Shalmai Interiors

05/21/2026

Let’s talk countertops for a second. Most of you know I’m a natural stone girl through and through. There’s been so much fear mongering around natural stone lately and this huge narrative that quartz is the safer choice because it’s more durable 😒. But truthfully, nothing is indestructible. Every material comes with tradeoffs. That said, if maintenance isn’t your thing, I completely understand choosing something lower maintenance. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s choosing materials that fit your life and still make you feel something.

For example, in this kitchen we decided to use a porcelain countertop for durability and because this is a busy family home. We searched for one that closely resembled marble because we still wanted that movement and richness. We wanted a little drama 💫 and this one fit the bill perfectly.

Moral of the story, choose materials that support the way you live, not just what the internet tells you is “best.” There’s room for beauty and practicality.

05/18/2026

A little laundry room pick me up on this sunny Monday! ☀️

We designed this custom soapstone sink with the most beautiful swoop detail, and the wall mounted faucet was the finishing touch it needed. The jewelry of the space, if you will.

Cabinetry-
Counter tops-

05/09/2026

Progress at the studio already looks so great. I’ve been envisioning green in this space for some time. I’m not really sure why. It feels like it was always this way which is exactly the feel I wanted.

Now all the original stained glass, stained woods, and brass details really stand out. Even the light fixture is original and now it just makes sense here.

Slowly unfolding, along side me. 💚

05/04/2026

May is here! Can't believe how fast time is flying.

I've got projects wrapping up, others getting ready for their final reveal, and some just starting to take shape. Oh and sprinkle in getting ready for my son’s graduation, and all the planning that comes along with that! 😅

It’s amazing to see things come together. Here are some recent camera roll snaps, from penny tiles to a brass art piece for a new project. Things are heating up and I'm loving it!

04/21/2026

We all love a good before and after, and I realized I skipped a pretty important part on my last post… what this little kitchen looked like before 😱

I had just gotten back from Paris when the vision came to me. I wanted the apartment to have that European feel, something layered, a little moody, and full of character. I kept coming back to burgundy and that sense of history. I didn’t want it to feel expected. I wanted it to feel different.

It’s a tiny space, so every inch really had to count. I adjusted the layout to make it more functional, added a dishwasher which it didn’t have before, and focused on details that feel both beautiful and useful. The plate rack… I mean, I’m clearly having a moment with it.

The other side has the stove and fridge. I still need to get photos of it once I can style it the way I want.

Overall, this little kitchen went from overlooked to something that feels elevated and honestly a little magical 💫

04/19/2026

Springtime is my fave💐

There's something about seeing everything wake up after winter that feels inspiring. Winter can feel so long, quiet, and heavy.

For me, starting this business was a way to bring some sunshine into the darker months. As a Caribbean girl in the Midwest, I've had to get creative with finding ways to thrive in unexpected environments. It's not always easy, but it's taught me to find beauty and purpose in the midst of winter.

The trees around the studio are finally blooming, so I cut some branches and did a little shoot in the newly renovated apartment upstairs. (Shameless plug .3)

I haven’t touched my camera in 6yrs. I literally had to blow dust off of it. 😆

Slowing down and creating moments like these just feels good.

03/27/2026

1 year ago today, I took a big leap. 💫

I purchased a historic building with the most beautiful bones in the heart of downtown Goshen, and began transforming it into my interior design studio.

I can hardly wrap my head around the fact that it’s been a year. A whole year!!!???

Between renovating the upstairs apartment and turning it into an Airbnb (which has been a hit), while juggling projects and life, I didn’t give myself much space to take it all in.

But the past few months have felt calmer. More grounded. Like I could finally step back. Like I could come up for air.

So I celebrated the only way I know how:
Took advantage of the apartment between guests, got my tripod, a cute outfit, and something sweet.

I’m really proud of this chapter.🥹

03/12/2026

The world is moving fast, and it's easy to get caught up in the negativity. We're fed so much information that it's hard to keep up. But in all the noise, let's not forget what truly matters: community, kindness, and love.

I truly believe we are at a crossroads, and it's time to make a choice. What will you use your gifts for? Will you contribute to the chaos or help create a more loving narrative? For me, it's about spreading beauty and positivity. Each space brings a little joy and a little refuge into the world. We can do this together. 🤍

Photos by .shupert

03/09/2026

My favorite blue paint colors! 💙

The blues I come back to, project after project. Because they just keep working.

Consider this your intervention. Before you paint another room Agreeable Gray, swipe through the seven I actually specify. Real projects, real rooms, real reasons, and every code you need.

Save it for when you’re staring at 47 paint chips and spiraling. 🫶

🔗 Full breakdown on the blog, link in bio.

03/07/2026

https://www.shalmaihome.com/post/bluepaintcolors

OK, let’s talk about blue. Not just one blue, the whole spectrum, from the barely-there whisper of Farrow & Ball Skylight to the moody, near-black depth of Benjamin Moore Mysterious. Blue grounds a room. It makes a space feel intentional, like someone really thought about how it should feel. Over ...

03/02/2026

Happy March! It’s feeling like spring is around the corner and it has me feeling ready! I’ve got a burst of energy and can’t wait to dive into my projects. It may still be cold outside, but my creativity is on fire! 🔥

Photos by .shupert