In the realm of interior design, every space holds the potential for transformation. It’s not just about aesthetics; it’s about creating environments that serve a purpose and evoke emotion. Recently, I had the pleasure of collaborating with Mary Harrison on a project that epitomized the power of purposeful design, where we brought her interior design vision to life.
It all began with the living room—a space that had fallen into disuse over the years. Mary recognized the underlying issue: a lack of functional seating. The room, once intended for hosting and entertaining, had become little more than a repository for an old piano. Determined to breathe new life into the space, Mary devised a brilliant new floor plan that maximized seating without sacrificing style.
The results were nothing short of transformative. Patti, Mary’s client, now finds herself drawn to the living room every single morning. It has become her sanctuary—a place to savor her coffee, peruse magazines, and connect with loved ones. And perhaps most importantly, it has become the heart of her family’s annual Christmas Eve celebrations.
But the transformation didn’t stop there. Upstairs, in the primary bedroom, Mary worked her magic once again. By reimagining the space and infusing it with new life, she created a haven for Patti to indulge in her favorite pastimes—reading and needlepointing. The room underwent a remarkable transformation, becoming a reflection of Patti’s personality and passions.
What truly sets this project apart, however, is the story behind it. Mary was excited by the opportunity to solve the puzzle of the unused living room. She thrived at the challenge of examining the space, identifying its shortcomings, and envisioning how it could better serve Patti’s needs and desires. And the result speaks for itself: a space that is not only beautiful but also functional and meaningful.
Since the completion of the project, Patti has become a frequent inhabitant of her newly transformed living room. Her favorite spot? A cozy chair and ottoman by the fire, surrounded by a stack of magazines just waiting to be explored. It’s a scene that perfectly encapsulates the essence of purposeful design—creating spaces that invite moments of joy, relaxation, and connection.
Delving into Mary’s project with Patti, the foundation lay in comprehending Patti’s interior design vision. Mary immersed herself in understanding Patti’s aspirations, and my job was to ensure the photography aligned seamlessly with her desires for the space.
Through my lens, I highlighted Mary’s ingenious seating arrangements and multifunctional areas, ensuring that every photograph spoke to the purposeful design choices made.
Beyond mere documentation, the photography aimed to evoke emotions and forge connections. We sought to capture the moments in Patti’s home that resonated emotionally, reflecting the warmth and joy in Mary’s design. Each snapshot told a story, inviting viewers to feel a sense of belonging in the space.
Mastering lighting techniques was essential in bringing Mary’s interior design vision to life. From accentuating architectural details to enhancing textures, we meticulously crafted each shot to harness the interplay of light and shadow, infusing depth and dimension into our photographs.
Patti’s home was more than just a design project—it was a reflection of her personality and lifestyle. I strived to capture the personalized touches and unique elements that made Patti’s space truly her own, from cherished heirlooms to beloved artworks.
By incorporating these educational insights into your interior design photography practices, you can effectively capture and convey the vision, functionality, and emotional impact of interior design projects, just as Mary and I did with Patti’s home!
Ready to bring your interior design vision to life through interior photography? Let’s collaborate to showcase your designs in the best light. Book me as your Houston interior photographer and let’s capture the essence of your projects together!
See more of my interior photography on my Pinterest!
Ellen Renee Photography is a Houston-based interior photography and storytelling studio dedicated to creating collaborative and beautiful experiences through imagery.
Book Your Session