If you’ve landed here, you’re probably somewhere in the middle of a big decision and asking “Who are the best interior designers in Macon?” Maybe you just bought a house and the rooms feel completely blank. Maybe you’ve lived in your home for years and it still doesn’t feel like you. Maybe you tried to pull it together yourself and eventually realized that this is not your thing.

Whatever brought you here, I’m glad you’re doing the research! Because finding the right interior designer is not a small decision. You’re trusting someone with your home, your finances, and a significant stretch of your time. Getting that match right matters.

I’m Lesley Myrick, principal designer and owner of Lesley Myrick Interior Design. I’ve been designing homes for over 20 years; 7 of those years have been in Macon and Middle Georgia. And yes – I think my firm is absolutely the right fit for certain clients (I’ll make that case clearly before this post is over!).

But I’m also going to tell you about four other talented designers in this area. Because I’m not the right fit for everyone, and I’d rather point you toward someone genuinely right for you than watch you end up in a mismatched relationship that makes everyone unhappy.

Here’s a clear-eyed look at some of the best designers in the Macon area, what they do best, and who they’re really built for.

Robinson Home

Best for: Clients who love timeless, traditional design – especially those with historic properties or new builds that need a tailored, elegant touch.

Carrie Robinson is the real deal. She trained at SCAD, spent years leading preservation design for Historic Macon Foundation, and then built Robinson Home into one of the most established firms in the city. If you have a historic property – or you just love the character and craftsmanship of older homes -Carrie understands that world on a level that’s hard to find.

Her aesthetic is refined and classic. Clean lines, calming palettes, antiques woven thoughtfully into new builds. It’s elegant without being fussy. She also has a full team and a showroom right here in Macon, which is a genuine advantage if you like seeing and touching materials before you commit.

We have different design sensibilities – her work is quieter and more traditional where mine tends to be bolder and more eclectic – but I have a lot of respect for what she’s built here. If timeless and tailored is more your speed than bold and personality-forward, I’d point you her way without hesitation.

Visit: robinsonhome.com

Courtney Moss Design

Best for: Clients drawn to a sophisticated, collected aesthetic with a traditional base and an eclectic, art-forward edge.

I love Courtney’s design philosophy. She’s a Georgia native who trained under an experienced Atlanta designer before launching her own firm, and that mentorship shows – she has a really refined eye. Her work has been featured in Atlanta Magazine and Frontgate, and she serves clients across the Georgia market.

What I appreciate about her approach is that it doesn’t feel assembled. She talks about finding an antique piece and pairing it with modern touches and good artwork, and you can see that in her portfolio – spaces that feel like they’ve been gathered over time, not ordered from a single source. She lives by the Bunny Williams quote: “If you love it, it will work.” That’s a philosophy I respect.

If you want collected and sophisticated with a traditional backbone, Courtney is someone I’d genuinely recommend.

Visit: courtneymossdesign.com

Sara Barron Designs

Best for: Clients in the Perry and Middle Georgia area who want a practical, collaborative designer with broad experience across residential and commercial projects.

Sara has been doing this since 2011. She holds a BFA in Interior Design from Valdosta State, she’s an ASID Allied Member, and she’s earned Best of Houzz for client satisfaction three years in a row. That last part matters to me. Awards are nice, but repeat recognition for how you treat clients tells a real story.

What I hear most about Sara is that she listens. She takes the time to understand what you actually want, works within the realities of your situation, and delivers something beautiful and functional. She handles everything from kitchen renovations to new construction to commercial spaces, so if your project has some range to it, she can handle that.

She’s based in Perry, which makes her a natural fit for clients in that part of Middle Georgia, south of Macon. If you want a seasoned, collaborative designer who genuinely puts clients first, Sara is worth calling.

Visit: sarabarrondesigns.com

Home Hearted Design Co.

Best for: Families in the Forsyth and Middle Georgia area who want a warm, organized, function-first approach to their home.

Katie English has one of my favorite origin stories in this industry. She was a Spanish teacher before she took the leap into design full-time – and honestly, it shows in the best way. She brings the same care for communication, organization, and making sure people understand what’s happening that good teachers are known for.

She started Home Hearted Design Co. in 2022, and her focus is clear: helping busy families create homes that are beautiful, functional, and actually work for real life. If you have kids running around and need someone who’s thinking about how the space lives – not just how it photographs – Katie gets that. Her clients clearly adore her, and she’s building something genuinely good.

She’s based in Forsyth, so if you’re in that area north of Macon and want a warm, thoughtful designer who will really take care of you, I think she’s a wonderful choice.

Visit: homehearteddesignco.com

Lesley Myrick Interior Design

Best for: High-achieving professionals who are ready to stop living in a house that doesn’t feel like them – and want someone to handle every single detail.

Now, my turn.

I design bold, personality-driven homes for physicians, attorneys, CEOs, and business owners who have built a life they’re proud of and want a home that actually reflects it. My clients are busy. They don’t want to spend their weekends making furniture decisions or chasing contractors. They want to hand the whole thing to someone they trust completely and come home to a finished result that takes their breath away.

My work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Decor, Southern Living, Forbes, House Beautiful, People, and over 25 other media outlets. I won IDS Designer of the Year in 2025. I’ve spent more than 20 years in high-end residential design, and I still love every minute of it.

What sets my firm apart isn’t just the aesthetic, though the bold colors and personality-forward spaces do tend to get people’s attention. It’s the process. My clients get weekly progress updates, photorealistic 3D renderings before anything is ordered, and complete turnkey management from the very first conversation to the final styling. They never wonder what’s happening next. That’s not an accident – it’s built into how we work.

My firm is not for everyone. If you want safe and neutral, I’m probably not your designer. But if you’ve outgrown playing it safe with your home and you’re ready for something that actually reflects who you are, I’d love to hear about your project.

Inquire here to get started.

So How Do You Actually Choose the Best Interior Designer in Macon?

There’s not one best designer, but there is a “best” for you! A few things worth thinking through before you reach out to an interior designer:

What’s your aesthetic? Classic and timeless points toward Robinson Home. Sophisticated and eclectic leans Courtney Moss. Warm and family-focused fits Home Hearted. Practical and broad-ranging is Sara Barron. Bold, colorful, and personality-driven is where I live.

What level of support do you need? All five designers on this list offer full-service design. But if you’re looking for a truly turnkey experience where every decision is managed for you from start to finish, ask pointed questions in your initial consultation about exactly what that looks like day-to-day.

Does their process match how you work? Communication styles matter more than most people realize going in. Ask how often you’ll hear from them, how decisions get made, and what happens when something goes sideways. You’ll learn a lot from how they answer.

Does their portfolio make you feel something? Not just “that’s nice.” Look for work that makes you a little jealous of the homeowner. That reaction is telling you something important.

Macon has real design talent. You have good options. Take the time to find the right match – your home is worth the effort.

FAQs About Working with an Interior Designer

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.

The post The Best Interior Designers in Macon, GA (And How to Find the Right Fit for You) appeared first on Interior Designer in Macon GA.

The living room has been bothering you for three years. You’ve saved approximately one thousand photos to a Pinterest board you never look at anymore. You know the space needs work. You have opinions about it – actually, strong ones.

And yet. Nothing has happened. Because you have no idea where to start with your home!

If that sounds familiar, I want you to know something: you’re not indecisive. You’re not too busy. You’re not lacking vision. You’re just missing one thing. A clear starting point with someone who can cut through all of it and tell you exactly what to do.

That’s what my Design Strategy Session – a 2-hour interior design consultation – is for.

Why Busy Professionals Keep Putting Their Homes on Hold

Here’s what I see over and over again. My clients are smart, successful people who make high-stakes decisions at work every day. And then they come home to a room that doesn’t work and they completely freeze.

Part of it is the overwhelm. Where do you even start? Do you paint first or buy furniture first? Is that wall load-bearing? Should you renovate the kitchen before you redo the floors? The questions multiply faster than the answers.

Part of it is the fear of wasting money. You’ve heard enough renovation horror stories to know that making the wrong move early costs you later. So you wait. And the room keeps bothering you.

And part of it, honestly, is that you’re used to outsourcing the things you’re not expert in. You hire a great accountant. A great attorney. A great doctor. But for some reason, the idea of calling a designer feels like a bigger commitment than you’re ready to make right now.

That hesitation makes complete sense. And it’s exactly why I created the Design Strategy Session.

What Two Hours Actually Gets You

A Design Strategy Session is a two-hour, one-on-one working session with me, focused entirely on your project.

Not a sales pitch. Not a vague conversation about inspiration and mood boards. A real, working session where we look at your space, talk through what’s driving you crazy, and I give you clear, expert direction on how to move forward.

By the end of two hours, you’ll know what the priorities are. You’ll understand what order to tackle things. You’ll have specific recommendations you can act on, whether that means booking a larger project with me or taking what you’ve learned and running with it yourself.

That’s it. No long-term commitment required.

Who This Is Really For

Not everyone needs a full-service design engagement right out of the gate. The Design Strategy Session is the right fit if any of these sound like you.

You have one room or one problem that’s been nagging at you, and you want expert direction before you spend a dollar on it.

You’re considering a renovation or larger project and you want to understand the scope, the sequence, and the realistic cost before you commit.

You’ve gotten quotes from contractors and you’re not sure if what they’re proposing actually makes sense.

You want to experience working with me before signing on for a larger project.

You’re a decisive person who just needs the right information to move forward.

In other words, this is for people who are ready to stop thinking about their home and actually do something about it.

What Happens After the Session

Some clients leave a Design Strategy Session and handle things from there. They needed the clarity and the roadmap, and they’ve got it. I provide a detailed recap with a project summary, action items, and clear next steps.

Others realize during the session that what they’re dealing with is bigger than they want to manage alone. And for those clients, the Design Strategy Session becomes a natural first step into a Design Comprehensive project with my team.

Either way, you leave with more than you came in with. A clear picture of your project. A prioritized plan. And no more excuses for putting it off!

How to Book

Your home has been waiting long enough. Let’s figure out exactly what it needs during a Design Strategy Session. Book your session here, or schedule a complimentary consultation call to discuss your project.

Frequently Asked Questions

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.

The post Where to Start With Your Home: An Interior Design Consultation appeared first on Interior Designer in Macon GA.

There’s a certain kind of house that stops you in your tracks.

Not because it looks like a magazine spread (though it might). Not because every finish is expensive (though some of them are). It stops you because it feels alive. It feels like someone actually lives there – and that someone has great taste, a full life, and zero interest in blending in.

That’s what personality-driven interior design does. And after 20 years of designing homes for physicians, attorneys, CEOs, and business owners, I can tell you: it’s not just more beautiful than a trend-driven room. It’s more functional. It lasts longer. It makes your family happier.

Here’s what that looks like – and why it works.

(Prefer to watch instead of read? Check out the video of this post here.)

Why Personal Design Matters

Personality is the New Luxury

Luxury used to mean the most expensive finishes money could buy: think marble countertops, custom millwork, the biggest square footage on the block. And while none of those things are bad, they’re not what makes a home feel extraordinary anymore.

What makes a home feel extraordinary is you.

The clients I work with are accomplished people. They’ve built something real – careers, families, lives worth celebrating. Their homes should reflect that! Not a carbon copy of whatever was trending on Pinterest three years ago, but something that tells their actual story. The art they collected in Portugal. The color that makes them feel like themselves. The furniture that works for a toddler and a dinner party.

That’s the standard every project is held to – from the first conversation to the final installation.

Trend-Free Design Lasts Longer

I’ve walked into homes, and, at the client’s request, designed around whatever was popular at the time – and I’ve watched those clients start to feel vaguely unsatisfied within a few years. They can’t always name why. The room just feels… off. Dated. Like it belongs to someone else.

That’s what happens when you design for a moment instead of a person.

When a home is built around your personality – your genuine preferences, your family’s rhythms, your aesthetic instincts – it doesn’t expire. It deepens. It gets better as you add to it, travel more, grow into it. That’s what I mean when I talk about a “forever home.” Not a home you’ll never leave, but a home you’ll never want to.

Homes Should Tell a Story

The best rooms I’ve ever designed have a narrative thread running through them. There’s intention behind every choice – the color, the furniture scale, the art placement, the mix of textures. When you stand in the space, it all coheres. It whispers something about the people who live there.

That story is yours; my job is to tell it beautifully.

Making Personality Livable

Here’s where a lot of people get stuck. They love the idea of a bold, personality-forward home. Then they think about the kids, the dog, the fact that someone in the family will definitely spill red wine on the sofa – and they start pulling back toward safe and beige.

That’s exactly the kind of compromise my process is designed to prevent.

Elevated, Durable Materials

High-performance fabrics have come a very long way. Some of my favorite velvets, bouclés, and woven textiles are now fully cleanable, stain-resistant, and built to last. You don’t have to choose between beautiful and practical (woot woot!) – and one of my favorite moments in any project is watching a client’s face when I tell them their stunning new sofa fabric is performance-grade.

Same goes for hard surfaces. Walnut wood, honed stone, hammered brass – these are materials that develop character with use. A few scuffs and life marks don’t ruin them. They become part of the story.

Smart Space Planning

Function is the foundation of every room I design. Before the fun stuff, I’m thinking about how traffic (aka. people) flows through a space, where the kids will actually land when they walk in the door, how a room needs to serve multiple uses across a single day. Good planning make everything else frictionless.

Kid-Friendly Doesn’t Mean Boring

This is one of my absolute non-negotiables. Families deserve beautiful homes! Children are not an excuse for settling or “waiting until the kids are older” to have nice things. With the right material choices, thoughtful layouts, and a design that accounts for how your household actually functions, a home can be genuinely stylish and genuinely livable.

Every single project I take on proves it.

How Designers Bring Personality to Life

Great intentions are one thing. Execution is another. Here’s what the process of translating “I want my home to feel like me” into a finished space actually looks like.

Art-Led Rooms

I often start with the art. A piece a client loves – something they brought home from a trip, inherited from a grandparent, or just couldn’t stop thinking about – becomes a compass for the entire room. The palette follows. The tone is set. Everything else is built around what already has meaning.

Art-led rooms feel intentional in a way that’s hard to manufacture from scratch.

Signature Colors

Color is one of the most powerful tools in my process, and I use it without apology. Teal has become a signature in my work – it’s bold, it’s livable, it works with warm wood tones and crisp whites alike. But every client gets their own version of this. Their color. The one that makes them feel most at home.

Identifying that color – and committing to it – is one of the most meaningful parts of the design process.

Collected Layers

The spaces I love most never look like they were purchased all at once. They look gathered. There’s something from an antique market, something custom, something the client already owned and loved. Different eras, different scales, different textures – brought together with a clear point of view.

That layered quality is what makes a room feel real. It’s the opposite of a showroom, and it’s entirely the point.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’ve been living in a home that looks fine but doesn’t feel quite like you, that’s exactly the problem I solve. My firm takes on a limited number of full-service projects each year – which means every client gets my full attention from the first conversation to the final installation.

When you’re ready for a personality-driven home worth living in, schedule a complimentary consultation call to discuss your project and see if we’re a great fit together.

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.

The post Why Personality-Driven Design Creates Better Forever Homes appeared first on Interior Designer in Macon GA.

Lately, my Pinterest boards have been full of colorful nail art, edgy shaved undercuts, bold eyeliner, vintage leather jackets, and sculptural earrings that feel more like tiny pieces of art.

Not exactly floor plans.

And yet…it’s all design.

The same instinct that chooses an unexpected nail color is the instinct that chooses lacquered cabinetry. The same eye that saves a sharp haircut notices the power of a clean architectural line in a kitchen elevation. Creativity doesn’t live in neat categories. It shows up wherever you’re paying attention.

(Note: as you know, it can be hard to track down original images sources on Pinterest. None of the images in this post are mine, and I’ve credited image sources directly when possible.)

It’s Never Just About Makeup

When I pin beauty and style inspiration, I’m not really thinking about lipstick. I’m studying contrast. Proportion. Texture. Energy.

I’m noticing how matte skin makes glossy lips pop. How a blunt bob changes the entire presence of a face. How one sculptural earring can shift an otherwise simple outfit.

Those details matter, in both personal style and interior design.

If you look closely, you’ll see the throughline: strong lines, saturated color, sculptural form. A little edge. A lot of intention. That same language shows up in the homes I design.

Color Courage

If you scroll my Pinterest boards, you won’t see much beige.

You’ll see teal next to blush. Oxblood against walnut. Gloss beside matte. Colors that feel confident without being chaotic.

Color is emotional. It shifts how you move through a room. It can energize, calm, ground, or surprise you. And yet so many high-achieving, decisive people default to “safe” colors when it comes to their homes.

White feels responsible.
Neutral feels resale-friendly.

But “responsible” is not the same thing as expressive.

The clients who resonate most with my work are often bold everywhere else in their lives. They lead teams. They make hard decisions. They invest. They collect art when they travel. They have strong opinions.

My role isn’t to push them into something loud for the sake of it; it’s to help their home rise to meet who they already are.

Contrast Is Where It Gets Interesting

Soft skin with sharp eyeliner.

An antique walnut table beneath contemporary art.

Masculine architecture layered with feminine textiles.

When everything matches, a room feels polite. When there’s tension, it feels designed.

That tension is subtle. It might be the curve of a chair against a linear fireplace. A velvet sofa under clean plaster walls. A bold wallpaper in an otherwise restrained space.

Contrast is what makes you look twice.

Texture Is a Language

Texture is quieter than color, but just as powerful.

Glossy nails next to a chunky knit sweater. Patent leather with raw denim. Smooth skin and sharp metal.

In interiors, that becomes hammered brass against smooth marble. Nubby linen beside lacquer. A 100-year-old wood floor meeting crisp millwork.

Most people think luxury is about price; it’s not.

Luxury is about layers. It’s about how materials sit next to each other and tell a story without shouting.

Edge, With Restraint

Here’s something important: edgy doesn’t mean chaotic.

A bold lipstick still has clean edges. A sharp haircut still has structure. Even the most dramatic eyeliner is balanced by restraint. Homes are the same way.

You can have color without clutter. Pattern without overwhelm. Personality without noise.

That’s the part I love most, honestly! Pushing just far enough that the space feels alive… and then editing until it feels effortless.

Because editing is leadership.

What This Means for Your Home

If you’re building or remodeling, here’s a question I often ask quietly: Where are you bold in your life…but safe in your house?

Maybe you take risks in your career. Maybe you wear color confidently. Maybe you collect art, travel well, and appreciate beautiful things. (I know you do!)

But your kitchen is white because that felt sensible.

Your living room is neutral because that felt safe.

Your bedroom is quiet because that felt easy.

Your home should feel like the most confident version of you. Not trendy. Not cautious. Not curated for someone else’s approval. Confident.

That’s what my Pinterest boards really reveal. Not that I love edgy eyeliner, but that I’m constantly studying energy, proportion, tension, and culture. I’m watching how small details change how something feels.

When you hire me, you’re not just hiring someone to choose furniture. You’re hiring someone who sees the connection between a sculptural earring and a sculptural chandelier. Between bold lipstick and bold lacquer. Between personal style and personal space.

Different medium. Same eye.

If you’re planning a renovation or building your forever home and you’re ready for something more expressive, more layered, and more reflective of who you actually are, let’s talk.

Because your house shouldn’t be the safest version of you; it should feel like home in the most honest sense of the word.

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.

The post What My Pinterest Boards Say About the Homes I Design appeared first on Interior Designer in Macon GA.

For a long time, quiet luxury had a very specific (read: boring!) look. Soft neutrals, tone-on-tone rooms, everything carefully chosen and slightly understated, the kind of spaces that feel calm and curated but can also start to blur together after you’ve seen enough of them.

Lately I’ve been having the same conversation with clients over and over again. They want homes that feel timeless and easy to live in, but they also want them to feel personal, layered, and unmistakably theirs, not like a beautifully styled house pulled straight from Pinterest.

That’s where color comes back into the picture (finally!). Not in a loud or trend-driven way, but in a grounded, confident way that adds depth and soul without disrupting the calm.

(Prefer to watch instead of read? Check out the video of this blog post here.)

Why Colorful Luxury Is Rising

Because we’re all tired of playing it safe! White walls, beige sofas, neutral-on-neutral decisions that technically work but don’t really say anything about the people who live there – this trend is on its way out.

When color is used well, it reads as confidence. Choosing a deep green, a moody blue, or a warm clay tone and actually committing to it changes the energy of a room immediately, because it feels intentional and self-assured rather than cautious.

This isn’t about making a statement just to make one. Colorful quiet luxury is elevated, edited, and thoughtful, with rooms that still feel calm and livable but have much more presence and depth than the all-neutral spaces we’ve been seeing for years.

How Designers Build Confident Color Palettes

Good color doesn’t start with a single paint chip taped to the wall. It starts with undertones, contrast, and how colors behave together across a space, because a green that leans warm will feel completely different next to walnut than it will next to gray stone.

Texture plays a huge role here, and it’s often the difference between a room that feels rich and one that feels busy. The same color on velvet, plaster, or wood will read softer, deeper, and more layered than it ever will on a flat painted wall.

Restraint is what holds it all together. Not every surface needs to be bold, and not every piece needs to be special. Strong color needs quieter moments around it so it can breathe, and when a room starts to feel like it’s doing too much, the solution is almost always editing rather than adding.

Colors That Feel Luxurious Right Now

Certain hues consistently show up in our design projects that feel elevated and timeless.

Teal and deep green continue to be favorites because they’re grounding and flexible and (somehow?) manage to feel classic without being boring. They work just as well in a kitchen or office as they do in a living room or bedroom, and they anchor a space without taking it over.

Warm clay and terracotta tones are another go-to, especially when they’re paired with plaster walls, natural stone, or walnut. These colors add warmth and softness while still feeling grown-up and refined, not trendy.

Soft pinks and complex neutrals are also having a moment. Dusty rose, mineral beige, and warm greige bring depth and warmth without feeling sweet or safe, and they tend to age really well.

What all of these colors have in common is complexity. They don’t feel brand new or overly saturated. They feel like they’ve been around for a while, which is often what makes them feel luxurious.

A Final Thought

The homes that feel the most luxurious to me aren’t the most neutral or the most expensive – they’re the ones where every choice feels considered and intentional, even if you can’t immediately put your finger on why.

Quiet luxury was never about disappearing into the background. It was always about confidence, quality, and restraint. Color just makes that confidence visible!

If your home feels calm but a little flat, color might be the missing layer. When it’s done well, color doesn’t shout – it just quietly makes everything better.

If you’re planning a renovation, addition, or whole-home project and want a home that feels calm, layered, and truly yours, this is exactly the kind of work I do. Inquire here to start the conversation and see if we’re the right fit.

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.

The post Colorful Quiet Luxury: Why Confident Color Feels More Luxurious Than Neutrals appeared first on Interior Designer in Macon GA.

A few months ago, during a design presentation, a client looked over her renovation plans and said, “Wow – I didn’t realize how many decisions had to happen before anything even starts!”

She wasn’t stressed – she was relieved. For the first time, she understood what was ahead of her. And honestly, most homeowners have that same moment once they see how much goes into creating a beautifully renovated home.

Because the truth is this: the part you see on Instagram is the final five percent. The magic comes from everything that happens before anyone tears out tile or moves a single piece of furniture.

If you’re planning a high end renovation, here’s what actually matters long before construction begins.

(Prefer to watch instead of read? Check out the video of this blog post here.)

The Misconceptions That Derail Projects

Most renovation frustration comes from expectations that were never realistic in the first place.

“This shouldn’t take that long, right?”
High end design moves at a different pace. Custom details, specialty materials, trades scheduled in a specific order… it all takes time. Fast and luxurious don’t belong in the same sentence.

“My budget is set. It won’t change.”
Budgets evolve as new information comes to light. Sometimes you discover a hidden issue. Sometimes you realize there’s a smarter upgrade worth doing now. Adjustments aren’t a problem. They’re part of the process.

“The finished space looks simple, so the process must be simple too.”
Designers make complicated things feel simple. That’s the point. But behind that simplicity is a lot of alignment, coordination, and decision making.

What Actually Creates a Smooth Renovation

Here’s the part most homeowners never see coming: the success of a renovation is determined before anyone shows up with tools.

A strong pre construction strategy.
This is where all the function, layout, lighting, materials, and cabinetry details get resolved. When those decisions aren’t made upfront, they get made in a hurry. And rushed decisions are rarely the ones you want to live with.

One unified design vision.
A contractor builds. A designer leads the vision. Without a single person making sure every choice supports the bigger picture, a project drifts. Cohesion is what makes a home feel elevated.

A designer led team.
When the designer and contractor operate as a team, the project flows. When they don’t, the homeowner gets stuck in the middle. And no one wants that during a six figure renovation.

Your Role as the Homeowner

You don’t need to manage the project. But you do play a key part in how smoothly it runs.

Make decisions in a timely way.
Momentum matters. When you trust your designer and keep things moving, the project stays on track.

Be up front about how you live.
Design works best when it’s honest. Tell your designer what annoys you, what you avoid, what you love, and how your family actually uses your home.

Trust the process.
Renovations have quiet phases, busy phases, and moments that feel out of sync. That’s normal. The right team keeps things steady even when it feels unpredictable from your vantage point.

The Bottom Line

Renovations don’t implode because of tile choices; they implode because the early steps were skipped or underestimated.

But when you have a strategic plan, a unified vision, and a team led by someone who understands both design and construction, the entire experience shifts from overwhelming to actually enjoyable.

Your home should feel intentional, functional, and wildly you. If you’re planning a renovation or addition in 2026 and want a seamless, guided, high touch experience, I’d love to help you get started.

Ready to begin building your forever home the right way? Access our free guide, Design Like a CEO, that provides a proven delegation strategy to manage your remodel or new build like a pro – without sacrificing style, time, or control.

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.

The post What Luxury Homeowners Get Wrong About Renovations (And What Actually Matters) appeared first on Interior Designer in Macon GA.

Every December, I choose a word to frame the year ahead – a simple, powerful filter that shapes my energy, priorities, and creative focus.

In 2025, that word was Simplify. It guided me to clear the clutter – in my home, my business, and my mind – and to focus on what truly mattered. It was a year of refinement and recalibration, inspired by a quote I love from Marie Forleo: “Simplify to amplify.”

This year, I’m ready to take that clarity and turn it into strength.

My word of the year for 2026 is HER – an acronym for Healthy, Energized, and Rooted.

Why “HER”?

After a season of simplifying, I’m craving renewal – not just in business or mindset, but in my body and daily life. I want to feel light, strong, and alive again.

For me, HER represents the woman I’m becoming: grounded in health, lit up with energy, and deeply connected to who I am and what I value.

It’s a reminder that this next version of me already exists – I just need to keep showing up for HER.

Goal 1: Health

This year is about rebuilding from the inside out. I’m working with my doctor and specialists to balance my hormones and weight, improve my sleep, and finally create sustainable wellness routines that fit my real life.

I’m learning to move for energy, not guilt.
To eat in a way that supports my body, not punishes it.
To rest because I’m human, not lazy.

My goal isn’t perfection – it’s vitality. Health that feels effortless, because it’s built on habits I actually like doing.

Goal 2: Energy

I want to wake up feeling capable and powerful, not running on caffeine and adrenaline.

In my business, that means focusing my time and creativity where they have the most impact. I’m building in more white space, more movement, and more joy throughout my week.

I know that when I’m energized, everything else flows better; my creativity, my leadership, my relationships, and my ability to serve clients at a high level.

Goal 3: Rooted

Rooted is my anchor word. It’s about staying grounded in my core values – adventure, organization, and connection – no matter how full or fast life gets.

It’s also about staying rooted in the kind of work that matters most to me: designing fewer, better projects with dream clients. I want to go deep into full-home remodels, forever homes, and new builds where we can create something meaningful and lasting.

Rooted also means maintaining a high-touch, concierge-level experience for my clients while embracing new technology that helps me serve them even better.

Becoming HER

Choosing HER isn’t about chasing someone new. It’s about releasing what no longer fits and remembering who I’ve been all along – strong, creative, and capable of change.

In 2026, I’m becoming HER: Healthy, Energized, and Rooted. Here’s to the year of deep health, bold energy, and grounded joy.

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.

The post HER: My Word of the Year for 2026 appeared first on Interior Designer in Macon GA.

Before the first nail is hammered, before browsing tile samples and paint decks, there’s a stage of the design process most homeowners overlook – and it’s the one that can make or break a project. Pre-construction interior design planning isn’t the glamorous part you see on Pinterest, but it’s where your home’s story really begins. It’s where we think through flow, function, lighting, materials, and all the details that make your house work for your life, long before the walls are framed.

If you’re planning to build or remodel your forever home, this is where the magic truly happens – before construction starts.

(Prefer to watch instead of read? Check out the video of this blog post here.)

The Design Process Starts Before Construction

When starting a new home build, most homeowners assume they need an architect and builder first, and a designer later. But in reality, the best outcomes come when the designer is part of the team from day one.

Design decisions made early – like where outlets are placed, how cabinetry aligns with windows, or how the kitchen layout supports your family’s daily routine – impact every phase that follows.

When these conversations happen after construction starts, changes are costly and frustrating. When they happen before, they’re seamless.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we approach pre-construction like a blueprint for beauty and function. We partner with architects and builders early to make sure the interior layout supports how you live and every design detail has purpose.

The Method Behind the Magic

Our design process is both strategic and creative, because the best homes are equal parts method and magic.

During pre-construction planning, we:

• Review and refine floor plans to ensure the flow feels natural and intentional.
• Create scaled elevations so cabinetry, windows, and finishes all align perfectly.
• Specify fixtures and finishes – from tile and lighting to cabinet hardware – so your builder has everything needed before breaking ground.
• Coordinate with contractors and trades to translate design vision into technical plans.

The result? A project that runs smoother, looks cohesive, and reflects you at every turn.

The Real Value of Pre-Construction Design

Luxury isn’t about how much you spend; it’s about how effortless your home feels once you move in.
That effortless feeling comes from intentional planning.

Pre-construction interior design planning eliminates guesswork, prevents mid-build surprises, and ensures every inch of your home supports your lifestyle. It’s the ultimate form of peace of mind for busy professionals who don’t have time for constant site decisions.

When you invest in expert planning up front, you save time, money, and endless “I wish we had…” months later.

Final Thoughts

Your forever home isn’t just a layout – it’s a vision brought to life.

If you’re dreaming about building or remodeling in 2026, now is the time to start the conversation. Let’s design your home with purpose from the very beginning so that when construction starts, every detail already feels right.

Here’s to a home that’s as functional as it is beautiful – designed with a clear method and just a little magic.

Ready to begin building your forever home the right way? Access our free guide, Design Like a CEO, that provides a proven delegation strategy to manage your remodel or new build like a pro – without sacrificing style, time, or control.

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.

The post The Hidden Power of Pre-Construction Design appeared first on Interior Designer in Macon GA.

I know firsthand the impact an organized home can have – I actually started my career as a professional organizer, working with private organizing clients on weekends while attending design-school full-time! (Remember the show Clean Sweep on TLC from the early 2000s? That kicked off my love for organizing and it’s been a passion ever since.)

A well-designed system does more than make a space look beautiful; it transforms the way you move through your day. From stress-free mornings to effortless entertaining, organization brings ease and flow to everyday life.

That’s why I was excited to connect with Windy Dehem, professional organizer and owner of NEAT Method Macon. With her eye for detail and passion for creating refined, functional spaces, she helps families and professionals in the Macon community (including many of our full-service Design Comprehensive clients) enjoy homes that feel both polished and practical.

Lesley Myrick: What first inspired you to pursue professional organizing, and how did you come to own the NEAT Method franchise here in Macon?

Windy Dehem: I have always had an innate love for refined, orderly spaces where the beauty of the design takes center stage. I have an obsessive attention to detail and an entrepreneurial spirit. Plus, as a mom of two daughters who have participated in club and school sports their entire lives, I learned firsthand the value of having a place for everything – even though everything isn’t always in its place!

When NEAT Method announced new franchise opportunities, I knew it was the perfect fit. I had followed and admired the brand for years. And out of nearly 100 applicants, I was honored to be selected as one of only ten new owners nationwide. Representing NEAT Method in Macon has been a dream – creating well-arranged, high-functioning spaces backed by the support of an incredible community of women leading the industry.

LM: You work primarility with busy families – what kinds of organizing challenges do you find yourself solving most often?

WD: We are primarily called upon to organize high-touch spaces like kitchens, pantries, and primary closets – areas that have a transformative impact on creating calm among the chaos of daily routines. And for new build and renovation projects, we are brought in to collaborate on cabinetry and closet layouts to ensure storage is as functional as it is beautiful. 

What all our clients have in common is the desire for a home that supports their lifestyle with ease and elegance. Often they are overwhelmed by sheer volume and need a system that allows them to fit everything into the space available. Two of the most common challenges we solve are lack of shoe and accessory storage in closets and underutilized space in the kitchen and pantry.

Our goal is to create beautiful, high functioning spaces that give clients breathing room – spaces that feel like a retreat and simplify the everyday.

LM: What organizing myths would you love to bust?

WD: Two big ones: that an organized home has to be perfect all the time, and that we’ll make you throw away half of your belongings. Neither is true.

We pride ourselves on creating systems that work for real life. Do we expect every shirt to be perfectly file folded and every morsel in the pantry to be in its correct container all of the time? No. We understand that life happens, especially with kids and laundry and late night pantry raids! But the beauty of our method is that our systems are designed to be lived in and easy to maintain. A quick Sunday reset, and you’re ready to go! 

And while we do laugh about “Instagram vs Reality” in terms of the amount of items in a space, we never pressure anyone into letting go of more than they are comfortable with. Granted an edit session is an important part of every project, we have zero judgement and are fully supportive of whatever your personal passion might be. We will find a solution that works for you!

LM: Busy families and professionals often feel stretched thin between work, home, and everything in between. What are your top three time-saving organizing tips for making daily life run more smoothly?

WD: For stress-free mornings: create an organized system to start the day. Think school clothes at the ready, grab-and-go breakfast station, school lunch/snack packing zone with water bottles, paper work, and vitamins/supplements. There is a bit of a domino effect with also having an organized after-school drop zone, so that backpacks are emptied and paperwork and lunch boxes are put away accordingly, so don’t leave that out if it’s part of your stage of life.

Second, for uniforms: Designate one laundry basket and one clean bin for uniforms and uniforms only. For me, placing this in the laundry room has been one of our best life hacks. No more last-minute scrambling on game days. And depending on the number of children and activities, a second bin for specialty socks is also helpful. If my girls needed a pair of basketball socks, they knew exactly where to look – it’s the small things in life that help keep your sanity!

Finally, I recommend creating a donate bin. Is there anything more annoying than staring at a closet full of clothes, but having nothing to wear?! I found it to be true for me and my daughters until I saw the genius of having a “DONATE” bin (which is actually a donate “drawer” in our mudroom). When something no longer fits, flatters, or serves a purpose, it goes straight in. Everyone in our family knows to “take it to the donate drawer” if you are not going to wear it. This keeps closets clutter-free and ready-to-wear without marathon clean-outs.

My girls place everything in the donate drawer, then I’ll sort through hand-me-downs, keepsakes, true donations – and a few things I’m going to take back to them and insist they wear. The same goes for items needing to be altered or dry cleaned – create a designated spot outside of the closet for those items as well. 

Working with a professional organizer is about far more than tidy shelves. It’s an investment in clarity, efficiency, and the ability to fully enjoy your home. Windy’s insight is a reminder that organization and design go hand in hand – when your spaces work beautifully, they support the kind of life you want to lead.

Ready to create a home that feels calmer, lighter, and more functional? Connect with NEAT Method Macon to explore how thoughtful organization can transform your daily life.

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.

The post Creating Calm at Home with Professional Organizer NEAT Method Macon appeared first on Interior Designer in Macon GA.

I’m thrilled to share some incredible news: I was recently honored with an Interior Designer of the Year Award from the Interior Design Society (IDS) – one of the most prestigious recognitions in our industry. (Here’s a behind-the-scenes look at the event in New Orleans.)

This award means so much because it celebrates the heart of what we do at Lesley Myrick Interior Design: creating personality-driven, playful, and function-forward homes for professional families here in Georgia and beyond.

The winning project? A 100-year-old farmhouse in Forsyth, Georgia that we completely reimagined. What began as a dark, overly brown interior became a light-filled, soulful home infused with bold color, rich texture, and a whole lot of personality.

A Fresh Take on a Historic Farmhouse

This farmhouse had great bones – original shiplap walls, a freestanding brick fireplace, and tons of character. But it desperately needed an update to match the vibrant personality of the family living there.

We layered earthy greens, blush pinks, hammered metals, velvet, and leather to create a home that feels equal parts polished and playful. One of my favorite transformations was the lounge and living room, where a mix of sculptural furniture and collected artwork brought warmth and depth back into the space.

Why This Project Matters

Beyond the design details, this project represents what I love most: helping families see the full potential of their home. It’s not about following trends—it’s about honoring the architecture, listening deeply to the client’s personality, and designing a forever home that feels like them.

To have that vision recognized by the Interior Design Society on a national level is humbling, energizing, and honestly, a little surreal.

Looking Ahead

This Designer of the Year recognition inspires me to keep pushing boundaries, embracing boldness, and encouraging families to bust out of boring. To my clients, colleagues, and community – thank you for trusting me, supporting me, and letting me do the work I love.

If you’re dreaming of a home that feels vibrant, collected, and uniquely yours, inquire here to start your design project.

About Lesley Myrick

Lesley Myrick is an adventurous, intuitive, and exceptionally organized interior designer specializing in designing distinct “forever homes”. She works with high-achieving professionals to create playful, personality-driven and family-friendly spaces that are as functional as they are unique.

At Lesley Myrick Interior Design, we make the typically confusing design process seamless. Our high-touch, deeply engaged design process means that we accept just 6 large-scale remodeling projects per year. 

Learn more about our full-service interior design and inquire here to start your design project.

The post Lesley Myrick Named Designer of the Year for Renovated Forsyth Farmhouse appeared first on Interior Designer in Macon GA.