Why Intentional Living Is Shaping Interior Design

Happy New Year 🤍
I can’t believe we’re already moving into the second month of the year.

As January quietly gave way to February, I found myself reflecting — on conversations with editors, designers, and brand partners; on what I’m seeing behind the scenes on shoots; and on the broader dialogue unfolding across the design, fashion, and editorial worlds.

As we settle into a new year, I’ve been thinking a lot about what our homes are really asking of us right now.

What I keep coming back to is this:
we’re craving depth again.

Not more.
Not newer.
But truer.

And that desire is shaping how interiors are designed — and how editors want to see them photographed.

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The Home as Sanctuary, Not Showcase

Across the editorial landscape, there’s a shared understanding emerging: people aren’t rushing to sell or reinvent their lives right now. They’re investing — emotionally and financially — in the homes they already have.

In a moment when so much feels uncertain, the home has become a place of grounding — somewhere people want to invest in comfort, continuity, and meaning.

Editors at Veranda have long celebrated interiors that feel rooted and personal — spaces layered with antiques, heirlooms, collected art, and materials that show time rather than resist it.

Similarly, editors at House Beautiful continue to highlight homes designed for real life: gathering, resting, hosting, and being together — not performing for the camera.

This shift isn’t subtle.
And it isn’t about perfection.

It’s about belonging.

We’re not craving more or newer anymore — we’re craving homes that feel grounded, storied, and deeply personal. — Tori

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Storied Interiors Over Styled-to-Death Rooms

What I’m hearing — consistently — is that editors no longer want interiors that feel overly styled or frozen in time. They don’t want rooms that look like they were created only for a photoshoot.

They want:

• Spaces that feel lived in
• Design choices rooted in memory and meaning
• Objects that tell a story, even if they aren’t pristine
• Interiors that feel human

That sensibility aligns closely with what Architectural Digest and Elle Decor continue to reinforce: interiors are becoming more expressive, layered, and reflective of the people who inhabit them.

And that shift has everything to do with how these spaces are photographed.

Editors aren’t looking for perfection — they’re responding to interiors that feel lived in, layered, and quietly human. — Tori

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What This Means for Designers — and Why Photography Matters

As designers, you’re creating environments meant to be felt, not just seen. The opportunity now is translating that emotional depth into imagery that resonates with editors and readers alike.

This is where my approach to interior and editorial photography comes into play.

I don’t photograph homes as static objects. I photograph them as environments with rhythm, mood, and life.

How I Photograph Intentional, Lived-In Homes

Shooting at Different Times of Day
Morning light, late afternoon glow, dusk — each moment reveals a different layer of the story. I intentionally build time into a shoot day to capture spaces as they evolve, because atmosphere matters.

Layered Lighting, Not Flat Lighting
Natural light is always my foundation, but I layer it thoughtfully with strobes and ambient sources to preserve warmth and depth. Accent lighting — lamps, sconces, soft pools of light — adds intimacy and mood that overly bright, flattened lighting simply can’t achieve.

Collaboration with an Exceptional Stylist
Working alongside a stylist who understands editorial pacing allows the day to unfold naturally. If artwork hasn’t been finalized, we borrow thoughtfully. If a room needs restraint, we pull back. Styling is always intentional — never excessive.

Letting Real Life Be Part of the Story
Pets moving through a space. A chair slightly turned. A book left open. These moments matter — and editors consistently swoon over them because they feel honest and lived in.

Including You in the Narrative
An editorial portrait of you within the space — grounded, relaxed, and part of the environment you created — often becomes the final layer that completes the story. It humanizes the work and gives editors essential context.

The most compelling images aren’t styled to impress — they’re photographed to feel real. — Tori

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Why Editors Are Responding Now

Editors at LUXE Interiors + Design are increasingly drawn to projects that feel nuanced and emotionally rich — homes that balance sophistication with ease.

What they’re publishing reflects a broader cultural shift:
homes as places of refuge, continuity, and connection.

And photography that honors that — rather than overpowering it — is what rises to the top.

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Looking Ahead

As we move deeper into this year, I believe we’ll continue to see:

• A move away from overly perfect interiors
• A renewed appreciation for heritage and craftsmanship
• A desire for images that feel warm, layered, and quietly emotional

Design isn’t about impressing anymore.
It’s about making people feel something.

And when your interiors are photographed with intention, sensitivity, and editorial insight, that feeling carries — straight to the pages editors are curating.