Designing with Intention: How to Ask for Help and Still Stay True to Yourself

Master Bedroom

Breaking away from the common trend and coming to a reality that what you have to offer your home and your personal spaces, is anything but common.

All too often, I see people reaching out for guidance on their spaces—asking others what looks good, what works, and what doesn’t. It's understandable. After all, that's what designers and decorators are here for: to offer a trained eye, to help envision what someone might not yet be able to see. But there’s something often missing in these exchanges: the voice of the person asking.

Too often, someone will share a photo of a space—perhaps a blank canvas or a room in progress—with a caption that reads, “What am I doing wrong?” or “How can I make this better?” What’s left out is any hint of who they are, what they love, or how they want to feel in the room. Without that, any advice given becomes generic, disconnected from the essence of the individual who will live there.

When we ask for help in designing a space, we should start by offering something of ourselves. Share your favorite colors, textures, or styles—whether it’s the warmth of a Parisian palette, the simplicity of Scandinavian lines, or the charm of a cozy farmhouse nook. Mention whether you crave calm or want drama, whether you're working with natural light or creating a moodier tone. Even a hint at budget helps others suggest realistic, thoughtful changes.

Design isn’t just about what looks “right.” It’s about creating a space that reflects who you are—and the more you share that, the more meaningful the help becomes.

Because at the end of the day, your home should be a reflection of you. Not just good... but true.