- November 10, 2025
- Terri Fiori
The Aspire Showhouse is officially in the books! If you were able to visit, thank you, and if you did not have a chance to visit, I will share what caught my eye in this newsletter. It’s not meant to critique, but to celebrate the kind of details that make design memorable and ones that are missed at first glance.
Design affects how you feel, and when a home’s design is executed well, our brains register all of it instantly. We then take it all in and slowly break down all of the details. That’s where the psychology of design kicks in – we’re pulled towards what feels intentional and grounded, and just intrigued enough to make us lean in to take a closer look. Now let’s explore those details!
The first detail that stopped me in my tracks was the dining room’s window treatments. The designer had embellished the panels with scatter pins, adding texture and a little sparkle. What took it to another level was that the design team was wearing jackets adorned with matching pins. This small detail created a moment of delight that made the design feel even more intentional.
The next highlight was a series of metal screens with delicate cutouts. I loved how they showed up in different ways throughout the house, such as on cabinetry, where they added texture and depth, and again as a privacy screen on a powder room window. It was a great reminder of how one material can serve totally different functions.
This next feature was one of my favorites. The designer added recessed lighting that sat completely flush with the ceiling, creating a soft, warm glow. It was such a subtle but powerful choice – a detail only noticed at night, yet it made the whole room feel magical.
Another, larger feature I was drawn to was the entryway’s sofa. Set against the home’s large windows, one could picture themselves on this sculptural piece, settling in while waiting for guests. It made the entire entryway feel more intriguing and complete.
Our last item is the powder room off the foyer. Two details stood out to me: the concrete-formed vanity which looks as if water is flowing into the sink. It’s paired with a back-lit butterfly shaped mirror that casts a soft glow. It’s sculptural, a little whimsical, and totally unforgettable.
Can you imagine bringing any of these ideas into your own home? Sometimes it’s the smallest detail that shifts the feeling of a space. Let me know which ones sparked something for you!
Rare Finds
John Lotton (Born 1964) American, Hand Blown and Decorated Art Glass Vase
I came across this gorgeous John Lotton art glass vase on an auction site and instantly fell in love with it. The color is stunning, and the design seems to float inside the glass makes it a true conversation piece.
Lotton’s glass is made in the purest artisan style: hand-blown from molten glass, then layered with color while the piece is still glowing. As he turns and shapes the form, pigments diffuse and stretch, creating the soft, suspended designs he’s known for. No two pieces are ever the same.
Ultimately, I could see this piece inspiring the design of an entire room. It’s exactly the kind of find that makes the hunt worth it: beauty, craft, and soul in one piece.
Want to learn more? It all starts with a conversation. Reach out and let’s explore what’s possible together.
