Rachel Balan Design Co.

Pot lights are the pimples of the ceiling. There, I said it. 😬

Good lighting design isn’t about adding more lights. Instead, it’s about layering light intentionally.

Sconces. Pendants. Chandeliers. Integrated lighting. Lamps. And yes… pot lights, where they actually make sense.

Your ceiling will thank you.

I almost didn’t post this because it felt like a design fail.

This isn’t true of course, but it felt like it. When you plan for something months in advance, something that’s a key focal point in the design of a space…and it’s not working.

The pivot we had to make was not ideal, as using faux materials to replace a natural product is unsettling. ESPECIALLY when I have the honor to design such a beautiful home for beautiful people, with high expectations.

That said, the solution we came up with will give a beautiful finish compared to what’s existing. You won’t look at it due to its defects but instead of its grandeur. Most importantly, the client will be happy.

No project goes 100% smoothly, no matter how much you plan ahead of time. What really matters is in those moments, when things are going wrong, to jump into action mode and not dwell on the disappointment. Maybe one day I’ll get over it.

Hiding in the bathtub at a jobsite gives me a couple minutes to share some facts about one of the most unique plumbing fixtures to be installed in this home 🛀.

The arches weren’t just an aesthetic choice. They helped define each zone while keeping the home feeling open and connected.

A custom home comes with thousands of decisions.

And while having options sounds like a good thing, sorting through all of them can quickly become a full-time job.

My role isn’t to show you everything that’s available.

It’s to understand your vision, do the research, work through the details and bring you the options that actually make sense for your home.

You still make the important decisions.

You just don’t have to make EVERY decision.