Designer's Notes

The Truth About Kitchen Design (And What Most People Get Wrong)

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You’ve seen the beautiful kitchens.

You’ve saved the pins, liked the reels, and imagined how it would feel to finally bring that dream to life in your own home.

But then the reality sets in.

Because while inspiration is everywhere… execution? That’s where most people get stuck.

After years helping clients bring their homes to life, I’ve seen it all — the overwhelm, the false starts, the heartbreak of a costly choice that didn’t come together the way it should have.

Here’s what you’re not being told:

A Beautiful Kitchen Isn’t Built from Pretty Pieces.

 

It’s built from how those pieces work together — proportion, tone, texture, flow.

And when you don’t have a clear plan, even the most gorgeous materials can work against each other.

 

3 Kitchen Design Mistakes (That Happen to the Best of Us)

 

1. Decision Paralysis

You start strong — excited, hopeful. But every new idea makes you second-guess the last one. Weeks go by. Nothing gets ordered.The project stalls.

 

 

2. The Moodboard Mashup

 

That stunning cabinet. The trending backsplash. The fixture you couldn’t stop thinking about. They all look great… until they’re in the same room. And suddenly, your dream kitchen feels like a collection of parts instead of a cohesive whole.

 

3. The Regret Remodel

 

You commit to a countertop or paint color that looked amazing in a photo — only to realize the undertones clash with your flooring in real life. Now you're either stuck living with it or paying thousands to fix it.

 

What’s Actually Working in 2025 and into 2026?

 

The best kitchens are quiet, warm, and intentional. They’re rooted in natural textures and timeless materials, not trend-chasing.

Expect to see:

  • Natural oak warmed up, walnut, and more mid-dark tones of wood.

  • Layered lighting and earthy palettes (Kitchen sconces will be everywhere)

  • Thoughtful placement of countertop towers that sit on the countertop instead of wall hung.

  • Vent hoods that are exaggerated and make a statement
  • Field stone or slab stone backsplashes instead of busy grouted tile.

But even with the right materials, you still need a designer’s eye to pull it all together — and that’s exactly what I’ve built for you.

 

Homeowners Already Finding Relief: The Organic Modern Kitchen Guide

This guide has already landed in the hands of homeowners across the country — and they’re using it to make confident, smart, and stunning decisions in their renovations.

Inside, you’ll get:

  • Layout options and all design elements explained

  • Shopping showroom with material sourcing with splurge / splurge-ish / value tiers

  • Primary Paint pairing, and add-on optional whole home paint palette 

  • Finish Sample ordering 

  • Project tracker

  • Bonus dining room design

  • The same design framework I use with private clients — now available to you

Whether you're mid-renovation or just starting to plan, this guide was created to give you clarity, save you from costly mistakes, and help you love your kitchen for years to come.

Get the guide now →  Organic Modern Kitchen Guide

Have questions or need help with your space? I’m just an email away. And yes — I’d love to see what you create.

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