Finding Authenticity: A New Direction for days in design blog

I took some time off from December through January to reflect on what I truly want this Substack space to be. Honestly, the thought of juggling yet another social media platform gives me an unnecessary weight to carry around. At the same time, I’m also resisting this urgency notion or the need to share every part of my life on social media and it’s incredibly freeing!

I envisioned this space to be intentional and authentic. It’s not merely about sharing design tips, tutorials, or shopping links. While those elements can be entertaining, they often feel dull and boring to me. I crave something deeper and more genuine. I’ve decided that if I’m excited to share something, it deserves a place here. There are no rigid rules limiting my creativity anymore; whether it’s discussing my favorite paint colors or sharing my thoughts and feelings on a Monday, I’m going for it. If my musings resonate with you, wonderful! If not, feel free to delete them—life is too short to add unnecessary noise.

At its core, this Substack space is about sharing values. I’ve come to realize that my values play a crucial role in how I show up in the world and what I contribute. If something doesn’t align with those values, it’s likely not worth my energy.

I have personal and business values, and they intertwine seamlessly. I cherish family time, nurture my creativity, celebrate small moments of joy, and believe in giving back and paying it forward.

At Calnin Design Studio, our values reflect these sentiments. We embrace projects that allow us to explore diverse styles and challenge our creative boundaries. I’m also committed to fostering a culture where team members can prioritize urgent personal commitments, whether that’s helping a parent or being there for their kids. It’s about saying “no” to what doesn’t align with our core beliefs so we can wholeheartedly say “yes” to what truly matters.

1. Saying No
   Turning down projects with unreasonable timelines or wanting quickest fixes.

2. Creative Play
   We grant ourselves the freedom to explore creative ideas in various forms, styles, and aesthetics.

3. Flexibility and Freedom
   Our days are designed to allow attention to important things in life—be it self-care, helping our kids with homework, spending time with family, enjoying creative outlets in nature or museums, or simply having a cup of tea with a friend.

4. Timeless Design
   We appreciate iconic, well-crafted designs that stand the test of time.

5. Supporting Small Businesses
   We opt for small businesses and artisans that value quality, form, and function versus the trendy and fast design industry and manufacturers that mass produce products to make everyone’s home look the same.

6. Living Intentionally
   We strive for a life filled with meaningful experiences rather than clutter that creates chaos at home and in our minds.

This year, we’re attracting clients who share these same values—so far I can tell it’s going to be a magical partnership that fosters beautiful, meaningful outcomes.

• I recently returned from an art retreat in Kauai, marking my first solo trip since becoming a mom. Over the last year, I’ve begun to embrace my identity as an artist—my medium being interior design. Now, I’m eager to explore a new medium through mixed media and see how it influences our residential projects.

• We’ve embarked on our first long-distance project! I’m thrilled about this incredible opportunity and grateful to our new clients for trusting us with their home renovation. Our location? Cape Cod—stay tuned for updates in 2026!

• Last month, we completed another installation in a charming Mid-Century inspired home in Madison, WI. I can’t wait to share photos and details of our work, from the stunning built-ins and custom furniture to the unique vintage artwork we discovered in our client’s basement. It’s all so special!

Until next time!

Katie