Why some homes stay with you forever

You know how some places just seem to stick with you? In 2019, I went to Woodstock with a group of friends and stayed in a house that I still think about all the time. It was a massive, quirky home with wood-paneled walls, stone everywhere, mismatched angles, and a turret at the top that had witnessed, quite possibly, the rowdiest dance party ever. My friends and I talk about this house constantly. Yes, because of the ridiculous memories it holds, but also because there was something enchanting about it that even we could recognize back then.

So you can imagine my reaction when I was reading Architectural Digest one morning and realized: that’s the house. THE house! Apparently, it’s the home of Megan O’Neill and Jesse Bull, two creatives who live and breathe color, according to the AD story.

The house looks a little different now. It has the same bones and character, and the same beautiful weirdness, but with a whole lot more color and joy running through it. The house feels more like them.

As I read through the article in complete delight, there were so many tidbits I wanted to earmark, including this line:

“The magic [of the house] is built on paint and furnishings, all selected by the couple — no interior designer necessary.”

And I’m laughing because I’m going to say something ironic: I’m an interior designer, and I’m about to tell you that you, too, don’t need to hire an interior designer.

Now, that’s not to say designers don’t bring real value, because we do. We come with technical knowledge, project management skills, and a trained eye that takes years to develop. Sometimes people hire us specifically for our taste and unique POV, and I love that kind of work too. But the projects that excite me most are the ones where I get to sit with someone and help them figure out what lights them up. All the expertise in the world means nothing if we're decorating around the wrong person's goals and taste.

Megan and Jesse figured out what lit them up and it shows. There are lessons to be shared here, so I’m going to use their house as a case study for today’s edition. (I suggest reading the full feature on AD if you want more of the backstory and context.)

Here are six things you can actually take with you, whether you’re renovating, redecorating, or just trying to make one room feel more like you.

I talk about being a “feelings first” person all the time, and this is exactly why. Every space needs a dedicated feeling that all design decisions can contribute to. Megan and Jesse had a shared aesthetic before they ever touched a wall — playful, tropical, colorful — and that clarity made every decision that followed feel obvious.

The kitchen drove everything in this house. Yellow tile, green cabinets, a pink fridge, and suddenly the rest of the home had something to respond to. I call this the decision sequence: one strong choice sets off a domino effect that influences everything else. Start with an anchor and build up the confidence to commit to it — the decisions will flow once you unlock it!

This house is genuinely weird and that’s what made my friends and I book it in the first place. The wonky angles, the treehouse bathroom, the wood paneling that’s been there for decades — they kept all of it. The things that made the house strange are exactly what made it end up in AD. If there’s something in your home that has you scratching your head, try flipping the question. Instead of “how do I fix this,” ask “how do I lean into it.”

Almost everything in this house is vintage and is sourced from Etsy, Chairish, 1stDibs, thrift shops, and Hudson Valley antique stores. They built it slowly, over the years, and it shows. There’s a warmth and specificity to a home that’s been gathered over time that no single shopping trip can replicate. Patience is genuinely one of the best design tools you have.

This house was purchased in their twenties as a place to have a good time with friends. Then they had kids, and it grew with them. That’s life! Your home doesn’t have to be “finished” to be good. You just have to know when it’s time to shake things up as your needs change.

Megan and Jesse DIY'd the vision and called in an architect for the rest. Knowing the difference is a skill in itself. Some people can pick up a paintbrush and figure it out as they go. Others have been avoiding a decision for two years and deep down know they need help with it. Both are fine. Just be honest with yourself about which one you are.

I hope this gives you the push you needed to finally do something about that room!

If you’re at the point where you want that outside perspective, this is exactly the kind of work I love doing. I offer virtual design consultations, in-person color and design work in and around the Hudson Valley, and I take on a select number of full projects nationwide. Reach out and tell me about your space. Nothing makes me happier than helping someone finally feel at home in their own place.

— Daniela

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