understanding you
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you can just do things (intentionally)
I recently shared a photo in my Instagram stories.
I asked the question - "what's stopping you from doing this to your fireplace?"
Palazzo Margherita
I assumed the response would be, "It's too much," "too loud," or "not my style."
Instead, most of the responses were along the lines of "I'm not rich."
So interesting! Not what I expected. When I look at this, I think "creative use of mid-priced tile and striking bold color choice"
A lot of "rich" houses look a lot more like sleek soulless doctor's offices than this.
When many people see something they don't see every day, something that looks aspirational, they often assume it's expensive, and therefore out of reach.
But that's not always correct.
Nine years ago, I came across a man named Bob. He was building unique homes in Nashville during a boom of urban infill spec homes in many transitional neighborhoods.
Bob's homes didn't look like other homes. They were very much inspired by the Case Study homes, kind of his particular take on updated mid-century, and there was a very consistent use of material throughout. You couldn't get a product like this anywhere else in town.
One day, I happened to bump into him in the YMCA sauna. I was asking him about his process. He told me, in a very unboastful way, that all his homes pre-sold at record price per square foot. They rarely hit the market and were usually snapped up during the construction phase for a premium.
Weeks later, I happened to meet one of his investors at my broker's office. I remember him saying, "Nobody is better at using inexpensive materials than that guy."
Bob used IKEA kitchens. He used cinder blocks as wall material. Simple bathrooms with unassuming yet tasteful tile and affordable light fixtures. Creative use of concrete to create steps, levels, and conversation pits. Stained veneer plywood. It was all done in an understated and cohesive way. I loved them.
He was hyper-intentional
You can always tell when somebody cares and fully leans into a vision.
I believe this approach is the way to live.
A viral phrase circulating twitter/x right now is "You can just do things."
I don't know where this originated.
But it is true. You can just do things. Interesting things, unique things, bold things, intuitive things. There are no rules.
There are almost certainly ways to make your projects and products exceptional outside of simply having a big budget. You have to get creative. Constraints are a blessing.
In an increasingly digital world, the human creative touch is really what holds value. It is not something that AI can ever replace.
Begin with a consistent aesthetic vision. Define what that vision is - materials, colors, shapes, lines, periods. Make a little design bible for your project.
Carry it out thoroughly across the entire project.
This approach can be felt immediately whether you walk in the door of a small beautiful cottage or through the gates of Disneyland.
Send the message with each design choice, "I care enough to get this right."
Whether a big budget or small budget, consistent intention is how to win.
