Designing with Intention: How to Create a Space That Feels Like Home
- Sabina Maria
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
Designing with emotion, beauty, and intention—so every space feels like home.
Hey lovely readers—I'm so happy you're here.
There’s something really special about walking into a space that feels like an extension of you. The way it holds your family’s rhythm, your favourite colours, those little quirks that make a house a home—it all matters more than we sometimes realize.
As a surface designer and artist, I’ve always believed that our surroundings should reflect who we are and how we want to feel. And that doesn’t mean picture-perfect or overly styled. It means intentional, cozy, personal—spaces that evolve with you, tell your story, and feel good to live in.
So today, I’m sharing a few simple ways to design with intention—whether you're updating a corner of your home or creating a space from scratch. Because beauty isn't just about how things look. It’s about how they make us feel.
Begin With How You Want to Feel
Most people start designing with a colour palette or a trend. But what if you started with a feeling?
Ask yourself:
🪴 Do I want this space to feel grounding or uplifting?
🪴 Do I need softness and stillness, or vibrancy and movement?
🪴 What emotions do I want this space to support?
Your answers become your compass.
It's about designing in a way that supports your prana—your life force.
When your space feels aligned, your energy flows freely.
Let Patterns Tell Your Story
At Sabina Maria Design, every pattern starts with a brushstroke—painted by hand and inspired by emotion, memory, and moments in nature.
Our florals are never just decorative. They’re expressions of something more personal:
🌸 Blushing Peony Blooms – evokes tenderness, femininity, and self-love
🌿 Florence Florals – speaks of grace, heritage, and quiet strength
🤍 Peony Bliss Garden - Light Blue – dreamy, nostalgic, and soft
When choosing a wallpaper or textile, trust your instincts. Often, the pieces we’re drawn to hold a kind of emotional resonance—even if we can’t explain it.
Add Meaningful Layers
Once your wallpaper is up or your textiles are in place, you can bring the space to life with small personal touches to make it feel like home.
Here are a few gentle ways to layer in meaning and comfort:
✨ A handwritten note on the mirror
✨ A soft throw or pillow that feels nostalgic
✨ A candle lit during quiet moments
✨ A small table with objects that bring you joy
These little details add warmth and depth—and they’re often the parts we love most about our spaces.
Our Approach: Timeless, Soulful Design
Rooted in watercolour and inspired by nature, our designs are created with a sense of ease and emotional connection in mind.
If you’ve found your way here, chances are you’re someone who values thoughtfulness in your space. You want something that feels lasting—not trendy. Soft, not sterile. Expressive, not generic.
We’re so glad you’re here.
Ready to Design with Intention?
Whether you’re styling your own home, designing a product, or sourcing patterns for your next project, we’d love to be part of your process.
From hand-painted wallpaper to surface pattern designs for textiles and products, our work is made for creative souls who love beauty with meaning.
P.S. A few of the beautiful photos in this post were taken by my sister, Cela (By Cela Photography) — an incredibly talented photographer with the dreamiest eye for light and detail. You can find her work at @bycelaphotography or bycelaphotography.com
And if you’d like to see more of my wallpaper designs, creative process, and behind-the-scenes moments, come say hi over on Instagram @sabinamariadesign. I’d love to have you there as we continue celebrating the beauty of thoughtful, artfully designed spaces together.
Chat again soon!
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