Designing Spaces That Build Lasting Value

Coming from a background in home construction and real estate investment, I’ve learned that interior design is about more than style—it’s about strategy. While I always aim to create spaces that evoke emotion, I’m almost certainly considering the financials too.

When I meet with a new client, I start with the “why” behind their project. Understanding that motivation is key to uncovering true value. I also analyze ROI, backed by recent neighborhood comps, because even clients who swear they’ll stay in their home forever may eventually sell. Here’s my approach to creating spaces that deliver both beauty and lasting value.

Start with Intention

Define your why. Are you designing for yourself or for the market? If it’s purely personal enjoyment, I’ll happily let bold choices, like bright green kitchen cabinets, take center stage. But if resale is even a distant consideration, it’s important to understand what buyers value and how to appeal to the widest audience.

That said, I never steer clients toward a bland, cookie-cutter look. Even my flips have a “wow” factor—but it’s a smart wow that resonates with what buyers notice and love.

Know What the Market Values

A home’s value is often tied to a few key spaces and details. My short list includes:

Kitchens
Bathrooms
Curb appeal (including landscaping)
Primary suites
Storage
Distinctive design elements like lighting, tile, and color

Investing thoughtfully in these areas often translates directly into perceived and real value.

Analyze the Market Like a Pro

Working with a designer who also buys, sells, and invests in real estate provides a unique advantage. I encourage clients to:

Study local comps from the past 90 days
Spot patterns in what sells and how long it takes
Balance aspirational design with financial reality

In other words: dream. Data. Decision.

Design Beyond Trends

Here in Charleston, timeless design is always in style. While I love creating one-of-a-kind spaces, trends fade quickly. If you want to build lasting value, err on the side of timeless and chic rather than the trend of the year.

Invest Where You Feel It

Understanding a client’s lifestyle is key: how they move through a home, entertain, and experience comfort. For example, a recent kitchen renovation included a custom stove that most buyers wouldn’t expect—but it brought the client genuine joy. When that happens, I look for ways to offset costs elsewhere, like simplifying a dining chandelier.

Blend Emotion and Economics

Design is always both emotional and financial. The magic happens when these two sides align. My goal is to guide clients to that balance, where beauty and practicality coexist.

At Cote Luxe Design, this philosophy drives everything we do. Each project is a study in balance: craftsmanship and creativity, emotion and economics, design and return. When we design with purpose, we don’t just make spaces look better—we make them live better and last longer.