When we’re overwhelmed by grief or the weight of the world, where do we turn for comfort? Home. This truth grounds us. It reminds us why we do what we do. As interior designers, we don’t just make things pretty or functional—we’re here to create safe havens. Soft landings. Spaces that hold memory, offer refuge, and foster meaning.

We’ve been thinking about gallery walls since our homes are the three-dimensional expression of our personal history. A gallery wall is a great way to display all the memories and mementos that make up the fabric of your life.

We sent some of the Counterbalance team on a scouting mission this past October to gather a little inspiration and check out the latest and greatest products at High Point Market. Here’s some of our key takeaways…

When kicking of a new design project we are frequently asked, “What do you think this is going to cost?” The short answer to that very broad question is always: it depends!

In general, we can break project costs down into six overarching categories: Design, Materials, Labor & Project Management, Permitting, and Contingency.

Lighting isn’t just about brightness; it's a crucial element of interior design that can transform the ambiance and functionality of any space. Whether you're redesigning your home or simply updating a few fixtures, selecting the right light bulb can make all the difference.

Phase three of our design process is EXECUTION, and it’s where the rubber meets the road during construction and installation.

Documentation is the technical nitty-gritty. After we have owner buy-in on all the big ideas we get to work translating our 3D drawings into construction documentation. We generate a comprehensive set of dimensioned drawings and detailed specifications that serve as your contractor’s road map for bidding & construction.

Our work can be divided into three overarching phases: Design, Production, and Execution. In this post, we will attempt to break down the first of these large groupings into smaller tasks to convey the day-to-day reality of what it is we do.

The most interesting spaces are comprised of multiple layers, and the final finishing layer is art and accessories. We’ve learned a few lessons as our work has grown and changed over the years, here are two lessons we have taken to heart.

Children see the world from a unique perspective, and we have learned they are often deeply perceptive and keenly observant. So why not celebrate whimsy and infuse the rooms devoted to our children with charm, playfulness, and a touch of magic?