Why You Need a Designer for Your Renovation (Unless You Love Stress)

Renovating your home is exciting… in the way that planning a wedding is exciting. At first, it’s all Pinterest boards and big dreams, but soon you’re knee-deep in tile samples, questioning your life choices, and wondering how much you really care about grout color.

That’s where a designer comes in. A good designer doesn’t just make your home pretty—they make your renovation doable. From budgeting and planning to making sure the contractor has everything they need to do their job efficiently, a designer keeps your project on track and (mostly) stress-free. Here’s how.

Maribeth FuraMarch 4, 2025Twelve Twenty One DesignComment

From Awkward Walk-Through to Stunning Retreat: A Bathroom Transformation

This bathroom was more of a hallway than a private retreat—awkward angles, too many doors, and a lack of storage made it a space that just didn’t work. By reconfiguring the layout, removing unnecessary doors, and adding smart storage solutions, we turned this chaotic pass-through into a stunning, functional bathroom. A bold blue herringbone tile, warm maple wood vanity, and playful terrazzo flooring brought in style and personality. Now, the space feels fresh, modern, and—most importantly—works beautifully for the family. See how we transformed this bathroom from a design dilemma to a dream space!

Maribeth FuraFebruary 4, 2025Twelve Twenty One DesignComment

Creating a Temporary Kitchen During a Home Renovation: Tips for Success

Congratulations on your upcoming renovation! As someone who went through a major home renovation and was without a kitchen for nearly 5 months (with a 7 month old at the start - we finished right before her first birthday!), I can confirm that being without a kitchen is no fun. However, with some smart planning and preparation, you can make this time period less stressful - and trust me, it will be stressful at times, whether you are without a kitchen for 1 week or 1 month (or 5 months). This blog post provides practical tips for creating a temporary kitchen that will help you manage this time without a fully functional kitchen and keep your eyes on the prize: a beautiful, functional kitchen you will love.

Design in Happy Valley