The Invisible Work of Design: All the Things You Don’t See (But Would Miss If They Were Gone)

By Ester White Gherea | WBN News | June 9, 2025

When people walk into a beautifully designed room, they often notice the big things first—the soft colors, the comfy couch, the way the sunlight hits the wall just right. But what they don’t see is where the real magic lives.

As an interior designer, I spend a lot of time thinking about the things that don’t shout for attention—the quiet details that make a space feel good without anyone knowing exactly why. These are the invisible parts of design. They don’t show up in a pretty picture, but you’d definitely feel their absence.

Let me explain.

The Secret Behind a Smooth Morning

Ever bumped into someone in the hallway while you’re both trying to get ready in the morning? Or opened a drawer only to have it slam into the bathroom door? That’s poor flow.

When I design a space, I think about the tiny dance you do every day—from brushing your teeth to making coffee. I make sure you don’t have to take five extra steps just to get to the fridge. I place your plates in the cabinet right above the dishwasher, so putting them away doesn’t feel like a chore. These little decisions may seem invisible, but they change how you move, how you feel, and even how much time you save.

Light Isn’t Just Light

Most people don’t realize how much lighting affects their mood. Bright overhead lights might be good for cleaning, but they’re terrible for relaxing. So I plan layers of light: warm lamps for cozy evenings, soft lights for early mornings, bright ones for tasks.
You probably wouldn’t think, “Wow, this lighting is well-layered!”—but your body would feel more at ease, more awake, or more rested, depending on the time of day.

The Science of Silence

Do you ever notice how some rooms just feel peaceful, while others make your brain buzz? That has a lot to do with acoustics—how sound moves around a room.
I use rugs, curtains, soft furniture, and special wall treatments to absorb echoes and soften noise. You don’t see the difference, but you hear it. Or better yet, you don’t hear the chaos.

The Flow You Didn’t Know You Needed

Every piece of furniture has a reason for where it goes. I’m not just “making it look pretty”—I’m creating paths, purpose, and peace. A table too close to a wall makes you squeeze by every time. A sofa at the wrong angle makes conversations awkward. These things add stress over time. But when the flow works? You move like you’re dancing.

It’s Like a Magic Trick—But Real

The best design feels natural, like it was always meant to be that way. That’s the invisible work. You don’t notice it because it just works.
But behind the scenes, there are hours (sometimes days!) of planning, measuring, adjusting, and rethinking.

Design isn’t only about beauty—it’s about how you live.

Let’s Talk About It

Have you ever been in a space that just felt “off,” and you didn’t know why? Or maybe you’ve felt that yes! the moment where everything just works? I’d love to hear about it.

What’s something small in your home that drives you a little nuts? Or something you love but can’t explain?
Let’s keep the conversation going—send me a message or comment with your thoughts!
Want more design secrets that make life easier (and more beautiful)? Stay connected—there’s so much more I’d love to share with you.

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/.

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