Gezellig @ Home
When the Contractor Picked the Finishes… And it Shows
“Who will live here, and what do they want to feel?” The question is the difference between a house that photographs and a home that holds you.
10 Lessons from 10 Years of Designing Family Homes
Along the way, this work has taught me things no classroom could. Here are the ten truths I keep coming back to, for my clients and myself.
KBIS 2026: The Materials & Ideas I’m Bringing Home
I’m sharing the innovations, materials, and design ideas that stopped me in my tracks at KBIS 2026—and why they matter for the way your family lives right now.
5 Signs Your Home Has Outgrown Your Family
You love your home. You really do. But lately, something feels... off. Here's the thing: your home isn't broken. It just hasn't kept up with your life.
What Actually Happens Behind the Scenes of an Interior Design Project
Let me pull back the curtain on what actually happens when you work with an interior designer—specifically, what happens when you work with First District Designs.
Why "Gezellig" Is the Design Philosophy Your Home Needs This Winter
The untranslatable Dutch word gezellig captures something essential about what makes a house feel like home, and it's exactly what we're chasing in every interior design project we take on.
Creating Spaces for Reflection
As the year winds down and the holiday season settles around us, our homes become more than just spaces we inhabit—they transform into sanctuaries where we process the year that's passed and find the stillness we've been craving.
Setting the Stage
Prepare your home this month with both joy and intention. Light the candles. Set the table. Make room for laughter and conversation and maybe a bit of happy chaos.
Finding Gezellig in November
November has a peculiar energy, doesn't it? We're still recovering from the whirlwind of October with all of the must-do fall events, yet we're already being pulled forward into the glittering vortex of the holiday season.
The Truth About “Color of the Year” Announcements
It's that time of year again. The paint companies are rolling out their Colors of the Year, design magazines are declaring what's "in" and what's "out," and suddenly everyone's wondering: should I paint my living room that exact shade of whatever-they're-calling-it-this-year?
Why Fall Is Actually the Best Time to Start Your Design Project
Here's the thing most people don't realize: the best time to start a design project isn't when you're desperate for it to be done. It's when you have time to think, plan, and get excited about the possibilities,
Cozy Without the Clutter
Cozy doesn't require clutter. Gezellig doesn't mean more stuff. It means warmth, intention, and creating a space that makes you want to slow down and be present.
The Cozy Season Reset
As the days get shorter and the evenings turn crisp, our homes become more than just a backdrop — they’re where we gather, unwind, and prepare for the season ahead. Fall is the perfect time to refresh your space and bring in the warmth that makes every moment at home feel inviting.
One Room at a Time
Not every design project has to be a whole-house renovation. Sometimes, starting with just one room can make the biggest difference. I love helping clients see how a single refresh — a living room, bedroom, or dining space — can completely shift the way they feel in their homes.
From Overwhelmed to Organized
f you’ve ever thought about redesigning your home, you’ve probably also felt the weight of where to even begin. Between sourcing furniture, managing deliveries, coordinating with vendors, and making design decisions, the process can feel overwhelming before it even starts.
Gezellig at Home
Gezellig can mean cozy, welcoming, comfortable — but it’s more than that. It’s about atmosphere, connection, and the little details that make a space feel alive. At First District Designs, this concept shapes everything we do.
Ready to take your home from inspiration to transformation?
Let’s create a space that feels like gezellig at home.
