Why Material Knowledge Is a Designer’s Superpower

There’s a quiet layer to every space we design that doesn’t always get talked about. It’s not the floor plan, the lighting, or even the furnishings, though all of those matter. It’s the materials themselves.

When I think about second homes, I think about family. The laughter that rises from a kitchen. The quiet of early mornings before anyone else is awake. The way a house starts to feel like a living scrapbook of the people who fill it. These spaces are about connection, not perfection.

A beautiful space isn’t only shaped by big decisions like layout, furniture selections, or architecture. It’s often the smallest details that make the biggest impact.  Design choices such as the  texture of a well-chosen material, window treatments that are tailored to both the space and the light, or millwork designed to fit with accuracy and intent, are the kinds of details that quietly define a well-designed home.

When a space is truly yours, you know it the moment you walk through the front door. It works with your daily life by supporting how you live, move, gather, and recharge.

The Key to a Space That Feels Yours
It’s not just a getaway. It’s yours.

A second home should still feel like your home, not a model unit, and definitely not a rental. It should reflect who you are, how you recharge, and what makes time away feel truly restorative.

It’s not just a team—it’s a conversation. So much goes into creating a home that feels right. Not just impressive or beautiful—but personal. A home that reflects the way you move through your day. The way you gather. Where you pause. What matters most.

There’s a difference between decorating a house and designing a home. One fills a space. The other adds meaning and fosters connection.

This new venture is a natural extension of the work I do through Regan Billingsley Interiors: designing homes that reflect the people who live in them. But RB Curated goes even deeper.

The right color doesn’t just freshen up a space—it sets the tone for how you feel when you walk through the door. I recently had the chance to share my thoughts in a few great articles, from calming palettes to bold statements, dark drama to timeless exteriors.

Have you ever stepped through your own front door and felt like something wasn’t quite right? Maybe you’ve tried to make it all work—your existing furniture, a Pinterest board of inspiration, a few updates here and there—but still, the space doesn’t quite feel like you.

A Mid-Century Guesthouse Gets a Second Chance

There’s something special about Old Naples. The coastal charm, quiet streets, and a sense of history are just part of what makes it one of my favorite places to be. So, when I had the opportunity to take on this guesthouse project, I couldn’t wait to get started.

Have you ever walked into a house and instantly seen its potential? That spark of imagining what it could become? The Beach House was one of those places for me. From the moment I stepped inside, I could feel that this wasn’t just a house—it was a future retreat, waiting to embrace the joyful chaos of family life and the calming rhythm of the ocean.

Have you ever stopped to think about how many decisions go into creating a beautiful and fully functional room design? Not many people do, and when asked they would think of paint colors, furniture placement, and maybe window treatments. 

Great design is so much more than that! So today I thought I would take a little time to break down one of my favorite projects and share a little insight into the decisions we had to make along the way to bring this Growing Family Home to life!

Today, I want to take you behind the scenes and give you an in-depth look at the process of creating customized interior designs here at Regan Billingsley Interiors. Our approach goes beyond the traditional methods:, and all about bringing passion, creativity, and a deep understanding of our clients' needs to every project.

Have you ever thought about the psychology of home and how it influences our wellbeing and lifestyle aspirations? At Regan Billingsley Interiors, this is at the core of all of our residential designs simply because I believe that a home should not only look beautiful but also support mental and emotional health.

One of the secrets behind our designs is the art of layering. Layering in interior design goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s about creating a deep, meaningful connection between the space and the client. This approach allows us to translate the unique stories, personalities, and lifestyles of our clients into beautiful, functional environments. In this blog I am going to share a little more about layering and how it influences the designs we create. 

Today, I’m excited to share an essential aspect of design that drives our work at Regan Billingsley Interiors: creating spaces that tell your story. As I said just a moment ago, your home is more than just a place to live; it is a reflection of your identity, a sanctuary where you can unwind, and a place that profoundly influences your wellbeing and aspirations. To highlight this, let’s explore two of my favorite projects.

Through the pivots and changes, we reflected on what mattered most to us as a firm and what makes us different. With that in mind, we have taken a bold step forward to define our unique vision, our beliefs, and how to translate our values into bringing purposeful design to our clients.