I’m a maximalist at heart and so were my parents. For me, that impulse was nurtured and amplified during 20+ years working as a curator in historic houses and museums throughout the DC metro and Baltimore region. I guess that’s what is expected when you earn a master’s degree in material culture (what I refer to as “cultural clutter”) from the Winterthur Museum in Delaware.

As I helped my parents downsize multiple times before they both passed away, I learned to declutter their treasures and travel mementos alongside my own. Their memories, stories and laughter animate every nook and cranny of my home, as well as those of their dear friends, my siblings and many whom we will never know.

It makes me smile and gives me comfort knowing that literally hundreds of pairs of Mom’s shoes are still dancing, heading to the beauty parlor, and hopefully walking along the Seine on moonlit evenings.

I’m new to small-space living, having moved from a spacious house in Raleigh to a cozy Capitol Hill row home.  My move gave me empathy for our clients who are downsizing or reorganizing their homes.

My grandmother's piano would not fit into our new home and I had to donate it. Parting with it felt like saying goodbye to a piece of family history. It was gut-wrenching and I couldn’t watch as movers rolled it out of the house. I now believe that donating it honored my grandmother’s legacy in a meaningful way by extending the piano's life. I’m happy it is creating memories in its new location.

Moving was hard work, both physically and emotionally. Room to Bloom DC looks forward to helping you create a space that truly reflects your personality and needs.

Having spent years in New York City, I've cultivated a deep understanding of the art of small-space living.

From the laughter-filled nights crammed into a friend's studio to the heartfelt conversations shared in a kitchen that doubles as a dining room, office and playroom, I've witnessed the magic of making the most of what you've got. I brought much of that insight to my time as a home stager when I moved to suburban Maryland.

Now, as friends and family face the daunting task of downsizing, I bring not only design expertise, but also a sense of empathy and nostalgia. Let's embark on a journey of transformation, turning the challenges of limited space into opportunities for creativity and connection. Because in the end, it's not just about the size of the space, but the warmth and love that fills it.