Saturday mornings as a kid were sacred. While most kids were glued to cartoons, I had my own ritual. A pan of warm, soapy water, a rag, and a mission—cleaning and rearranging my furniture to create a space that felt just right. My desk was always by the window, the curtains tied back with whatever ribbon I could find. I’d lay out my coloring book and my prized possession—my 64-count box of Crayola Crayons. That box was everything. The colors, arranged in perfect rainbow order, were so magical they were almost too pretty to use.
Even then, I understood that space was about more than furniture—it was about feeling. I remember helping my mom get ready for company, instinctively setting the mood. Fluffing pillows, putting out little dishes of candy, making sure the record player was on, candles flickering, lights dimmed just so. When guests came into our modest home, they felt welcomed, comfortable, at ease. And I loved that. I loved creating that experience.
That love never faded. Creating spaces became my passion. Yes, furniture plays a role- it’s a tool, a strategic element, and I’m wildly passionate about it- but space is so much more than just furniture. It’s about how a place makes you feel, how it inspires, how it connects people.
For years, I pushed to challenge the status quo in my industry. And then, COVID. Suddenly, the whole world was forced to reconsider what space means- especially the workplace. Why, for so long, was it okay that offices were uninspired? Why couldn’t workspaces be aspirational as a norm? Why didn’t they support creativity, connection, and well-being? The way I saw it, furniture wasn’t just a desk or a chair- it was the bridge between people and their work.
Even now, businesses are still asking: “How do we get people back to the office?” But that’s the wrong question. Instead, we should be asking:
- WHAT is the WHY of your business?
- WHY does your business need people in the office?
- WHY do you want them there?
- How do you want them to engage?
- How do you want them to feel in the office?
- What tasks will they be doing?
- What kind of technology will support them?
Now, take a look around… have you created that space?
The expectations of the office have shifted and companies are grappling with how to get employees not only back to the office, but engaged at the office. I am excited to bring forward insights on creating space. We will focus on three key pillars: Creating Space, Holding Space, and Occupying Space. I hope you will travel with me on this journey as we take a vulnerable exploration into what makes a great space today. Today’s space has an emotional connection more than ever and most leaders miss this.
In my next blog, that is what we will explore- why do leaders miss this and how to course correct with examples of who gets it right.
