By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | June 5, 2025

Let’s be honest: we all love a good “after” photo. The kind where the pillows are perfectly fluffed, the kitchen has zero dishes, and the sunlight is glowing just right.

But here’s something I need to tell you—those photos? They’re only part of the story.

Real life is messier. Louder. Softer. Full of people and pets and late-night snacks and backpacks dumped at the door. And when I design a space, I’m not designing for a photo. I’m designing for real life.

Because beauty matters—but comfort, function, and how you feel every single day? That matters even more.

Let me show you what Instagram doesn’t:

1. That Sofa Might Look Perfect—But Can You Nap on It?

Some sofas are beautiful… but they’re stiff. Or too deep. Or the fabric feels scratchy.

I always test furniture like a real human. Can you curl up on it? Does it hold up to popcorn and movie night? Can your dog climb up without tearing it?

A picture can’t tell you that. Real life can.

2. Clutter Isn’t Ugly—It’s Just Life Happening

Those clean, empty countertops you see online? They look amazing. But where’s the coffee maker? The lunchbox? The crayons your kid left out?

In real homes, things live on surfaces. That’s okay. Design should include space for the “stuff” of life: drop zones, drawers, and pretty baskets that hide the mess without hiding the people who live there.

3. Not Every Wall Needs Art—Some Just Need a Pause

Sometimes Instagram makes us feel like every inch of a room has to be full: gallery walls, shelves, mirrors, textures.

But in real life, you need space to breathe. A blank wall can feel like peace. A quiet corner can feel like rest.

Good design isn’t always about more. Sometimes, it’s about less.

4. Kids Change Everything (In the Best Way)

When I design for families, I think about sticky fingers, LEGO on the floor, and the kind of hugs that knock over everything on a coffee table.

That doesn’t mean your home can’t be beautiful. It means it has to be smart. Washable fabrics. Rounded edges. Furniture that grows with you.

Instagram won’t show you that, but your daily life will thank you for it.

5. Real Homes Feel Like You

The trendiest paint color might be stunning online. But if it doesn’t make you feel good when you walk into the room, it’s not the right choice.

I’ve worked with clients who chose bold wallpaper, quirky lamps, or old family furniture—because it reminded them of home, travel, or a person they love.

Design isn’t about copying someone else’s style. It’s about discovering yours.

Final Thought: Your Home Isn’t a Photo—It’s a Feeling

I love beautiful images. I love creating spaces that photograph well. But my heart is in the homes that work in real life. Where the dog jumps on the bed. Where someone burns the toast. Where laughter echoes down the hallway.

Those are the homes that matter.

Let’s Keep the Conversation Going

What’s one thing in your home that may not look perfect, but makes your life easier or happier?

I’d love to hear about it—mess and all. Leave a comment, send a message, or tag me in a photo of your real-life space. Because real is always more beautiful than perfect.

Ester White Gherea is an Interior Designer and the founder of Gherea Studios.
She can be reached at 236-339-6644 or estergherea@gmail.com. Connect with Ester on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/ester-white-gherea-6b339a2b5/.  Connect with Ester at https://www.ghereastudio.com/.

TAGS: #InteriorDesign #TimelessStyle #DesignTrends #HomeDecor #ModernLiving #StylishSpaces #GhereaStudio

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