Punch Lists, Pinterest, and the Pursuit of Zen

Reality Check and Transitions

Life has been full-tilt since my last post. Things have gone from slow and lazy vacation dreaminess to the scheduled-to-the-minute fever dream that is my life.

I'm currently on the final stages of wrapping up two All In (full-service interior design) projects. You can see some of those recent updates on my Instagram Stories Highlight. One is an entire home remodel and furnishings project called #FireflyLWD and the other is a bathroom and entry remodel with our repeat clients at #GlobeTrotLWD.

At the end of the projects, all the little issues stack up and beg for resolution, but I'm often at the mercy of another vendor's or company's timing and ability to help finalize the solution. We're waiting on a couple of damaged pieces of furniture to be replaced, a few backordered pieces to be installed, all the window treatments, some custom art to be finished and installed, plus the contractors' punch lists for paint and drywall touchups, etc.

I cannot wait for the summer to begin because I need a serious mental break. In my last post I mentioned that I'm transitioning away from All In projects for the next two years to support my kids' school and activities schedules, but I'm also needing a mental health break. I had the most wonderful person helping me when these aforementioned projects began. However, she moved in January of this year, so I've been carrying most of this on my own with her being able to remotely help for a bit each day. Meanwhile, I've been trying to grow the consultation arm of my business, since that will eventually become my main income. It's been a lot. Speaking of, insert shameless plug for my highly rated consultation services (available in RVA and beyond). But yeah, the summer is going to go at a much more doable pace. Assuming I can wrap up all these All In tasks! Wish me luck!

Bleach (?) spots on a rug that did not have any spots on it before shipping from India.

Still working through how to mount unusually shaped items as "art" on the not-flat stone wall of the fireplace...of which has yet to receive its new surround and shed its current mantel. Please send me some patience!

What’s Capturing My Eye

On a prettier note, I was able to sneak away for ONE day to attend High Point Market in North Carolina. I mean, I would have loved to stay longer, but I couldn't justify it since most of the vendors there only sell to trade and I won't be selling anything to consultation clients. The inspo was strong though and really, the main point of driving three hours 2X in one long day. I attended with Midlothian, VA Decorator Sarah Patterson and we enjoyed seeing everything together. I love talking shop with someone who won't judge me while I'm busy stroking fabrics and repeatedly sitting down and then getting up, only to sit down again as I test seats. The simple joy of nerding out...I tell ya!

Small scale swivel chairs are the perfect way to divide an open layout, allowing the seating to be a part of two different areas.

These "chat tables" were everywhere. Taller than a coffee table, you can pull up ottomans (though these were a little tall, IMO) to them and make use of the space in front of the sofa for gathering and games and nibbles!

I've also been leaning into two Pinterest Boards. One is all about the aesthetic I wrote about in my last post, called "Organic Jewel Box" and the other is for "Timeless Colorful Kitchens".

Organic Jewel Box: The organic materials like metal, cork, stone, and plasters are making my insides sing, but in a very oooohm vibrational way. It's zen, but it's poppin' with drama! For the earthy, practical people who still freaking adore the beauty of color. Because the earth isn't white and beige. It is those things, but it's also dark and shiny and rough and dimensional and COLORFUL. Let's embrace it!

Timeless Colorful Kitchens: When did timeless white kitchens become a thing? It's only timeless if you love white. Which, I don't love more than I love color. Pure, bright whites weren't even possible until somewhat recently in history, so why can't colorful kitchens be just as timeless? What's truly timeless is finding the colors that light you up and keep you happy every time you see them. By the time you tire of them, your cabinets will probably need a new coat of paint anyway. If you've already committed to the timeless white kitchen renovation, you can add in colors through lighting, hardware, window treatments, accessories, and rugs! Don't be afraid!!!

Designing Myself

With my desire to improve my work-life balance, I've also been considering how to improve my mental and physical health. I had an abdominal surgery 1 1½ years ago and I got out of so many good habits while I was recovering. Working out, sleeping enough, yoga and meditation. All of it, gone. Work was taking priority and there just never seemed to be the time.

So here I am about to turn 41 and trying to create 13872 habits... some of them are: yoga to get flexible, meditation and journaling to release my thoughts, brushing my face and body to move the lymph, drinking enough water to stay hydrated, getting into bed earlier for more sleep, walking in the sunshine to get my vitamin D and keep the digestion going, and of course, lifting heavy weights to keep my bones strong. It is a lot. At least it has been with all of what's been going down this year. I am trying to add one habit back in at a time because science says that's really all you can do, but the desire to do it all at once is overpowering sometimes. Word to the wise: don't skip your habits. But if you do, good and done is better than imperfect and undone. Get back up and keep trying when you fail!

Lee Waters Design in the Media

Thank you R*Home Mag for sharing some of our #GlobeTrotLWD first project photos in the May/June 2026 issue (Inside Spaces: Travel Journal, pages 19-21). It’s a beautiful reminder of why I do this: to create spaces that tell a story. While I’m pivoting my business model to be more present for my family, my commitment to bold, personal design hasn't changed—it’s just getting more efficient. Thanks for continuing to follow along!