When discussing design elements with my clients, I often refer to design elements as being on an upward or downward arc. If we are adopting a trend in the very early days, I tend to feel better about it because we’re on the “upward arc” - this means that it has a longer lifespan than something that is on a “downward arc” or, in other words, towards the end of the trend. Unfortunately, many trends become most affordable and widely available on their downward arc because the industry has had time to adapt and create things at a lower price point.

Our clients share in our belief that homes are meant to be lived in and that nothing should be considered too precious to enjoy in your day-to-day. The textiles in this space aren’t fussy, which keeps it down to earth and gives you permission to get comfortable and enjoy the space.

I’m using a sympathetic approach to the design on our house, which is to say that I’m not really interested in restoring it, but rather in ensuring that the finished product is in keeping with the home’s original architecture and surroundings. It is a Craftsman, through and through, and it’s important to me that that is recognizable when we’ve finished this project. I keep asking myself the question, “If someone were to build this house today, how would they do it?”

Our house had been sitting vacant for a few months before we took possession, and the yards were overgrown. This was the obvious starting point for our home projects, and while there is still a lot of work to be done, the transformation is already incredible.

The house itself is 1.5 stories and 3 bedrooms, but we have plans to move some walls around to make it suit life in 2023 a bit better. We’ll take it down to two bedrooms on the main floor, using the space we’re stealing from elsewhere to create a truly special bathroom, a large primary bedroom, and a walk-in pantry off the kitchen.

We love a heritage home at Common Purpose, and were so thrilled to be asked to redesign this kitchen. The clients wanted a functional kitchen with ample storage, unfussy finishes, and a design that wouldn’t feel out of place in their old home. Most importantly, the space needed to feel like them - the oversaturated design styles we’ve seen emerge wouldn’t do.