92 Maple Design | www.92maple.com
Was design something you’ve always felt strongly about?
I’ve always tended to think spatially and noticed how spaces could work better. For me, the fun is figuring out the layout, how people move through a home and use it day to day. Once that puzzle is solved, the finishes tend to come more easily.
How do you approach newer versus older homes?
Older homes feel comfortable because of their layers, details which are thoughtful, but not overworked. In newer homes, I lean on natural materials, a variety of finishes, carefully scaled millwork, and small architectural details that don’t feel forced. When those pieces are handled well, the house feels settled rather than freshly built.
Why is it important to have homeowners who appreciate the history of their home?
When homeowners genuinely appreciate the story of a house, decisions feel more intentional and collaborative. You’re not just renovating a structure; you’re continuing a story. That shared respect for a home leads to better outcomes and a more rewarding experience for everyone involved.
Tell us about the ongoing effort to maximize the quality and ease of living.
Surprisingly simple adjustments can make a tremendous difference. Opening a pathway between rooms, shifting a kitchen a few feet, or rethinking how spaces connect can completely change the feel of a home. When a layout starts working with a family instead of against them, everyday life becomes noticeably easier and the house feels far more welcoming.
With extensive experience in solving design challenges, particularly in kitchens and bathrooms, how does one respect a home’s character?
Kitchens and bathrooms usually need the most updating, but those spaces should feel connected to the rest of the house. I pay close attention to scale, materials, and the small details that tie back to the home’s era. When those elements are handled carefully, the new space feels like a natural continuation rather than a modern interruption.
What steps are taken to focus on details appropriate to a home’s architecture, so a renovation feels authentic?
Natural materials age in step with a home, which is part of what makes them so important. When wood, stone, and other honest materials are used thoughtfully, they gather character over time, instead of looking dated. The goal is to create something that feels rooted in the house rather than looking like something that was added later.
How do you manage different architectural challenges, or what you refer to as a “good design pivot”?
Renovations have a way of revealing surprises once walls come down, and sometimes the best move is to rethink the plan entirely. A design pivot forces you to look at the space from a different angle and those shifts often lead to solutions that are far more interesting than the original idea. I love a design pivot.
What is your favorite space in your own home and why?
Our dining room, oddly enough. I moved a couch in there one day, and it accidentally became everyone’s favorite place.
What do you consider crucial design elements?
A thoughtful layout, honest materials, and the restraint to let a home speak for itself.
