Good Design Isn’t About Trends — It’s About How You Live
A Conversation with Terri Brien of Terri Brien Interiors
When people think about interior design, they often picture finishes, color palettes, and Pinterest-worthy spaces. But in my recent conversation with Terri Brien, it became clear that great design goes much deeper than how a home looks — it’s about how a home works for the people living in it.
Terri believes that a home should elevate your life, not just visually, but functionally. And while that may sound simple, it’s something many homeowners don’t experience until they live in a space that truly supports their lifestyle.
Watch the full episode on the link below!
https://youtu.be/mStDxsgOb5Y?si=h1kJlmRIXXk98H0n
Design Starts With Listening
One of the biggest takeaways from our conversation was how much time Terri and her team spend listening.
Before a single design decision is made, they ask thoughtful questions — sometimes questions that catch clients off guard at first. Not because they’re unusual, but because they force homeowners to really reflect on how they use their space day to day.
What doesn’t work?
What feels frustrating?
Where does life feel chaotic instead of calm?
Often, clients come in thinking the issue is purely aesthetic — “I don’t like my kitchen” — only to realize the real problem is functionality. Storage that doesn’t make sense. Layouts that don’t support how the family actually lives. Spaces that look beautiful but don’t feel comfortable.
That’s where meaningful design begins.
Why “Pretty” Isn’t Enough
Terri shared something that really stuck with me:
“It’s very little about design — and so much about execution.”
Behind every polished space is an enormous amount of planning, coordination, and technical expertise. From sourcing materials and specifying finishes to creating construction documents that contractors can actually build from — it’s a process most people never see.
And when that process is done well, the result isn’t just a pretty picture. It’s a home that feels calm, intuitive, and supportive.
Rethinking “Coastal” Design
Living in a coastal area, we hear the word coastal all the time — and Terri offered a refreshing perspective.
Coastal design doesn’t have to mean white oak floors, blue accents, and obvious beach references. In fact, she finds that approach a bit limiting. Instead, she focuses on evoking the feeling of coastal living through materials, texture, warmth, and balance — without hitting you over the head with it.
It’s about mood, not motifs.
Loving What You Create
Another theme that came through clearly is how intentional Terri is about the work she takes on. Her team doesn’t chase every trend or style. They’re selective because they believe designers do their best work when they genuinely love what they’re creating.
Warmth matters.
Natural materials matter.
Spaces should feel inviting, not cold or overly rigid.
And when design aligns with both the client’s lifestyle and the designer’s values, the result is something truly special.
The Bigger Picture
At the heart of our conversation was a simple but powerful idea:
Your home isn’t just a backdrop for your life — it’s an active participant in it.
When your space works for you, life feels easier.
When it doesn’t, everything feels harder.
Terri’s approach reminds us that good design isn’t about chasing what’s “in.” It’s about creating a home that supports how you live now — and how you want to live in the future.
