Eight years in, we’ve learned a thing or two about what makes a space sing. To celebrate Roux MacNeill Studio’s anniversary, we’re sharing our eight rules to live by—principles that guide us, inspire us, and shape the homes we create.

01 Start with the Architecture

Let the bones of a space speak first. Design should complement, not compete. Our mantra: Interior Design finishes the sentence that architecture begins.

02 Mix, Don’t Match

The best rooms have contrast — old with new, polished with raw, refined with unexpected. And always remember what Patsy Stone said: “One should never be the oldest thing in one’s home.”

03 Lighting Is Everything

A great hanging light fixture is like the jewelry of the room. We recommend adding lots of sources of light at eye level, too. Lamps and sconces placed throughout will give you the comfortable glow you’re looking for. Overhead recessed lighting is practical for many reasons, but it shouldn’t be your primary source of light, especially in the evening.

04 Live with What You Love

Your home should reflect your life, not just a look. And yes, you can live with things you love, even with kids or animals in the picture! Performance fabrics and sturdy finishes have come a long way, so there’s no need to sacrifice the look you love.

05 Teamwork Makes the Dream Work

Teaming up with the builder, architect, and trades is where the magic happens! Listening to everyone and respecting their input is key. The trades are real pros who work hands-on every day, so tapping into their knowledge helps find the smartest solutions to any challenge.

06 Personal Is Powerful

The art you collected on your honeymoon? The chair your grandfather built? That’s the soul of the room. Furniture and art that spark conversation are always worth it.

07 Every Project Deserves a Surprise

Whether it’s a hidden detail or a bold statement, there should always be something unexpected. Wallpaper can do the trick, but it might also be a pop of color inside a cabinet or a rug with an unusual pattern.