& Other Things
A Blog by Jayci Does Design
The Best Coffee Table Books for a Beautifully Styled Home: My Designer Favorites
Remember about 15 years ago when all print media went digital and nobody was buying physical books anymore? Then everyone starting listening to audiobooks instead of reading. Well, the one thing that has never gone out of style is style books as décor, especially coffee table books. People still want to impress their friends with what they’ve read and liked enough to buy a physical copy of. Books about cars and fashion houses, travel and art retrospectives; whatever your personality and area of interest, you can find beautiful coffee table to match.
Services Spotlight: Virtual Interior Design
Want a designer’s eye without hiring a full-service interior designer? My virtual interior design services might be exactly what you’re looking for.
You know what you like. You’ve saved approximately 4,827 Pinterest images. You have a pretty good idea of the direction you want to go, but when it comes to actually pulling everything together, you’re stuck.
What color should the walls be? What size rug do you need? Does that sofa actually work in the space? Which finishes should you choose? And, perhaps most importantly, how do you make everything look cohesive instead of like a collection of things you liked individually?
That’s where virtual interior design comes in.
Designing For Real Life
After my conditioner bottle fell off the teeny-tiny corner shelf in my shower for the umpteenth time, I had the distinct thought that “This is the exact reason I design larger niches for my clients! They are sooo lucky that I care to make their life easier!” There’s nothing wrong with wanting a beautiful shower, or a beautiful home, for that matter. But after years of experiencing multitudes of spaces, I’ve learned that the prettiest room in the world doesn’t mean much if it doesn’t actually work for the people living in it.
Things I Would Never Put In A Rental (And Why)
After spending plenty of time designing, furnishing, and stocking vacation rentals, I’ve learned that there’s a big difference between what looks beautiful in a home you live in every day and what actually works in a short-term rental.
Nightly Rental Must-Haves That Make All The Difference
When I design a rental property, I’m always thinking about it from both sides: What will photograph well and attract guests, and what will actually make those guests comfortable once they arrive? The best vacation rentals do both, and there are some things you just can’t afford to go cheap on.
Here are the vacation rental must-haves I think every short-term rental should have:
Describe Your Dream House
I am currently learning French and taking virtual classes with students around the country. I took French classes in middle school, high school, and one week at university before dropping the class for a science credit. I would consider myself “intermediate beginner,” knowing just enough to speak in full sentences, but sounding similar to a toddler.
One of our class assignments was to describe our current homes using prepositions of place like “Mon ordinateur est sur le bureau,” or “La salle de bain est à côté de la chambre.” The following week, we were asked to describe our dream homes. Where they were located, what they looked like, and what they would have inside.
It’s Not Personal; It’s Business. Except When It Comes to Your Home.
“It’s not personal, it’s business.”
I heard this phrase recently while listening to a business podcast, and I’ve been thinking a lot about it recently. We’ve all heard the phrase. It’s often used to separate emotion from decision-making, reminding us that logic should win over feelings. In many industries, that makes perfect sense. In a podcast about business, that’s great advice. But in interior design? It’s my business, and it’s deeply personal.
The Top Trends From the Utah Valley Parade of Homes 2026
Every year, the Utah Valley Parade of Homes offers a glimpse into where home design is headed. The 2026 Utah Valley Parade of Homes featured nearly 40 homes across Utah County, showcasing everything from timeless architecture to bold new finishes.
After touring this year's homes, I noticed several recurring design elements that appeared again and again. If you're planning a remodel, building a home, or simply love keeping up with interior design trends, these are the standout ideas I expect to see everywhere in 2027.
Hello! From Utah Valley Parade of Homes
I’m currently spending the day touring awesome homes all around the Utah Valley! One of my favorite things about being in a creative field like interior design, is that I can spend hours looking at variations of a design element, and never see the same thing twice. The possibilities of design are literally endless! It’s moments and experiences like these that rejuvenate my creativity and make me want to work harder to think outside “the box.” I always come away with new ideas and new things I want to try, which in turn, will make me a better designer. You’re Welcome!
Thrifting: What’s Worth It & What’s Not
A First-Time Thrifter's Guide to Finding Hidden Gems for Your Home.
I recently when thrifting for the first time while I was on vacation. I didn’t buy anything, but as an avid furniture shopper, it was really easy for me to spot some good finds. Here are all my tips to make your next thrifting trip successful.
How to Style Your Front Porch for Summer: Easy Ideas to Create a Warm, Welcoming Entry
Simple Summer Front Porch Decorating Ideas That Feel Elevated, Timeless, and Inviting
Your front porch sets the tone for your entire home. Whether you have a large covered porch or a small front entry, summer is the perfect season to refresh your outdoor space and make it feel welcoming, relaxed, and beautifully styled.
The Secret to a Cohesive Home Starts Before You Choose Finishes
If you’re building a new home or starting a remodel, chances are you’ve already realized something: there are a lot of decisions to make.
Cabinet colors. Flooring. Countertops. Hardware. Tile. Paint.
And while each choice might look beautiful on its own, the real challenge is making everything work together. That’s where many homeowners start to feel overwhelmed.
How to Know If You’re Ready to Hire an Interior Designer
If you’ve ever found yourself knee-deep in Pinterest, saving everything from modern organic kitchens to moody powder bath and still feeling unsure how to actually bring it all together; this might be your sign.
Hiring an interior designer isn’t just about making your home “look pretty.” It’s about creating a space that functions beautifully, feels cohesive, and supports the way you actually live.
So how do you know when you’re really ready?
Let’s break it down:
My Philosophy on Art
Yesterday, I was tasked with helping a client choose some art for a blank wall. This particular wall was sandwiched between an entire wall of windows and a focal wall with a diptych already hung perfectly above the sofa. In my email response back, I took the client with me on a long walk through my thought process of what wouldn’t work and why, and finally settled on something that I think checked all the boxes. What is interesting to me is that all of those thoughts on what the options were and why I wouldn’t choose them is so obvious to me, because I make decisions like that everyday. My clients don’t always understand why I suggest what I do, because they aren’t in my head, they don’t have the experience that I have, so today I thought it would be fun to share my philosophy on art and why I think that way.
What I’m Shopping For: Spring Décor
The weather has been pretty great this winter, but last week just turned a corner. The sun was up longer, the air was warmer, and yesterday I just put out chairs on my front porch! Spring is a great time to refresh all aspects of your life, including your home décor. Here are some products that I’m eyeing for my own house.
Services Spotlight: The Consultation
If you’ve been collecting inspiration, but don’t know how to bring it together, a design consultation is the perfect starting point.
Whether you are remodeling, building or refreshing your home, these two-hour sessions are designed to give you clarity, expert insight, and a clear plan. My goal with consultations is to help you feel confident moving forward to bring your vision to life.
The 3 Kitchen Trends You’re About To See Everywhere
I recently came back from the 2026 KBIS exhibition; a kitchen and bath show from and for industry leaders. Here are the top three trends that you’re about see on repeat.
Hello From KBIS!
Today I’m writing from Orlando Florida! I’m here for KBIS (the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show). While I’m away for the week, I am soaking in the inspiration and product knowledge.
The 70’s Are Back, Baby!
What is the first thing you think of when I say 70’s interior design style? Maybe it’s shag carpeting, maybe it’s wood wall paneling, or maybe you think of psychedelic colors. For better or for worse, that is exactly what’s coming back in style. Read on to see how I would incorporate this trend today (2026, not 1976).
Move Over, Painted Cabinets
Wood is making a comeback. Whether it’s rustic or smooth, light toned or dark, I’m seeing wood on floors, ceilings, walls, furniture, accessories, beams, cabinets….