Relocating from their home in Brisbane, Australia with ocean views to the Pacific, our clients envisioned a refresh for their new lakefront cottage on Pine Lake in West Bloomfield, Michigan. Completed in July 2024, we created new spaces, reimagined old ones, and even swapped places for a primary bedroom and its en suite bath. Our goal was to create a serene and soothing spa- like experience for the bathroom, all while maintaining gorgeous lake views. But this reconfiguration presented some challenges. The primary bedroom was oversized, while its adjacent bath was tiny and crowded. We completely flipped the locations of the bedroom and bathroom, even rerouting plumbing over the bar in the lower level to accommodate the freestanding tub. To maximize space, we designed large, walk-in dressing pantries that are as functional as they are beautiful, and lead to the large dual custom vanity. The vanity itself is freestanding to provide access for hand towel bath hardware on its sides. The his-and-hers unit contains built-in dividers, laundry hampers and trash pullouts to maximize its function. An enclosed water closet allows for privacy in the open concept bathroom, and is placed beyond the cabinetry. The star of this space is the large enclosed wet room. As the focal point of the bathroom, its oversized tiled walls and deep built-in bench allow for a steam or soaking in the tub while enjoying stunning lake views. The wet room is spacious and serene, and perfect for an end to a Michigan winter day.

Total layout change as the living room, kitchen and dining room were all 3 separate rooms. We knocked down all the walls to make it an open floor plan that flows and connects all 3 spaces. We also extended the kitchen and deck out further to make it even bigger. Adde the large slider doors and windows in the living room to keep it open and connected with the outdoor space and so you could see the gorgeous view of the lake they live on. Added a pantry, and swapped the laundry and half bath to make it more convenient for both both indoor use and for easy access from the exterior when guests are over!

At our Winter Sun project, the house was very Tuscan Old World, and our homeowners were wanting a change from all the dark colors. We updated the kitchen, master bathroom and the powder room but kept existing travertine flooring. In the master bathroom we kept all existing tile, swapped out the drop in tub that was taking up the bathroom for a freestanding tub. We redesigned and installed all the new vanity inset cabinetry making it feel more custom. Adding the furniture legs and bump out makes the vanities feel like beautiful pieces of furniture.

Personalization is no longer just a design trend—it has become an essential part of creating spaces that truly feel like home. Our homes are much more than places where we live; they are reflections of our personalities, our values, and the memories we hold dear. Personalization allows homeowners to go beyond surface-level aesthetics and bring their unique stories to life through thoughtful design choices. From one-of-a-kind decor to custom furniture, there are countless ways to make a space uniquely yours. This article explores the transformative power of personalization in home design, offering creative ideas and strategies to ensure your home feels as special as the people who live in it. By incorporating meaningful elements, sentimental keepsakes, and designs tailored to your lifestyle, you can create a home that speaks to your heart while remaining both functional and beautiful. Why Personalization Is Transforming Home Design Personalization in home design is a powerful trend that’s shaping how we live. It’s about more than just creating a stylish space—it’s about creating an emotional connection to your environment. Here’s why it matters: Emotional Resonance: Personal touches make your home feel like a sanctuary. Items that carry sentimental value, such as family heirlooms or custom-made pieces, evoke memories and create a sense of belonging. Individuality: Your home is a reflection of your personality. Personalization allows you to infuse your style into every corner, ensuring your space doesn’t look like a copy of someone else’s. Functionality with Meaning: Customized furniture or decor isn’t just beautiful—it’s practical. Personalized design ensures every piece serves your specific needs while adding character to your home. How to Add Personal Touches to Your Home Design 1. Customized Furniture and Decor Investing in bespoke pieces is one of the best ways to personalize your home. Whether it’s a hand-carved coffee table or custom shelving designed to fit your space, tailored furniture adds both functionality and uniqueness. Ideas for Customized Furniture: A dining table engraved with a special date or family name. Built-in bookshelves designed to fit your exact collection of novels and treasures. Upholstered chairs or couches in fabrics that reflect your style and preferences. For decor, consider smaller but impactful personalized items. For instance, displaying a meaningful keepsake, like a shadow box featuring a personalized necklace, can add an intimate touch to any room. 2. Symbolic Design Elements Incorporating symbols that resonate with you is a thoughtful way to personalize your space. Items inspired by spiritual or cultural symbols, such as angel numbers, can serve as both decor and a reminder of values or goals that matter to you. Examples of Symbolic Decor: Wall art or prints featuring numbers, quotes, or patterns that hold personal significance. Sculptures or figurines that represent qualities like protection, growth, or harmony. Patterned rugs or textiles that subtly include symbols tied to your family’s history or beliefs. 3. Displaying Sentimental Items A personalized home thrives on nostalgia and sentimentality. Displaying cherished keepsakes and mementos is a wonderful way to bring life and meaning into your space. Ideas for Sentimental Displays: Memory Galleries: Create a gallery wall filled with family photos, travel souvenirs, and sentimental artwork. Mix and match frames to add visual interest while showcasing your memories. Functional Keepsakes: Repurpose sentimental items into practical decor. For example, a gift for dad, such as a custom clock or framed photo, can double as both a functional and meaningful addition to your space. Incorporate small family treasures, like vintage jewelry or heirlooms, into your decor. Feature Pieces: Highlight unique items in shadow boxes, such as wedding keepsakes, old letters, or jewelry. These displays turn your memories into a focal point of the room. 4. Personalized Artwork and Accessories Custom artwork is one of the easiest ways to add a personal touch to your home. Whether it’s commissioning a piece or creating something yourself, personalized art instantly elevates a space. Custom Art Ideas: A commissioned painting of your family home, wedding venue, or favorite landscape. Abstract art featuring colors or symbols that are meaningful to you. Name plaques, monograms, or custom wall hangings. Incorporating personalized accessories like cushions, throws, or coasters featuring family names or initials is another subtle yet effective way to customize your decor. 5. Seasonal Personalization Switching up decor seasonally offers a great opportunity to incorporate personal touches. For example: Display holiday-themed photos, such as a family portrait from last year’s festivities. Rotate sentimental items based on the time of year, such as a fall centerpiece with family heirloom candlesticks. Incorporate handmade seasonal crafts created with family members, making the decor feel both personal and festive. Incorporating Personalization Into Outdoor Spaces Personalization doesn’t stop at your front door. Outdoor spaces, like patios, gardens, and porches, offer plenty of opportunities for customization. Ideas for Personalizing Outdoor Areas: Custom Signs: Add a handmade welcome sign or a plaque with your family name to the front of your house. Engraved Furniture: Outdoor benches or tables engraved with meaningful quotes or dates can create an intimate touch. Garden Markers: Personalized garden markers or stepping stones with family names or inspirational words can make your garden truly yours. Personalizing your home is not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating an environment that feels deeply connected to you and your loved ones. Every item, color, and design element can carry a piece of your story. In this section, we’ll dive deeper into actionable ideas for personalizing your living spaces, transforming them into meaningful reflections of your life. 6. Layering Sentimental Textiles and Accessories Textiles such as rugs, curtains, and throw pillows are an excellent way to infuse personality into your home without a full-scale renovation. Opt for customized or sentimental fabrics that tie in your personal story. Ideas for Textiles That Add Meaning Custom Monogrammed Pillows Add initials, family names, or even special dates to throw pillows for your living room or bedroom. Memory Quilts Use pieces of fabric from meaningful items, like old clothes or wedding attire, to create a quilt that tells a story. Personalized Rugs Consider a custom rug with patterns or symbols that resonate with your family’s heritage or values. Incorporating textiles that tell a story not only makes your home feel cozier but also serves as a subtle reminder of cherished memories. 7. Meaningful Gifts as Decor Some of the most cherished items in a home are gifts from loved ones. These pieces carry stories and emotional weight, making them perfect for display as decor. For example, a gift for dad, such as a custom leather-bound journal or engraved keepsake, can be displayed in a home office or study. These items become part of the space’s character while celebrating the bond shared with a loved one. Tips for Displaying Gifted Items: Use bookshelves or mantels to showcase sentimental gifts alongside other decor elements. Pair gifted items with complementary pieces, such as family photos or artwork, to create cohesive displays. 8. Personalized Storage Solutions Functional spaces can also benefit from personalization. Custom storage solutions allow you to stay organized while reflecting your style and needs. Ideas for Personalized Storage Engraved Wooden Crates: Use crates with engraved names or labels for stylish, functional storage in living rooms or children’s play areas. Custom Closet Systems: Design closets with features like jewelry drawers, tie racks, or shoe compartments tailored to your specific collection. Sentimental Storage Bins: Store seasonal decorations, keepsakes, or family mementos in decorative bins labeled with meaningful phrases or designs. By blending practicality and personalization, you can create spaces that are as functional as they are beautiful. 9. Creative Personalization for Kids’ Rooms Children’s rooms are ideal spaces for playful and meaningful personalization. From custom artwork to interactive elements, you can design a room that reflects their personality while creating an inspiring space for them to grow. Ideas for Kids’ Room Personalization Name Signs and Wall Art: Incorporate their name in decorative signage or framed artwork to make their space uniquely theirs. Growth Charts with Memories: Add personalized growth charts where you can mark milestones and attach small mementos. Interactive Decor: Create activity walls featuring chalkboards, corkboards, or magnetic surfaces where kids can express their creativity. These personal touches turn their rooms into a space that grows with them, capturing memories along the way. 10. Blending Modern Trends with Personalized Touches If you’re drawn to modern design trends, you can still incorporate personalization without losing that sleek, contemporary feel. Here’s how: Tips for a Modern Yet Personalized Space Minimalist Monograms: Add subtle, elegant initials or symbols to decor pieces like vases, linens, or art prints. Statement Lighting: Choose pendant lights or chandeliers with a customized design or engraving to reflect your style. Neutral Colors with Personal Accents: Keep the base color palette neutral, but incorporate personal elements like family photos in modern frames or sentimental objects displayed in chic shadow boxes. This approach ensures your home stays trendy while retaining meaningful personal elements. 11. Technology Meets Personalization Technology can also play a role in making your home feel more personal. Smart home systems and digital tools can be customized to fit your preferences and lifestyle. Ideas for Personalized Tech Customized Smart Displays: Use smart screens to display rotating family photos or personal artwork. Smart Lighting Scenes: Set up lighting presets for different moods, such as a cozy evening scene that highlights your favorite decor. Voice-Activated Reminders: Program smart assistants to remind you of family birthdays, anniversaries, or even daily affirmations. By integrating personalized technology, your home becomes both functional and deeply connected to your needs. 12. Seasonal Rotations with a Personal Touch Personalization doesn’t have to be permanent. Changing up your decor with the seasons is a wonderful way to keep your home feeling fresh while adding meaningful elements. Ideas for Seasonal Personalization Holiday Decor with Family Themes: Create personalized ornaments, stockings, or wreaths that highlight your family’s story. Seasonal Photo Swaps: Rotate family photos to reflect seasonal activities or vacations. Custom Table Settings: Design table linens, centerpieces, or napkin rings featuring symbols or colors that are meaningful to your family. Seasonal personalization allows you to constantly renew the look and feel of your space while keeping it tied to your personal story. Turning a House Into Your Sanctuary Personalization in home design is about more than creating a visually appealing space—it’s about creating a home that reflects your life, values, and memories. Every detail, from the textiles you choose to the sentimental items you display, adds a layer of meaning that makes your house truly yours. By incorporating elements like customized decor, thoughtful gifts, and symbolic designs, you can craft a home that not only looks beautiful but also feels deeply personal. Take inspiration from these ideas to make your space a reflection of everything that matters most to you and your loved ones.

Our homeowner had worked with us in the past and asked us to design and renovate their 1980’s style master bathroom and closet into a modern oasis with a more functional layout. The original layout was chopped up and an inefficient use of space. Keeping the windows where they were, we simply swapped the vanity and the tub, and created an enclosed stool room. The shower was redesigned utilizing a gorgeous tile accent wall which was also utilized on the tub wall of the bathroom. A beautiful free-standing tub with modern tub filler were used to modernize the space and added a stunning focal point in the room. Two custom tall medicine cabinets were built to match the vanity and the closet cabinets for additional storage in the space with glass doors. The closet space was designed to match the bathroom cabinetry and provide closed storage without feeling narrow or enclosed. The outcome is a striking modern master suite that is not only functional but captures our homeowners’ great style.

When space is limited, it takes smart planning to create a multifunctional and aesthetically appealing kitchen. #CapitolKB designer Adrienne was able to add an enormous amount of storage space in this well-designed kitchen. It’s amazing what a few smart touches can do. Structurally, this kitchen remains the same, but simple switches like swapping the dated cabinets and appliances really made the difference.

Beautiful cabinets from Countryside Cabinetry. Maple Graphite stain finish. We swapped out the microwave hood for this sophisticated wood hood to coordinate with the surrounding cabinetry and a more powerful ventilation unit.

These clients win the award for ‘Most Jarrett Design Projects in One Home’! We consider ourselves extremely fortunate to have been able to work with these kind folks so consistently over the years. The most recent project features their master bath, a room they have been wanting to tackle for many years. We think it was well worth the wait! It started off as an outdated space with an enormous platform tub open to the bedroom featuring a large round column. The open concept was inspired by island homes long ago, but it was time for some privacy. The water closet, shower and linen closet served the clients well, but the tub and vanities had to be updated with storage improvements desired. The clients also wanted to add organized spaces for clothing, shoes and handbags. Swapping the large tub for a dainty freestanding tub centered on the new window, cleared space for gorgeous his and hers vanities and armoires flanking the tub. The area where the old double vanity existed was transformed into personalized storage closets boasting beautiful custom mirrored doors. The bathroom floors and shower surround were replaced with classic white and grey materials. Handmade vessel sinks and faucets add a rich touch. Soft brass wire doors are the highlight of a freestanding custom armoire created to house handbags adding more convenient storage and beauty to the bedroom. Star sconces, bell jar fixture, wallpaper and window treatments selected by the homeowner with the help of the talented Lisa Abdalla Interiors provide the finishing traditional touches for this sanctuary. Jacqueline Powell Photography

We made minimal changes to this space, but they had a big impact. We added a decorative backsplash to bring in contrast and texture that was lacking, while updating the plumbing fixtures for a more cohesive look. We also swapped the light fixtures so the space no longer felt outdated while keeping the traditional style.

The original layout in this bathroom had a rather large radiator right in the entry area of the shower. By swapping it out with a nice, updated, slim line radiator/towel warmer, it opened up the walk in area to the shower and gave the added bonus of a towel warmer. By adding in a recessed niche in the shower, it gives a nice, neat organized way to store your shower necessities. The vanity is by Dura Supreme Cabinetry

Title: North Dallas Front Yard Curb Appeal Reimagined This project focused on transforming a dated, sparse front entry into a textured and inviting landscape that complements the home’s classic red brick exterior. The Challenge: The original landscape (seen in the "Before" photos) lacked definition, featuring aging shrubs and a worn flagstone path that didn't quite manage the slight slope of the yard. The goal was to create a more intentional, high-end look that felt both organic and structured. The Solution: Stone Artistry: We replaced the old borders with hand-stacked Oklahoma chop stone retaining walls. This added much-needed height and structure, creating clean lines that frame the new turf and planting beds. The Dry Creek Bed: A focal point of the design is the custom Colorado river rock dry creek bed interspersed with large flagstone steppers. This not only serves as a beautiful visual "river" flowing through the landscape but also provides a functional solution for water runoff. Lush Layers: We swapped out the old, thin grass for a vibrant, healthy lawn and introduced a variety of drought-tolerant plantings and ornamental grasses. The use of dark mulch provides a sharp contrast, making the greens of the plants and the earthy tones of the stone truly pop. The result is a low-maintenance, high-impact landscape that provides a warm, sophisticated welcome to the home.

Carrara marble and soft blues were used to cultivate a traditional and timeless sanctuary for these clients who plan to retire and live in this home for many years to come. We removed the drop-in jetted tub to opt for a large walk-in shower. This swap allowed us to dedicate the previous shower location to a coat closet in the entry and an expansive bathroom vanity with excellent storage.

Inspiration for a small modern kids' gray tile and porcelain tile porcelain tile bathroom remodel in Other with flat-panel cabinets, dark wood cabinets, a two-piece toilet, gray walls, a vessel sink and solid surface countertops

The kitchen layout was adjusted for better flow, swapping the fridge and range while keeping plumbing in place. A peninsula, finished with paneling for a furniture-like look, offers a gathering space and improves function. Custom cabinetry includes an angled pantry designed to fit against an angled hallway wall. Green tile adds color and personality, while a soapstone-look leathered countertop provides a matte texture and subtle veining that both client and designer loved. Soffits were added to visually anchor the upper cabinets, and a mix of knobs and edge pulls modernize the space.

Flooring: Swapped outdated floors for chic vinyl laminate on the first floor and cozy new carpet upstairs. Staircase Railings: Installed elegant new railings, adding a modern touch. Lighting Upgrade: Brightened up the home with stylish 6-inch recessed LED lights and new ceiling fans in all bedrooms and the living room. Kitchen Overhaul: Completely revamped the kitchen with new cabinets, quartz countertops, a gas range (with a new gas line), a sleek range hood, and a restaurant-style faucet. The mosaic backsplash and peninsula with bar seating are now the heart of the home. Bathroom Redos: Updated all bathrooms with new toilets, vanities, and fixtures. The master bath now boasts an extended walk-in shower with double rain shower heads and handhelds, plus frameless glass with a swinging door. The guest bath features a new tub, retiling, and frameless shower glass. Doors & Texture: Painted all doors, fitted new handles, and retextured to unify the home's look. Outdoor Living: Added a new deck, perfect for enjoying the Texas sun. Windows and Doors: Installed a new sliding door and windows, enhancing both aesthetics and energy efficiency.

Sometimes we start with a few foundational items and a blank slate. We’ve worked with these Clients on their previous home, and they were ready to make their bedroom suite all their own. Keeping the built-ins was a requirement as was wallpaper, some new window treatments, a closet overhaul, and all the decor and details. We kept the bed and drapes and swapped the rest to create a luxe sleeping retreat. Phase 2 of this project was to tackle the dining room and adjacent powder room. The dining room had a small sun room attached to it that was not being utilized. We turned it into a luxe home bar with custom cabinetry and a stunning quartz countertop / backsplash. Gold wallpaper on the ceiling completed the room and highlighted all of the fun metal details throughout the space. We ran the color from the bar through the dining room and accented it with bold wallpaper. We added some contrasting colors with the rug selection and brought in wood tones with the furniture to ground the space. FUN FACT : The art over the fireplace is a vintage photo from District’s Vintage Chicago Project, featuring photos found in vintage furniture over the lifetime of the store. Bedroom Photography: Dustin Halleck / Dining Room & Bar Photography: Ryan McDonald

Oak cabinets with arched, raised panel detail have been replaced with custom built cabinetry to maximize the efficiency of this space. The high-gloss white upper cabinetry and hand-detailed, gray textured lower cabinetry from Bench Made are paired with aluminum and glass, creating a space that is filled with light and style, as it plays with contrasting elements of light and dark. The balance of black and white continues with the countertops, with a white solid surface against the wall contrasting with the Absolute Black granite with a honed finish from Sims-Lohman on the island. The cabinetry hardware, by Blum, provides a stainless, linear detail that’s repeated in the appliances and mimicked again on the elongated kitchen sink, from Cincinnati-based Create Good Sinks. The Grohe Essence adds an industrial touch, with a pull down faucet for added flexibility. The faucet really stands out thanks to the backsplash, a custom back-painted glass panel, illuminated by Haefele under-cabinet lighting. The lighting plan for this kitchen was an upgrade, too, with recessed lighting by Halo with Sorra LED bulbs and a pendant light over the island from Axis Lighting. Lighting controls are automated as well, thanks to M Alan Associates Inc. The brightness isn’t only due to the upgraded lighting, but to the daylight let in through the new Marvin Window. The Marvin Awning window offers the clean lines that a space like this begs for. The top-hinged operation keeps this window, flanked by upper cabinetry, from being awkward. It was the ideal choice since it can easily be opened for a breath of fresh air. With hinges at the top, it even adds additional airflow during a light rain. You’d expect that a kitchen this spectacular and well-thought-out would have appliances to match and this space does not disappoint. Tisdel Distributing sourced the appliances, including a new Subzero refrigerator. The induction range in the island and built-in microwave are from Wolf. An ice maker from Scotsman rounds out the appliance package. This new space includes appliances that are much larger than what it held before. How is that even possible? That’s the magic touch that an architect can bring to a project like this. It may have seemed like a simple upgrade and appliance swap, but this vision here delivered so much more. The icing on the cake might be the coffee nook, extending the kitchen by repeating the lower cabinetry and white solid surface countertop. It’s highlighted by a chartreuse upper cabinet for a striking splash of color, a jolt of caffeine for the eyes, energizing this entire space through pigment and performance.

There's something special about revisiting a project years later and making it even better! This patio cover, originally built in 2015, got a stunning upgrade after a tree fall led to the home's reconstruction. While opening up the patio ceiling to access the home's MEP lines, we seized the opportunity to enhance every detail. ✨ Fresh Features & Upgrades: ✔ Stained ceiling upgrade – Replacing the original white beadboard for a richer, elevated look ✔ Smoker-friendly screened wing – Complete with a 30" directional fan to keep the smoke out ✔ Enhanced lighting & new fixtures – A brighter, more refined space and additional electrical for future use ✔ Outdoor kitchen transformation – Swapping out the old gas grill for a Blackstone & salamander oven ✔ New walls, doors & screens – Bringing comfort and style together ✔Smokeless Fireplace Addition For the ultimate outdoor retreat, we incorporated a smokeless fireplace, perfect for cozy evenings without the hassle of lingering smoke. What started as a repair turned into a complete reimagining of the space—and the result is something truly exceptional! What do you think of the transformation? ?

Stand-alone containers offer endless options in terms of size, shape, material, and color. Planting in pots allows you to swap fresh seasonal color for spent plants and move freestanding containers to suit various gatherings.