Few things relax and soothe me quite like a spa day. When I’m looking for the ultimate pampering experience, I book some time at the Peninsula Chicago Spa — where I’m instantly transported to a world of complete and utter serenity. As much as I’d like to visit the Peninsula every day, sadly I can’t, which is why it’s crucial to have a space at home that offers that same feeling of tranquility and escape.  When I design bathrooms for my clients, I always look back to my favorite spas for inspiration. While I can’t offer an in-home masseuse, I can provide materials, amen ..read more

    My greatest loves are my kids and my furry friends — but art is pretty high up on the list. As a designer who believes that creativity and beauty can elevate every aspect of life and personal wellness, art has always been a major part of my life. Over the years of collecting pieces for myself and my projects, I’ve learned what works in a space and for a certain client. So what’s the secret to choosing art? I’m glad you asked. My Personal Taste In Art I definitely lean more toward contemporary art, which in simple terms is art made recently by living artists. A lot of this comes ..read more

    Not too long ago, I was building my design business and kicking off my entrepreneurship journey. Okay, it was almost 10 years ago, so that might be long to some — but it feels like just yesterday, and I’m thrilled by all we’ve accomplished in under a decade. When I reflect on these past years and on my entry into design and leadership, there are so many lessons that come to mind. Whether you’re a new designer getting started, a seasoned designer looking back on the early days, or simply someone interested in the ins and outs of AKD’s story, read on for a few pieces of advic ..read more

    Of all the tools I keep in my designer’s toolkit — and believe me, there are many — Pinterest is one of my most used. The visual, searchable, and interconnected platform is the best sidekick for helping me conceptualize a vision and keep track of specific pieces, ideas, or sources. I know you all love a pulling-back-the-curtain moment, so I wanted to show you a peek at how some intensive Pinning turns into a beloved space and share some inside tips along the way.     A peek at the Pinterest board and the final product of this Hamptons guest bedroom Kicking Off wi ..read more

    I’ve sometimes heard clients and friends wondering if interior designers and architects are interchangeable, or if a project truly needs both. The truth is that architects and interior designers are stronger together, and projects are better for the collaboration — and frankly, it’s a lot of fun to work together. I’ve partnered with an architect or twelve in my day, and I’ve learned a few valuable insights along the way…     How Architects Set Interior Designers Up for Success An architect’s primary duty is to design the building in accordance with the client's s ..read more

  In this photo alone, I see the work of artists, carpenters, custom lighting designers, custom furniture makers, flooring installers, window installers, painters, and more…   In my experience, there’s a common misconception that interior designers spend their days choosing pretty colors and patterns, testing out couches, then calling it a day. In some ways, I don’t mind the misconception — we make our jobs look easy, and it’s a great success to not let clients see the chaos beauty beneath the surface. But on the other hand, there’s a lot that goes into each and every project w ..read more

    There’s nothing quite like the feeling of finishing a project — and when it’s a project for homeowners looking to maximize rest and relaxation in a dream location? That’s almost too good to be true. I recently unveiled the photos of the #AKDHamptonsHideaway, and I’m now excited to share a few behind-the-scenes details about this truly one-of-a-kind second home.     Creating a Home Away From Home… A few years after we finished these homeowners’ Tribeca loft, they purchased this unique home in the woods of Amagansett. While their Manhattan residence leans urban and ..read more

  Image from a 2022 trip to Greece   Whether you’ve been following along here on the blog or you simply met me once at a cocktail party, you know I have an insatiable appetite for travel. Thankfully for me, that passion mixes pretty seamlessly with my design career, and I’m constantly pulling inspiration from the destinations I’m visiting. This month, I thought we could feed our wanderlust together and revisit some of my favorite design moments and the tips I’ve gathered from my travels around the world. Embrace Color and Its Meaning I never shy away from a thoughtful and experimen ..read more

  Art by Dana DeAno   Beautiful art adds life and personality to any space — making it an essential piece of the home design puzzle. I don’t have a favorite style, medium, or artist. Truly, if you were to come to my home, you would see everything from sketches, photography, and portraits to sculptures, paintings, art that I’ve picked up on my travels, and even art that my kids created when they were younger. I have art with bold colors, art that is black and white, art that is loud, and art that is quiet. At the end of the day, I buy what I love and what speaks to my heart. Wit ..read more

    I gather design inspiration anywhere (and everywhere!) I go — and if you know me, you know that includes more than my fair share of hotels and restaurants. These are spaces that are meant to entertain, invite, and accommodate, which is why I love gathering inspiration from their designs… I mean, who doesn’t want an entryway that feels as luxe as a five star lobby or a dining room fit for a tasting menu? Here, I’m sharing a few ways to get that VIP guest treatment in your own home. Squeaky-clean luxury     If there’s one thing I love about staying in a hotel (but don’t ..read more