The Healing Power of Interior Design: Transforming Your Home After a Major Change
- Southern Girlspirations
- 2 days ago
- 4 min read
After the loss of his beloved wife, our client was faced with more than just grief, his home, once full of memories, now felt heavy, disorganized, and incomplete. He wanted a fresh start, not just for himself but for his young son, too. His vision was clear: a space that felt masculine yet inviting, organized yet full of life, beautiful yet functional and uniquely him.
The result was more than just a makeover. It was a transformation of spirit. The house became a home again, filled with warmth, quality, and a sense of renewal. Most importantly, it gave a father and son a fresh chapter to write together, surrounded by a space designed to hold not just their things, but their healing, joy, and future memories.
The Beginning
Working within his budget, we broke the project into 5 phases. Phase 1 scope included the Primary Bedroom, Foyer, Powder Bathroom, Coat Closet, Staircase, Side Entry & Upper Hallway.
Today, we'll discuss the Primary Bedroom. It is one of the 1st spaces, I encourage my clients to start instead of it being the last space to complete. My reasoning's is it's the last thing you see before you sleep & the 1st space you see when you wake up. It should be the space you most want to come home too, a personal sanctuary. It's definitely not feeling like a retreat if there are clothes everywhere, no organization and college days like furnishings.
What I see as An Interior Designer
Many people feel hesitant to ask for help when they’re ashamed of how their home looks or what it has become. I view these moments not with judgment, but as opportunities to restore beauty, order, and comfort through thoughtful design.
When I walk into a potential client’s home, I don’t see messiness, disorder, or untidiness. What I see is the story behind it, the hurt, the anguish, the grief or guilt that may be holding someone back. But I also see potential. I see the promise of a fresh start, the joy waiting to be uncovered, the calm of organization, and the happy times still to come. I see what the home can truly offer to the people who live in it, and I feel called to help uncover it. You can watch part 1 below.
As part of our design process, we give clients the opportunity to see our vision for their space before any products are ordered or demolition begins. Below is a 3-D design mock-up we created for our client.
Pillow Perfection
When assessing a client’s budget, I always think about what will make the design feel special to them. That often starts with knowing which items deserve a higher investment.
For this primary bedroom, I chose made-to-order, semi-custom pillows from DV Kap, a “to the trade” favorite in our design library. My client handpicked the fabric, and seeing it come to life in their space made the design feel uniquely theirs.
If you’d like help elevating your pillow game or exploring custom options, contact us [here].
Design Tip
Always test your potential wall color in your home before committing to it in the store. Factors like your home’s natural and artificial lighting can dramatically change how a color appears. Be sure to observe it at different times of day, undertones often shift depending on the light.
To elevate the space even further, we painted the ceiling, doors, trim, and walls in the same color for a seamless, sophisticated look.
Click image for bed link.
There are countless products that bring a design to life. Here's are a few of the key pieces we selected to curate this space.
I'm all about sharing great products. You can click on any image to follow the finds via the links.
Windows
One of my favorite ways to elevate a space is by dressing the windows. Whether it’s with simple shades or elegant drapery, window treatments instantly add a sense of luxury and sophistication.
I still can’t believe I found these beautiful linen pinch-pleat blackout drapes on Amazon! Their affordability made it possible to elevate the primary bedroom while staying within budget.
Color shown: Grey Beige, 95" length.
Click on any image for drapery and hardware links.
Lighting
Lighting is one of the most important elements in any design. It typically includes overhead, accent, and task lighting, each serving a unique purpose. In this space, we layered gorgeous table lamps, an overhead fan with adjustable light levels, a picture light, and a classic floor lamp to create balance and warmth. One of my biggest lighting tips: always include dimmable overhead lighting. It gives you control to set the perfect mood. Accent lighting, like picture lights, is also a great way to highlight artwork or interesting features in your space.
One of my favorite lighting finds is magnetized, remote-control picture lights. They’re rechargeable and make it easy to turn lighting on or off with a simple click.
Click any image for lighting links.
Images are linked to products
The Final Layers
The final layers are where the magic happens! The accents, accessories, and personal touches are what makes a house feel like home. For this project, those details were more than décor; they were symbols of renewal.
From the oversized artwork to the carefully chosen mirror and ottoman that now serves as additional seating, what once felt chaotic, each piece was selected with intention. Together, they tell a story of comfort, strength, and a fresh start.
This Blog contains Affiliate Links by clicking on an image you will be redirected.
Design should do more than look good, it should feel good. When you walk into a space and experience peace, pride, and a sense of possibility, that’s when design has done its job.
Stay Style Savvy & thanks for stopping by. 😘
Hugs & Love
The Southern Girl
Chantée Lavette
