Blog

There is a particular kind of joy that comes from opening your home. The laughter that drifts down a hallway, the clink of glasses as friends reunite, the scent of simmering food in the kitchen. These are the moments that linger, and they deserve a...

Design projects test both patience and enthusiasm. By the time a project wraps, we can see the transformation is epic—but we never quite know how deeply it will impact our clients. You know you’ve designed the right home when the client moves in before any...

The One Thing Every Design Project Needs Nobody talks about this, but it’s the one thing I can’t imagine starting a design project without: a clear, acknowledged budget. Why Early Budget Talks Matter Recently, I sat in on a panel discussion with a contractor and...

A turret? Yes. Dungeons and arched doorways? Yep. Ghost stories? Of course. I grew up in one of the earliest homes in La Cañada, California—affectionately known as the Pink Castle (It’s no longer pink). It helped shape my design style. My dad took one look...

At Courtney Thomas Design, we believe that home is more than just where you live—it’s how you live. It’s the backdrop to your everyday routines, your most cherished memories, and the relationships that matter most. Which is why we don’t just decorate rooms—we design homes...

Design reveals might look effortless on Instagram, but the truth is: they’re anything but. Behind every perfectly placed throw pillow and styled bookshelf is months—sometimes years—of thoughtful planning, decision-making, and trust. The install, or “reveal,” is the moment it all comes together. And at Courtney...

In the wake of recent fires, we’re reminded more than ever of the true importance of home—not just as a physical space, but as a reflection of the lives lived within its walls. Designing a collected home means building over time, layering meaning, and weaving...

I almost didn’t take this trip. In the aftermath of the fires and the loss so many endured, it felt almost disrespectful to step away, to celebrate, to indulge in a few stolen moments of adventure with my son. The weight of what had been...

For many homeowners affected by the recent fires, rebuilding comes with tough choices. Do you go fully custom and rebuild exactly what you lost, or take a more streamlined approach through a development builder? With architects and contractors in high demand—and material shortages driving up...

Some homes are love at first sight. Others, like Casa de Counsel, are a long-awaited dream finally realized. Nestled in the hills of Los Feliz, this Spanish-style home wasn’t just a move—it was a fresh start for our clients, a pair of dedicated attorneys who...