be more thankful for each and every one of you.

Special Offers for the Month of August

To celebrate 10 years of thoughtful design, I’m offering a special promotion this month:

• When you book a design consultation or full-service package in August, you’ll receive 10% off or $100 off, whichever gives you the greater savings. 

• If you begin the design process now, there’s a good chance you can complete construction before the holidays, just in time to enjoy your new space with family and friends.

• Offer valid for bookings made between August 1–31, 2025. Limited to the first 10 clients, so be sure to schedule your consultation soon! 

Whether you're looking to redesign your kitchen, revamp your living room, or need guidance on accessible design, this is the perfect opportunity to get started.

If you're ready to take the next step in your design journey, or if you know someone who could benefit from thoughtful, accessible design, I encourage you to schedule a consultation today. I’d love to continue this journey with you, creating spaces that truly work for your needs.

Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with me. Here’s to the next chapter of ES Designs!