Upstate Design Studio

11/13/2026

Choosing kitchen countertops? Don't make the mistake of picking a pretty slab before understanding how you'll live with it! 👀

Here's a quick breakdown:

✨ Quartz: Engineered, nonporous, durable, and a great everyday option.

🪨 Quartzite: Natural, stunning, but porous and requires sealing. Expect a higher price tag, too.

🤍 Marble: Beautiful, but softer and more porous. It's not my first recommendation for a busy kitchen.

🌳 Butcher Block: Gorgeous and often more affordable, but be careful about installing it near your sink!

Remember, the best countertop isn't just the one that looks beautiful. It's the one that fits your lifestyle, maintenance preferences, and budget.

Comment COUNTERTOPS, and I'll walk you through the options!

11/12/2026

I have started a new blog post area to share thoughts and ideas on all things Kitchen, Bath, and Closet Design! 💗
Feel free to sit back and read and share. Let’s even schedule a complimentary one on one consultation if this has been swirling around in your thoughts about your own home.
Enjoy!

It’s easy to fall in love with kitchen cabinets. Maybe you’ve saved pictures of white oak cabinetry, beautiful quartz countertops, or an oversized island on Pinterest. Those details are exciting, but there’s a more important decision to make before choosing any of them.

11/12/2026

Three kitchen design mistakes that can waste your money (and your storage space)! 👀

Before choosing those beautiful cabinet doors, pay attention to what’s happening INSIDE the cabinets.
Here are three things I'd rethink:

Deep pantry shelves without pull-outs: You end up losing access to everything hiding in the back.

Shallow cabinets above the refrigerator: Consider deeper storage designed for larger, less frequently used items.

Focusing only on cabinet door styles: Pull-out drawers, roll-outs, and smart accessories make everyday kitchen life so much easier.

Remember, a beautiful kitchen should work just as well as it looks. ✨

Comment UPGRADE, and I'll send you the full list of kitchen upgrades worth considering!

11/06/2026

We currently have availability for 2 kitchen remodels to start after Jan 1.
Holidays are coming and it’s a great time now to start pre-planning if it works with your schedule!

11/06/2026

Renovating your kitchen? Don’t overlook one of the most affordable upgrades: lighting! 💡

Recessed lights can completely transform a kitchen, but placement matters just as much as the fixtures.

A well-planned lighting layout considers where you prep, cook, work, and even need a little glow at night. Same kitchen, completely different feel. ✨

It’s not just about adding more lights. It’s about putting them where they actually make a difference.

Comment UPGRADE for the full list of kitchen upgrades worth considering so you’ll still love your kitchen ten years from now! 🔨🏡

11/05/2026

Sharing one closet with your partner? Stop splitting it down the middle. 😅

The goal isn’t equal space. It’s making the space work for both of you!

A smart custom closet design can maximize every inch with:

👕 Space allocated based on your actual needs
🧦 Drawers for folded clothes
👟 Shelves for shoes
💡 Proper lighting so you can actually see what you own!

And yes, a little realistic purging might be part of the process. 😉

You don’t necessarily need a bigger closet. You need a better-designed one.

Custom closets are one of my favorite design problems to solve. Reach out, and let’s make your space work smarter! ✨

10/30/2026

Who's in charge when your contractor and designer disagree? You are. It's your house and your money. 🏡🤝

But here's what should happen first: your contractor and designer work through the issue together, find possible solutions, and then bring you the options so you can make the final decision. ✨

My job is to be my client's designer and her builder's second set of eyes—not to make you play referee.

A strong contractor-designer relationship is critical to a great renovation. When both are on the same team, you get to focus on being the homeowner, not managing the conflict. 🔨❤️

You can use your own contractor or work with one of my trusted referrals. The choice is always yours.

Comment CONTRACTOR if you'd like our help making your next project run smoothly!

10/27/2026

Remodeling your kitchen? Here’s where to splurge and where to save. 🏡🔨

Splurge on the things that are expensive to replace. Think cabinetry, countertops, sinks, faucets, and tile backsplashes. If changing it later means demolition and professional installation, it’s worth making a thoughtful choice the first time. 💰✨

Save on the things you can easily change. Hardware, wall paint, and barstools are great places to cut costs without locking yourself into a decision for years. 🎨🪑

You probably can’t splurge on everything, and that’s okay! The trick is knowing where to compromise. Save on what’s reversible, and invest in what’s difficult to redo.

Have another item you’re wondering about? Comment SPLURGE or SAVE, and let’s talk!