25 LESSONS IN 25 YEARS
Today marks a truly special milestone for my firm, Trade Mark Interiors: 25 years of designing homes that reflect the lives, personalities, and dreams of our clients. What began as a passion project has grown into an award-winning interior design firm rooted in Sarasota, Florida, serving clients across the country and bringing beautiful, functional, and meaningful spaces to life.
As the Principal Designer of Trade Mark Interiors, I have spent the last two and a half decades building more than just rooms. With a background in psychology and a passion for people, I’ve developed a signature approach that blends deep listening, thoughtful strategy, and impeccable style.
To commemorate this exciting anniversary, I wanted to share 25 of the most important lessons I have learned over the course of my career.
Whether you’re a fellow designer, a longtime client, or someone just beginning your own home journey, these insights offer a glimpse into what has made TMI thrive and continue to evolve.
25 Lessons in 25 Years:
Good design starts with good listening.
Luxury doesn’t mean loud. It means personal.
Psychology plays a bigger role in interiors than people think.
Timeless always outlasts trendy.
Layering textures > forcing color.
Even the most beautiful room fails if it doesn’t function well.
Trust the process.
Quality is remembered long after price is forgotten.
The best compliment? “It feels like me.”
Never underestimate the power of great lighting.
The right rug can ground an entire room, and the wrong one can throw it off.
Design is personal. Listening is always the first step.
Invest in quality over quantity. Fewer, better pieces go a long way.
Your style doesn’t have to fit a label. We’ll help define it together.
Great design is about how a space feels, not just how it looks.
It’s not about more, it’s about meaning. Thoughtful curation always wins.
The psychology of space is real; your environment impacts your energy every day.
Your home should work with your lifestyle, not against it.
Designing for how you actually live is always more successful than designing for how you think you “should” live.
Mixing metals and finishes adds interest. Don’t be afraid to blend.
The best interiors reflect the people who live in them.
You can create a sense of calm and still be bold.
Wow moments always come from the smallest details.
Investing in design is investing in yourself.
Functionality is the foundation. Luxury means nothing without livability.
These are more than just principles; they’re the core beliefs that guide our team every day. As we celebrate this milestone, we also look forward to the next chapter, from exciting new client projects to continued mentorship through The Designer Launch, where I strive to help other designers grow with heart and purpose.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether you’ve worked with us in the past, are currently designing your dream home, or simply follow along for inspiration, we’re so grateful you’re here.
Here’s to the next 25.
