Let’s play a game.

Walk into your home, drop your keys in that same random bowl, glance at the maybe dead fiddle leaf fig in the corner, and take a beat.
Now ask yourself:
What is this room trying to tell me?

Because here’s the wild thing—your home is talking to you. Constantly. Not in a haunted-house sort of way (hopefully), but in a whispery, emotional, slightly passive-aggressive therapist voice. It’s dropping clues about how you live, what you value, what you’re avoiding, and yes… what you might need to work through.

So let’s decode it, shall we?

1. The Cluttered Entryway

Ah yes. The Bermuda Triangle of shoes, mail, and rogue Amazon returns.

What it might be saying:
“I need better boundaries. Also maybe a basket system. And perhaps… your mornings are more chaotic than you’re admitting.”
A wild entryway often signals a lack of transitions. It’s where outside meets inside, and when it’s in disarray, it can reflect a life that’s feeling a little untethered. Solution? Hooks, cubbies, intentional catch-alls. Your keys deserve a home, too.

Place to hang your purse, drop your keys and work bag, put important mail by the computer to be dealt with later etc..

2. The All-White Kitchen

So crisp. So clean. So… commitment-phobic?

What it might be saying:
“I’m scared of choosing the wrong backsplash, so I chose none at all.”
Look, we love a clean palette. But if your kitchen feels more sterile than serene, it might be begging for a little personality. A vintage rug. A punchy lamp on the counter. Art. (Yes, art! In the kitchen!) It’s okay to show a little flavor where the flavor lives.

White cabinets, countertop and backsplash are broken up with a great chartruse door to the pantry, black island cabinets and some great art.

3. The Sofa That’s More Decor Than Lounge

You know the one. Pristine. Lined with exactly seven pillows. Never been napped on.

What it might be saying:
“I value appearances. Possibly too much. Please remind me that comfort and beauty aren’t mutually exclusive.”
A living room should live. If your seating feels too precious, you might be holding your home to impossible standards. Try inviting in a little imperfection: a rumpled throw, a coffee table with actual coffee rings. It’s okay. That’s called life.

This sofa screams comfortable while also being crazy beautiful.

4. The Forgotten Guest Room

Dusty. Door always closed. A graveyard of mismatched furniture and half-hearted bedding.

What it might be saying:
“I’m the embodiment of your procrastination. Also, maybe… you’re afraid of hosting?”
This is your chance to create a space that says “Welcome, we’ve been waiting for you!” instead of “Please ignore the exercise bike.” Channel boutique hotel vibes: layered lighting, fresh linens, and maybe a spritz of room spray that screams “intentional hospitality.” And don’t think you need to spend a fortune. The room below was spendy but there are lots of ways to create a beautiful room without breaking the bank. Check out my blog post about the backhouse and all the Facebook marketplace finds I found to furnish it.

5. The Overstuffed Closet

Overflowing with “someday” clothes. The jeans from 2012. The pile of scarves you swear you’ll wear next fall.

What it might be saying:
“I’m holding onto identities you’ve already outgrown.”
Design therapy, meet actual therapy. A closet cleanse isn’t just about space—it’s about truth. Letting go of what no longer fits (literally or figuratively) creates room for who you’re becoming. Bonus: it makes mornings way less existential. Plus there’s something about knowing that behind a closed door, is a organized, appropriately filled, closet. Just makes the home feel better.

This closet has a place to gather your thoughts and put on your jewelry before starting your day.

6. The Bathroom That’s “Fine”

Builder-grade, beige on beige, lighting that could double as an interrogation lamp.

What it might be saying:
“You’re surviving, not thriving.”
This is your daily ritual space—your start and end point. You deserve beauty here. Upgrade that mirror. Swap out those lights. Hang art, add sconces, splurge on hand towels so fancy they make you giggle. Give yourself a space that says, “You matter.”

Inlaid cabnetry, fun tile and a great backsplash give this bathroom so much personality.

In Conclusion: Your Home Is a Mirror

Not in a spooky way—but in a deep, sometimes hilarious, sometimes tender way. The way we design (or don’t design) reflects so much about what we believe we deserve. About what we’re willing to feel. About how we want to live.

So this month, take a minute to listen.

Your home’s been trying to talk to you. Maybe now’s the time to talk back—with intention, beauty, and maybe a new drapery panel or two.

Okay, shameless plug time—but worth it! I offer a range of services to fit different budgets, because everyone deserves a home they actually like living in. If you’re staring at your space wondering where to even start (been there), consider a Day Design—I’ll spend the day with you, in your home, working through it together. Or go for a Mini Consultation, a focused two-hour session at our office, just you and me, diving into the details.

Here’s the thing: I see potential in your home that you probably don’t—and it’s my favorite thing to bring that to life. You deserve a space that’s functional, beautiful, and unapologetically you.

Pop over to the “Our Services” section under “Work with Kim,” book your consultation call, and let’s start turning your house into a place you love.

Design Therapy—What Your Home Might Be Trying to Tell You