Grounding Your Space: Home Design Tips with Kerry Whippee
Listen to episode 15 of the MomTalk Maryland podcast, “Grounding Your Space: Home Design Tips with Kerry Whippee.”
momtalk maryland | episode 15
Ever feel overwhelmed by your living space despite your best efforts to keep things organized? You're not alone. In this enlightening conversation with interior designer Kerry Whippee, founder of Shamrock Hill Design, we unpack why our homes sometimes feel chaotic despite our best intentions—and how simple design principles can transform them into spaces that bring us joy.
Kerry reveals the fascinating connection between visual and mental clutter, explaining why moms often reach their breaking points with home organization before other family members. "Our brains are constantly processing visual data," she explains, "even when we don't consciously realize it's happening." This invisible mental load helps explain why certain spaces in our homes can trigger stress responses while others feel like sanctuaries. The heart of our discussion focuses on practical design principles anyone can apply, regardless of budget or home size.
From the "power of three" that creates visual balance to the importance of varying heights, textures, and shapes in your arrangements, Kerry breaks down professional styling techniques into accessible tips for busy parents. She identifies the four elements most "unfinished" rooms are missing: rugs to ground spaces, window treatments to draw the eye upward, meaningful wall art, and varied lighting sources.
What makes this conversation particularly valuable is Kerry's emphasis on personal style over trends. "When I'm working with clients, the first thing I ask is what colors they love," she shares. Her design process involves helping people discover their authentic preferences rather than imposing someone else's aesthetic. The goal isn't a picture-perfect showroom but rather creating spaces that make you smile when you enter them—spaces that support family life rather than adding to your mental load.
Whether you're struggling with seasonal clutter (hello, summer pool bags about to be replaced by backpacks!), feeling uninspired by a particular room, or simply looking for small changes that make a big impact, this episode offers attainable solutions for creating more peaceful environments without sacrificing personality or practicality.
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