The Questions I Get Asked Most as a Designer (and the Real Answers)

How to Plan Home Projects After the Holidays: Your 2026 Renovation Guide

Subscribe to not miss anything! [https://mariabowers.myflodesk.com/freeguide] Once the holidays are over and the decorations are finally packed away, the house always feels a little strange — kind of empty, kind of refreshing, but also like you’re seeing everything for the first time again. And honestly, this is usually when I start noticing all the little things that need attention. In this episode, I’m talking about how that post-holiday “blank slate” can actually help you figure out what home projects make the most sense for 2026. I’m also sharing what we’re planning over here: we’re finally redoing our master bathroom and bedroom. We did quick fixes years ago, but it’s definitely time for a full do-over… and we’re actually tackling this one ourselves after a year of contractors in our house. (Check back in a few months to see if I regret that decision, haha.) I’m walking through the simple questions I ask clients when they’re trying to figure out where to start, what most people get wrong this time of year, and a couple things you can do right now that make planning way less overwhelming. If a home project is on your mind for the new year, this episode will help you look at your space with clearer eyes — and maybe even get excited about what’s possible. If you’re enjoying these conversations, make sure you’re subscribed. You’ll get my monthly newsletter, new palettes, blog posts, podcast episodes, and all the real-life design updates from our own home — right to your inbox. Come join the community! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com [https://bdesigndinteriors.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Real Side of Renovation

Want more real-life design inspiration? Subscribe to Design in Real Life and never miss an episode or update. If you’ve ever found yourself wondering whether to move or renovate, this episode is for you. Renovations are exciting — until they’re not. There’s dust in places you didn’t know existed, a million decisions to make, and days where progress feels nonexistent. But there’s also creativity, transformation, and that quiet moment when everything starts to come together — and you finally remember why you started. In this week’s Design in Real Life episode, I’m sharing the real side of renovation — the emotional middle, the lessons learned, and the truth about what happens behind all those glossy before-and-after photos. Whether you’re knee-deep in a remodel, planning your first project, or simply dreaming of one, I hope this conversation helps you feel a little more grounded — and a lot less alone — in the process. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com [https://bdesigndinteriors.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

From Chaos To Calm

Our homes shape the way we feel every single day. In this episode, I’m sharing how clutter, color, and atmosphere affect our mental health—and simple ways you can make your home feel more calming and supportive without a full makeover. This coincides with a post I wrote-read it here [https://bdesigndinteriors.substack.com/p/when-your-home-feels-overwhelming]. If you don’t want to miss an episode or newsletter, head over to BDesign’D [http://www.bdesignd.com] http://www.bdesignd.comand sign up—I’d love for you to be part of the community. 💛 Thank you for listening, Maria This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com [https://bdesigndinteriors.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The White Paint Illusion

You’d think white paint would be the easiest choice, right? It’s just white. But if you’ve ever stood in front of a wall of swatches—or even worse, painted a wall thinking it would look one way only for it to go full yellow or blue—you know how frustrating it can be. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com [https://bdesigndinteriors.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Questions I Get Asked Most as a Designer (and the Real Answers)

Ever wondered what interior designers actually do behind the scenes? In this first episode of Design in Real Life, I’m pulling back the curtain on how my business works—what goes into pricing, timelines, sourcing, and why this job is way more than picking pretty things. If you’ve thought about hiring a designer (or just love the real talk), this one’s for you. Thank you for listening and let me know in the comments what you’d like to hear about! Don’t forget to subscribe so you don’t miss out! Maria This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit bdesigndinteriors.substack.com [https://bdesigndinteriors.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]