Brantley brief

Mortgage rates have made home planning feel heavy this fall. Freddie Mac’s weekly survey had the average 30-year fixed rate climb for seven straight weeks to 7.40%, the highest level in about three years, before a small dip to 7.32%. A year ago, that same rate was 6.19%. That is a real difference, and for many households, it changes the conversation fast. I talk with homeowners every week who feel stuck because of numbers like these. The house they want feels out of reach. Th

Luxury interiors work best when every room supports the way you live. Fine materials, thoughtful lighting and well-proportioned furniture may establish the visual tone, but organization determines how comfortably the home functions each day. When storage has a clear purpose and everyday items have logical places, rooms remain composed without demanding constant upkeep. A well-organized home can also reduce visual distraction and make daily tasks feel easier. The best designs

Discover why your builder's design allowance is setting you up to fail. Learn how to navigate allowances and achieve your dream home finish.

Planning a new construction or major renovation is exciting, but it can also feel overwhelming. One of the biggest questions homeowners face is when to hire an interior designer. The timing of this decision can make a huge difference in the final outcome, budget, and overall experience. From my experience working with clients nationwide through Lauren Ashley Design, I’ve seen that August is one of the best times to bring a luxury virtual interior designer on board. Starting t

How Drapes Influence Summer Heat Management Tips from an Interior Designer Summer heat can turn your living space into an uncomfortable oven, making it hard to relax or focus. One of the most effective ways to keep your home cool and stylish is by choosing the right drapes. Drapes do more than just decorate a room; they play a crucial role in managing heat, blocking sunlight, and enhancing indoor comfort. This post explores how different drapery materials and designs affect s

What this project taught me about what custom home design is actually for Most new build clients come to me with a Pinterest board and a floor plan. She came to me with a floor plan, a Pinterest board, and a baby wallaby. The home was nestled inside a private zoo her family owned and operated. The animals weren't a backdrop to her life — they were woven into the daily rhythm of it. Baby kangaroos in the mudroom. Exotic birds in the courtyard. A household that ran on a schedul

Why this region is one of the best places in the country to build a custom home right now — and what it takes to do it right. You don't hear the Midwest talked about much in design media. The editorial world tends to orbit the coasts—California organics, New York minimalism, and the occasional Nashville farmhouse. The assumption is that the interesting work happens somewhere else. That assumption is wrong. And in 2026, the data is starting to say so out loud. PIN ME What's Ac

Discover the hidden challenges of building a custom home. Learn how crucial decisions impact your dream home when building a custom home.

AI can generate something beautiful. It cannot design something that works. Here's why that distinction matters before you break ground.