Interior Insights: What Maternity Leave Taught Me & Why We Need Beautiful Spaces
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If you’ve been around here for a while, you may have noticed something… The blog has been quiet.
The last post I wrote was in June of last year, right before I stepped away for maternity leave. Since then, life has been a whirlwind of newborn snuggles, toddler energy, late-night feedings, and slowly finding my rhythm again as both a designer and a mom of two (under two).
But now… I’m back!
Not just back to work, but back with fresh perspective, new inspiration, and a lot of gratitude for the work I get to do every day.
A Season for Having My Head Down
For the past several months, my focus has been simple: do the work in front of me and do it well.
That meant:
diving back into client projects
learning how to balance work and motherhood in a whole new way
refining my design process, behind the scenes
and honestly… Just. Getting. Work. Done.
When you step away from your business for a season, coming back teaches you a lot. You realize what systems actually matter. You learn how to prioritize your time differently. And you are reminded that structure and organization are the quiet heroes behind any creative business. Creativity on demand is crazy business (literally).
The Tools Helping Me Stay Organized
Between design projects, client communication, pausing contracts, slowly moving away from VA work (mini announcement there, surprise!), and two little ones at home, staying organized has become non-negotiable.
One of the things that has helped the most is keeping everything in one central planning system instead of scattered notebooks and random sticky notes. A good “To-Do List” helps me keep track of: client timelines, sourcing deadlines, content creation, and, of course, family life.
Lately it’s been the Daily Planner Notepad to keep client projects, family life, and business tasks all in one place. It keeps my brain a lot calmer on busy weeks.
One of the funniest parts of returning to work after maternity leave is realizing how different my day-to-day work bag looks now.
It used to be pretty simple. Laptop. Measuring tape. Notebook. Coffee.
Now?
Laptop. Measuring tape. Notebook. Coffee. Snacks. Diapers. Random toddler toys. Coffee. And probably a crumpled granola bar at the bottom.
Which is why I’ve become slightly obsessed with my “work bag” that can hold everything.
This bag fits my laptop, measuring tools, and all the kid essentials without looking like a diaper bag, and it’s quickly become my everyday carry.
I'm Excited to Be Back
Stepping away reminded me why I love this work so much. Interior design isn’t just about furniture or finishes. It’s about helping people create spaces where their real lives happen.
Morning coffee in the kitchen, kids playing on the living room floor, dinner parties with friends, quiet evenings at home- These are the moments we plan on experiencing.
But what if we considered: Morning coffee in the nursery? Bottles and pump parts drying in the kitchen? The area rug that gets removed while you potty train your toddler? The kitchen cabinets that now need child-proof locks?
These are the designs that make the difference between surviving or thriving. Good design considers this. These moments are what shift a house into a home, especially when sleep is hard to come by and unannounced company is the worst surprise.
And getting to help shape those spaces for my clients is something I’m incredibly grateful for.
Looking Forward…
Now that I’m settling back into a new rhythm of both work and motherhood, you’ll start seeing more things like:
design tips and guides
behind-the-scenes client projects
organization tools that make life easier
and simple ways to make your home feel more intentional.
Basically, the things I love talking about most.
Shoutout
Shanea Weaver Photography is the best newborn photographer. If you’re located in NoCo, do yourself a favor and message her here. We’re obsessed with Calvin & Cambria’s newborn pics and will forever sing Shanea’s praises.
A Small Thank You
If you’re still here reading after this quiet season, thank you.
Truly.
Whether you’re a client, a potential client, friend, a fellow small business owner, or someone who simply loves beautiful spaces, I’m so glad you’re here.
And I’m excited for everything ahead.
Alle♡