Savvy Designs by Vanessa

07/23/2026

Small changes can make a BIG difference. This kitchen was already beautiful and the home is only a few years old. The wood vent hood is pretty, we just wanted to add some warmth and character to it. I love bringing more wood accents into kitchens. We added a fluted wood trim design to the bottom of the vent hood and an accent piece to the top. It is stained to match the island. This pop of wood and character made a big difference! Thanks to Unique Wood Furniture for creating the beautiful wood accent to make this kitchen even more beautiful.

07/21/2026

This kitchen deserves another moment.

A full-gut renovation transformed this once closed-off space into a warm, inviting kitchen that’s equal parts beautiful and functional. Safe to say we’re obsessed.

07/16/2026

This now stunning kitchen was a full gut kitchen. Everything was demolished! Once the demo was complete we moved a few walls. The corner was removed where the stove once was, we closed off the entrance to the hallway, and opened up the wall that leads to the living room. The kitchen had tile floors previously that we removed to make way for new wood flooring.

The layout for the kitchen was not open. It previously had a bi level peninsula which was removed to open the floor plan and change the layout. The kitchen was previously mostly white cabinets with white and gray countertops. We wanted to bring some warmth in and that meant wood! The new island was made with white oak as were the built-ins in the kitchen nook area and fluted wood vent hood feature.

The honed Taj Mahal countertops drove the warmer color scheme as well. We paired it with this beautiful fluted tile backsplash that paired perfectly with the Taj Mahal countertops. We added additional wood features with the open shelving in the corner that added the perfect opportunity to add decor. Add in new leather counter stools that swivel and a gorgeous new table to complete the look. The “jewelry” of the kitchen is the new lighting and antique gold cabinet hardware.

All of this makes for a stunning kitchen that feels like “home”. A great place to make memories and entertain.

07/15/2026

I just returned from an amazing trip to Italy. This is my 3rd trip to Italy but the beauty there always inspires me. This trip we started in Naples - I have been there before. We took a ferry to the island of Ischia. It’s a volcanic island in the Bay of Naples. Ischia is famous for its thermal springs, beautiful beaches, and historic sites. We went to Giardini Poseidon Terme which has to be one of the most beautiful places I have ever been.

This trip we lived more like local Italians vacationing. We had a VRBO with a breathtaking view of the sea. My sister in law is fluent in Italian which was helpful for navigating this trip. We ate at local restaurants and the food was fresh and amazing!

From a design perspective these are the things I love about Italy:
1.) The natural beauty. The hillsides, rock formations, and floral/greenery are absolutely stunning.
2.) Houses on the hillside - natural in color but with beautiful trees and floral surrounding them.
3.) Arches everywhere. Arched windows, doors, and even arches made from natural greenery.
4.) Dining “Al Fresco”. Eating outside most restaurants. The temperature in the evening is much like California weather and so lovely to eat outside.
5.) The sunsets. The sunsets are absolutely stunning and vivid.
6.) Potted plants everywhere - outdoors and indoors. Even with all of the natural beauty the Italians still have potted plants everywhere. Some potted plants were rosemary and other spices which added to the Italian scent in the air.
7.) The fashion. Our last day in Naples we stayed downtown. The window of my VRBO faced Valentino. They had all of the amazing shops like Hermes, Emporio Armani, Ferragamo, and Louis Vuitton. I looked at colors, patterns, and textures. Fashion and interior design often go hand in hand. The window displays were amazing.

I could go on and on but here are just a few photos from my trip, Ciao!

06/03/2026

This full gut kitchen renovation is coming together beautifully, and we couldn’t wait to share a glimpse of the details.

Featuring custom White Oak cabinetry, luxurious Taj Mahal quartzite countertops, and a stunning new backsplash that adds the perfect layer of texture and sophistication. Every element was thoughtfully selected to create a warm, timeless space that feels both elevated and inviting.

We’re putting the finishing touches on this transformation and can’t wait to reveal the full kitchen soon!

05/22/2026

This Memorial Day weekend, we’re grateful for the moments spent gathered around the places we call home. ❤️🤍💙 Wishing all of our wonderful clients, friends, and followers a peaceful, beautiful holiday weekend filled with love, family, and gratitude. 🇺🇸

04/16/2026

This girl’s bathroom was in need of an update. Before it had dated tile and a very small niche. In the shower we selected two different wall tiles. One is a very large tile (13” by 47”) that adds texture to the space. The other two walls had Cloe tile with this neutral color variation. The shower floor tile is a natural stone with gorgeous veining. We made the niche larger to allow for ample product storage - what every girl needs!

The vanity was painted a slightly darker beige and beautiful antique gold hardware was added for “jewelry”. The countertops have soft, warm color veining. Add in a new frameless mirror and updated vanity light and it all comes together beautifully.

03/24/2026