You Don’t Live in an Instagram Photo
How to Create Meaningful Spaces
Those polished images in magazines and social feeds look beautiful, but real homes are where life happens. For many of us, all those perfect pictures can feel intimidating. Maybe you’d like to work with an interior designer to create your dream home, but you worry about showing them your space because you fear it won’t measure up.
I’m going to let you in on a little trade secret: those photos aren’t a reflection of everyday life. Designers, stylists, and photographers spend an immense amount of time setting up each shot to look just so.
Some people genuinely enjoy keeping their homes picture-perfect, and that’s wonderful if it feels authentic to them. But real life is often richer and more meaningful when there’s room for a little imperfection. A truly beautiful home is one where you feel comfortable, connect with the people you care about, and make memories that last.
1. Start with Your Daily Life
Before picking colors or finishes, begin by thinking about your everyday moments. Maybe you dream of hosting elegant dinner parties that linger late into the evening, or maybe your kitchen table more often holds Play-Doh creations and homework. Where do you set down your bags, curl up with the dog, or take a breath after a long day? Noticing these patterns helps you create spaces that support real life, not an idealized version. Whether you love to keep everything perfectly in place or take a more relaxed approach, the most important thing is creating a home that feels right for you.
2. Choose Beauty that Works Hard
A beautiful space doesn’t have to feel precious or untouchable. We believe homes are meant to be lived in, not tiptoed around. That means choosing materials and furnishings that hold up to everyday living—performance fabrics on the sofa where your kids pile in for movie night, durable surfaces that can take a little wear, and pieces that invite you to relax. When you don’t have to fuss over every spill or scuff, you can focus on enjoying time together. Real life is often a little messy, and that’s exactly where the best memories happen.
3. Make Room for Connection and Joy
Think about the activities that bring you happiness and connection. Maybe it’s reading bedtime stories in a cozy corner, hosting a weekend brunch, or working on a puzzle at the dining table. Even if you prefer an orderly home, life has a way of scattering toys, blankets, and projects across your space. Designing for these moments—big and small—means you’re making room for what matters most. It also means releasing the pressure to look perfect. A home can be beautiful and still feel like you.
How We Bring this to Life
When we design luxury interiors for our clients in DC, Maryland, and Virginia, our mission goes far beyond creating a pretty photo (although we do that too). We start by understanding how you live in your space. We guide you in choosing materials that are both practical and beautiful, and we make sure your home functions the way you need it to—whether that means built-in storage, flexible spaces, or thoughtful details that make daily life simpler. We design for the small things so your home feels personal and welcoming.
Because in the end, the spaces that matter most aren’t the ones that look perfect on Instagram. They’re the ones that bring you joy.
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Meet Christine
Welcome! I’m Christine, Principal at Lindsey Abrams Design. I love getting to know my clients, working together to create homes that feel warm, inviting, and authentic.
For me, great design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about how a space makes you feel the moment you step inside. Your home should reflect your lifestyle, tell your story, and function seamlessly for the way you live. With years of experience in residential interior design, my goal is to blend style with functionality, crafting spaces that are as beautiful as they are livable.
My approach combines expert project coordination, custom-tailored design, and meticulous attention to detail, ensuring every element is thoughtfully curated for a timeless, cohesive result. I take care of every aspect—from concept to completion—so you don’t have to.
Whether you need help with a renovation, a kitchen and bath transformation, or a full-home furnishing and décor project, I collaborate with the best artisans and industry professionals to bring your vision to life.
Let’s create a home that’s not just beautiful, but distinctly yours.
