Color: The Secret Sauce That Neutrals Will Never Have!!!

Let’s get one thing straight: I don’t hate neutrals (okay, I’m lying – I do HATE neutrals!). I get it, they’re safe. They’re classic. They won’t give your in-laws heart palpitations. But let’s be real—neutrals don’t make people feel things. No one walks into a beige room and says, “Wow, this space really changed my life.” If they do, take them to your nearest doctor for a checkup..

Color, on the other hand? It’s transformative. It’s powerful. It makes you feel something. Want your living room to feel cozy and intimate? Go for a deep emerald green. Want your kitchen to feel warm and inviting? Try a rich terracotta. Want your bedroom to feel like a boutique hotel in Paris? Throw in some moody blues and gold accents.

I once had a client who was convinced they wanted an all-neutral living room. But after spending some time together, I noticed that every single reference photo they showed me had a pop of bold color. So, I convinced them to take the leap. We went with a deep teal accent wall, brass details, and jewel-toned textiles. And guess what? They LOVED it. Now, instead of a room that blends in, they have a space that makes them feel something.

Character: Because Homes Shouldn’t Feel Like Waiting Rooms!

Here’s the thing—if your home looks like a staged real estate listing, we have a problem. Design should feel lived-in, personal, and uniquely yours.

I love layering old and new, mixing textures. Your space shouldn’t feel like it was copy-pasted from Pinterest; it should feel like you!!

Take my dining area, for example. I once bought this very old, neglected hutch from an old lady’s garage sale. It was scratched, dated, and the kind of thing most people would walk right past. But I saw potential. I brought it home, had it refurbished with a fresh coat of a deep greyish-blue paint, cleaned the beautiful hardware, and gave it new life. Now, it sits proudly in our dining room, housing our favorite vintage crockery pieces.

And the best part? It’s a conversation starter at every family gathering!! Everyone who visits asks about it, and I get to tell them the story of how I saved this forgotten piece and turned it into something beautiful. That’s what character is all about—giving your space layers of meaning and personality!

Storytelling in Design: Because Every Space Deserves a Narrative!

A well-designed space isn’t just about matching colors and picking stylish furniture—it’s about creating a feeling, a mood, a story. When someone walks into a room, they should feel like they’ve stepped into an experience, not just a collection of decor.

For me, storytelling in design is about intentionality—choosing elements that reflect the people who live in the space, spark conversation, and hold memories. Think about your favorite place in your home. It’s probably not the expensive designer chair you bought because it was trending. It’s the vintage mirror you found in a little antique shop, the artwork you picked up on your travels, or the cozy armchair that’s been your go-to reading spot for years.

In my own home, every room has a piece that tells a story:
In the living room, I have beautiful hand-embroidered wall art pieces made with love by my mother—one-of-a-kind treasures that no store can replicate.
In the bedroom, there’s a quaint storage cabinet, the kind you rarely find these days, adding a sense of nostalgia and charm.
In my office, a vintage pendulum clock rings every hour, filling the space with a rhythmic reminder of time passing—a rare and beautiful presence in today’s digital world.
And, of course, there’s my beloved refurbished hutch, the one I rescued from an old lady’s garage sale and transformed. Every guest who walks in asks about it, and I love getting to tell its story.

The best spaces aren’t just decorated—they’re layered with meaning. Whether it’s an heirloom passed down, a thrift store find with a new purpose, or a color that reminds you of your childhood home, these are the details that turn a house into a home!

So, when I design, I don’t just think about what looks good—I think about what feels right, what adds depth, and what stories this space will tell for years to come. Because at the end of the day, the most beautiful homes aren’t just seen—they’re felt. If you’re ready to ditch the ordinary and design a space that truly speaks to you, get inspired, take risks, and make your home a place that tells your story!!

With Love!!

Magan – MJ House of Design