Design Begins with Awareness

Finding beauty in what truly moves you

Ask yourself what evokes a feeling of joy, warmth or calm. It’s a simple question, yet it changes everything about how we approach our homes.

Many of us think we have a “style” — often calm, neutral, restrained — but our surroundings quietly reveal something richer. Look closely and you’ll notice the details you return to again and again: a tone that keeps resurfacing, a texture that feels grounding, a form that feels at ease in your space. These consistencies aren’t random — they’re gentle clues to what makes you feel at home.

And sometimes, those clues point towards things we’ve held back from. You might find yourself drawn to a deep green that feels enveloping, or to sculptural, oversized lighting that brings drama and character. It’s not about being bold for the sake of it, but about recognising what resonates. Perhaps you’ve stuck with pale walls but crave atmosphere — a richly woven tapestry can transform the space without a single brushstroke. Or maybe you long for pieces that work quietly but beautifully, like a small side table just large enough for a pair of wine glasses — simple, thoughtful, human.

True design begins when you listen to those instincts. The things you’re drawn to — a curve, a colour, a natural weave — often already live within your home in small ways. Trusting that rhythm allows you to build on it with intention, creating rooms that feel cohesive without effort.

Whether you’re working with a designer or shaping your home yourself, awareness is the foundation. It’s what connects choices into something that feels real — not a look, but a feeling.

Because when your surroundings reflect what genuinely moves you, they do more than look beautiful. They feel alive, grounding and unmistakably yours.

Vanessa Holloway, Founder of Flo & Joe