The Soul of a Space
Attending International Folk Art Market (IFAM) recently was a longtime bucket list experience—one that lived up to every expectation. It’s more than a marketplace; it’s a celebration of culture, craftsmanship, and connection. A place where the hands behind the work are honored, where traditions are shared across generations and continents, and where design is rooted in meaning. Being there reinforced everything I believe in: that the objects we live with should carry stories, and that beauty is inseparable from the people and process behind it.
I attended with two intentions: to continue sourcing meaningful, handmade pieces for our clients, and to build new relationships for RB Curated. Both are deeply important to me. As a designer, I’m always looking for objects that bring individual personality, authenticity, and a one-of-a-kind, custom quality to a space—and that starts with the makers. With RB Curated, it goes a step further: we’re working to support and sustain artisan communities by honoring their techniques, paying fair prices, and creating lasting collaborations. It’s about preserving tradition while thoughtfully integrating it into modern life.
How Handcrafted Elements Add Warmth and Authenticity
There’s a difference between a well-designed space and a soulful one. You can feel it the moment you walk in.
It’s not about trends or perfection. It’s about presence. It’s about knowing the pieces around you were shaped by real hands, with real intention. That they carry stories, not just style. And that somewhere in the layers of the room, your own story lives too.
With that in mind, we’re sharing a few ways to infuse both residential and commercial spaces with meaning, character, and a true sense of place.
What Makes a Space Feel Like You
When we begin a project, we’re not just planning layouts or picking palettes. We’re building a conversation between architecture and artistry, between function and feeling.
That’s why I find myself drawn again and again to handcrafted elements. Things made slowly, with care.
Handwoven textiles.
Custom millwork.
Ceramic forms that still hold the warmth of the kiln.
These are the pieces that give a home its rhythm. They ask us to pause, to look closer, to live more intentionally.
Textiles That Tell a Story
One of the most meaningful ways we bring this into our work is through textiles, and in particular, through the pieces we create with RB Curated.
RB Curated was born from a desire to honor heritage, artistry, and collaboration. We work with master weavers in Guatemala who use ancient methods passed down through generations, to bring our designs to life. Each piece is a conversation. We share inspiration, they interpret it through their cultural lens and technical skill, and the result is something wholly unique.
These textiles are layered with meaning. The colors, patterns, and textures all carry symbolism. And because each artisan brings their own voice to the process, no two are ever exactly alike.
From handwoven pillows to heirloom-quality yardage, every RB Curated piece is designed to bring depth and dimension to the spaces we create. They’re not just decorative. They’re connective.
Warmth Isn’t Always a Color
We talk a lot about creating warmth in a space. And while color plays a role, true warmth is something deeper. It’s about how a space makes you feel.
Does it invite you in?
Does it tell your story?
Does it reflect the values you hold close?
That’s where handcrafted design shines. A turned leg that echoes the curve of a childhood table. A woven pillow that connects you to another part of the world. A glaze pattern that catches the light just right and makes you smile every time. These details offer more than beauty—they create a sense of familiarity, grounding a space in comfort and memory. In interiors, that feeling of recognition and belonging is what makes a house truly feel like home.
These are the things you can’t replicate with mass production. And they’re the things your guests will remember long after they’ve left. More importantly, they’re what connect you to your space—fostering a sense of grounding, identity, and emotional comfort. In a world that moves quickly, feeling connected to your home isn’t just a luxury—it’s essential to our wellbeing.
Designing With Intention
The soul of a space doesn’t happen by accident. It takes time, collaboration, and care. It means choosing quality over quantity. Supporting artisans. Asking questions. Listening to stories. And making space for beauty that grows more meaningful with age.
If you’re ready to add more soul to your home, I’d love to talk about how we can do that. Through materials that matter, relationships that last, and spaces that feel like home.
—Regan
