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Once the holidays are over and the decorations are finally packed away, the house always feels a little strange — kind of empty, kind of refreshing, but also like you’re seeing everything for the first time again. And honestly, this is usually when I start noticing all the little things that need attention.

In this episode, I’m talking about how that post-holiday “blank slate” can actually help you figure out what home projects make the most sense for 2026. I’m also sharing what we’re planning over here: we’re finally redoing our master bathroom and bedroom. We did quick fixes years ago, but it’s definitely time for a full do-over… and we’re actually tackling this one ourselves after a year of contractors in our house. (Check back in a few months to see if I regret that decision, haha.)

I’m walking through the simple questions I ask clients when they’re trying to figure out where to start, what most people get wrong this time of year, and a couple things you can do right now that make planning way less overwhelming.

If a home project is on your mind for the new year, this episode will help you look at your space with clearer eyes — and maybe even get excited about what’s possible.

If you’re enjoying these conversations, make sure you’re subscribed. You’ll get my monthly newsletter, new palettes, blog posts, podcast episodes, and all the real-life design updates from our own home — right to your inbox. Come join the community!

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If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether to move or renovate, this episode is for you.

Renovations are exciting — until they’re not. There’s dust in places you didn’t know existed, a million decisions to make, and days where progress feels nonexistent. But there’s also creativity, transformation, and that quiet moment when everything starts to come together — and you finally remember why you started.

In this week’s Design in Real Life episode, I’m sharing the real side of renovation — the emotional middle, the lessons learned, and the truth about what happens behind all those glossy before-and-after photos.

Whether you’re knee-deep in a remodel, planning your first project, or simply dreaming of one, I hope this conversation helps you feel a little more grounded — and a lot less alone — in the process.

Our homes shape the way we feel every single day. In this episode, I’m sharing how clutter, color, and atmosphere affect our mental health—and simple ways you can make your home feel more calming and supportive without a full makeover. This coincides with a post I wrote-read it here.

If you don’t want to miss an episode or newsletter, head over to BDesign’D and sign up—I’d love for you to be part of the community. 💛

Thank you for listening,

Maria

So… remember that breakthrough I had? The one where I felt like I was finally shaking off my work slump? That was, what—four weeks ago? I came up with this solid plan: rotating blog posts, podcast episodes, focused time for client work and my own home. I was feeling organized, inspired… grounded.

And then—Aurora happened.

We’ve been talking about getting a dog for years. But my youngest was hesitant—first scared, then flat-out resistant to change. Eventually, he softened, and we found the sweetest little bulldog puppy. The timing felt perfect: the boys are older, my husband works from home a couple days a week—it all seemed manageable.

What we didn’t factor in? We are way out of newborn/toddler mode. Like, a decade removed. And somehow we forgot the most important detail: puppies = chaos.

To top it off, we timed it perfectly (read: terribly). The same night we came back from our annual beach trip, Aurora arrived. Oh, and we also kicked off our kitchen project while we were away—starting with the ceiling (more on that in a future post). So yeah, we came home to drywall dust and a 12-week-old puppy. I honestly have no idea what we were thinking. 😆

We’re about a week in now, running on fumes—no sleep, no routine, kids heading back to school—and it’s giving me major flashbacks to the baby years. I remember counting down the days until they could sleep through the night, feed themselves, and not need to be carried everywhere. And now, here I am… the parent who tells younger parents, “It goes so fast. Treasure these moments…”

Looks like I need to take my own advice.

Here’s a quick glimpse at my garden visits lately—short and sweet. I’ll share more soon, including a proper kitchen update.

Life’s a little chaotic right now, but I wouldn’t trade it—even the sleep deprivation—for anything.

Speak soon,

Maria

You’d think white paint would be the easiest choice, right? It’s just white. But if you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of swatches—or even worse, painted a wall thinking it would look one way only for it to go full yellow or blue—you know how frustrating it can be.

Not gonna lie—this week felt straight out of the twilight zone. School events, dances, graduations… and then I randomly got sick? It’s been a lot. Add in nonstop rain and fog, and it’s safe to say I’m more than ready for some sunshine. Thankfully, it’s finally on the way (cue the “here comes the sun” soundtrack).

The garden’s been in a bit of a holding pattern—everything’s slow, especially the peppers, which are still stuck in seedling mode 😆 But fingers crossed the heat kicks things into gear. I finally was able to get up to the garden to check in on what’s growing, what’s not, and what I’m hoping will take off soon

Ever wondered what interior designers actually do behind the scenes? In this first episode of Design in Real Life, I’m pulling back the curtain on how my business works—what goes into pricing, timelines, sourcing, and why this job is way more than picking pretty things. If you’ve thought about hiring a designer (or just love the real talk), this one’s for you.

Thank you for listening and let me know in the comments what you’d like to hear about!

Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out!

Maria

I’ve been slowly putting one foot in front of the other with this whole podcast idea. Some days it feels a little out of my comfort zone, and other days it feels like the most natural next step. After blogging for nearly eight years, I’ve realized there’s so much more I want to share—things that are just better spoken than typed.

I’m not doing this with big expectations or chasing some spotlight. Honestly, part of me is just excited to have a new way to connect—and maybe hear myself talk a little (ha!). But mostly, I’m doing this for the homeowner who’s standing in the middle of a room feeling completely overwhelmed with choices. My goal is to take what I’ve learned over the last decade—not in a know-it-all way, but in a “yep, I’ve made that mistake too” way—and make the process feel less intimidating.

I’ll also be bringing on some of my favorite design friends to chat, pull back the curtain on what really happens behind the scenes, and of course, share a few funny stories along the way.

So whether you’re planning a big renovation or just trying to figure out which paint color won’t make you regret your life choices—I hope this podcast becomes a space that feels helpful, honest, and a little bit fun.

Episodes will probably land about once a month (because life is full!), and I’m so looking forward to having you along for the ride.

Thanks for being here. I’m really glad you are.

—Maria

Transplanting and planting new seeds!

I finally got around to transplanting our red bell and banana peppers, those combined with the poblano plants, I have about 15 pepper plants 🤪😆

I planted some more seeds of lettuce, flowers, onions (which I’ve never grown) and plan on getting the herbs and flowers I need for pest control.

This is the fun and simple part- I’m interested to see once they really get big what pests and diseases will come about, if any but im assuming since its nature haha, but it’s all part of the process!

Have an amazing day, a very happy Mother’s Day!💐

Week 1 after transplanting walkthrough 🤗🌱