Let's Ask the Bluebirds

We asked the Bluebird team to share a little behind the scenes of how they approach design. From how they think through a space to the details that make the biggest impact, they gave us a glimpse into what goes into creating homes that truly feel intentional.

Let’s take a look at what they had to say!

1. What’s one design or organization choice you’ve made in your own home that has made everyday life easier?

Krystin:

One of the most impactful changes we made in our home was creating a dedicated drop zone for our son. His sports bags, jackets, and everyday items were starting to pile up in shared spaces, adding to the overall chaos of the house.

To solve this, we installed a simple hook system inside our under-the-stairs storage closet at a height he can easily reach. Now, he knows exactly where his things go and can

independently hang up his backpack and jacket after school. It’s such a small change, but it’s made a big difference in reducing clutter and encouraging responsibility.

We also keep a basket at the bottom of the stairs to collect items that belong upstairs but inevitably end up downstairs throughout the day—things like shoes, Legos, or Pokémon cards. Each evening, we do a quick reset and take the basket up before bed. It’s not always perfect and does require a little reminding, but having a system in place makes it easy to maintain and keeps our home feeling more calm and organized.

Vanessa:

With two daughters, we quickly realized that backpacks can become a daily source of paper clutter—each one coming home filled with artwork, schoolwork, and endless forms.

To stay ahead of it, we created a simple system: as soon as lunchboxes and water bottles come out, we sort through the papers right then and there. Most go straight into the recycling bin, while the meaningful or funny pieces get saved in a designated keepsake bin in a closet. It’s a small daily habit, but it prevents piles from building up and becoming overwhelming. I’d much rather spend 30 seconds each day than tackle a huge stack later.

On the design side, I’ve had to balance aspiration with reality. I would love to invest in a new sofa, but with kids in this stage of life, I know we still have a few years of spills and messes ahead. For now, our well-loved sofa works perfectly—it allows us to live comfortably without the added stress of keeping something brand new pristine. Sometimes, choosing what not to upgrade just yet is what makes everyday life feel easier.

2. How do you balance making a space feel beautiful while also making sure it functions well for the people living there?

Bluebirds:

The balance between beauty and function really depends on the type of project, but function is always the foundation.

In staging, we’re designing for a potential buyer. We think through how the home could function and create a layout that tells a clear, aspirational story. Furniture placement, scale, and flow all work together to help buyers envision themselves living there.

When we’re working with homeowners, the approach shifts. We always start with function—because if a space doesn’t work for daily life, it won’t matter how beautiful it looks. We take time to understand how the space is used, what isn’t working, and where the pain points are.

From there, we layer in the design. Once a space functions well, we refine it with thoughtful styling, cohesive materials, and intentional details so it not only works—but feels elevated, inviting, and complete. The goal is always a space that supports real life and looks beautiful doing it.

3. How do you decide what a home needs versus what it can live without?

Bluebirds:

This decision always comes back to purpose and priorities. In staging, every space needs a clear function. We use appropriately scaled furniture, art, and accessories to define each area and highlight the home’s best features. That said, we’re very intentional—sometimes less truly is more, especially when we want architectural details or natural light to take center stage.

In a homeowner’s space, the process is more personal. We focus first on their specific needs and pain points—what’s not working, what feels overwhelming, and what would make daily life easier. Those needs guide our decisions.

From there, we evaluate everything through a lens of function, style, and budget. If something doesn’t serve a purpose, add value, or contribute to the overall feel of the space, it’s often something the home can live without. Our goal is to create spaces that feel intentional, not overdone—where every piece has a reason for being there.