Interior Design in 2024: Milestones, Obstacles, and Exciting Adventures Ahead
Every year brings a mix of challenges, highlights, and those little surprises that keep life interesting. This year, we were fortunate to work on dream projects and travel to some incredible and inspiring places. While the experiences were endless (and my passport and team could use a little breather), I find myself in a reflective space — ambitious, future-focused, and, as always, striving for growth.
How will these experiences shape our vision moving forward? How will they impact the way we serve our clients? Reflection keeps our team grounded, client-centered, and ready to create meaningful, ego-free work. It’s important to pause, take stock, and appreciate where we’ve been… so we can get even more excited about where we’re headed next.
Celebrating Milestones of 2024
My Kitchen Remodel: This year, I finally finished my own kitchen remodel, a personal project that’s been a labor of love. Every detail was selected with care, and it’s truly my happy place. If you missed the full reveal, you can check it out here.
The Palo Alto Project: We had the pleasure of photographing our Palo Alto Project, a colorful and art-filled home that’s close to my heart. Working with these long-time clients was a joy. This one was so good, we split it into two parts.
Part 1 focused on the living spaces — think cozy seating, bold artwork, and seamless indoor-outdoor flow. Part 2 dives into the home office and guest quarters, where we balanced sophistication with comfort to create spaces that inspire and welcome.
The Carmel Project: One of my favorite projects this year was our work in Carmel. With its coastal beauty and sophisticated design, this project reflects everything I love about California living. The combination of textures, colors, and views made it one of those projects that I’ll remember for years. Reveal coming soon…
Global Inspiration: I can’t talk about highlights without mentioning my personal travels to Portugal, Rome, and Mexico. Each destination brought a new wave of design inspiration, from the intricate tiles in Portugal to the classic architecture of Rome. It’s these experiences that fuel my creativity and keep my designs fresh and globally inspired.
Nothing good comes easy, right? Along with all of these achievements, I’ve also experienced my fair share of challenges.
Overcoming Challenges: Design, Distance, and Dots on i’s
Long-Distance Projects: Designing homes in incredible places like Carmel, Tahoe, and Hawaii is a dream come true, but it’s not without its logistical challenges. Traveling for each project, coordinating with local artisans, and managing the long-distance logistics definitely tested our patience and stamina. But when you see the final result come to life in such breathtaking settings, it’s all worth it.
Personal Travel: I packed in quite a bit of personal travel this year. From local girls’ trips to wine country in Napa and Healdsburg to more far-flung adventures in Mexico, Portugal, Rome, and Miami, I’ve been inspired (and slightly exhausted). There was even a trip to Humboldt for some river rafting and reconnecting with my hometown friends. Travel is my ultimate source of inspiration, but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t ready to spend a little more time at home in 2025.
Lingering Responsibilities: Remember my cannabis retail design company, Sungrown Studio? Even though I sold it in 2023, the paperwork and tax details have lingered like a guest who just won’t leave. Just when I thought I was finally free, another official-looking letter would show up, reminding me to cross another “t” or dot another “i.” Here’s hoping 2025 finally sees the end of this chapter.
Looking Forward: What’s Next for Coddington Design
Celebrating 20 Years: 2025 marks the 20th anniversary of Coddington Design, and of course, I’m planning a huge celebration! Everyone’s invited, so stay tuned for details. It’s a milestone that I’m incredibly proud of, and I can’t wait to celebrate with the people who’ve been a part of this journey. Avoid FOMO by joining our newsletter. Don’t worry, it’s fun mail.
Supporting American Makers and Local Artisans: One of my goals is to continue discovering talented American makers, crafters, and artists to introduce to our clients. There’s so much incredible work being done right here, and I’m excited to find and share these treasures. Our clients benefit from unique, high-quality pieces that add soul and character to their homes.
Inspirational Travel: The travel bug hasn’t left me just yet. On the agenda for 2025: the South of France, London, and somewhere tropical (Costa Rica or Tahiti, maybe?). These trips aren’t just vacations — they’re chances to soak up global inspiration and bring back fresh ideas and perspectives that will show up in our designs. Our clients get the benefit of globally inspired spaces without having to leave home. Win-win.
Wrapping Up 2024
It’s been a year of growth, inspiration, and some unexpected challenges. Through it all, I’m grateful for my team, our clients, and everyone who follows along on this journey. Thank you for making it possible to do what I love every day.
Looking forward to more beautiful spaces, meaningful connections, and maybe a little less paperwork in 2025.
Ready to elevate your home? Whether you’re looking for full-service design or a little expert guidance, we’re here to meet you where you are. Reach out, and let’s bring your vision to life.
Cheers,
Melanie