Building an empowering safe space at home with Interior Designer, Jessica Love
By Codi Chen
Creating a home that feels empowering and safe goes beyond aesthetics. Award-winning Principal Designer, Jessica Love of Urbane Design, believes it begins with understanding the individualized needs of the people who live there. From families with children to multi-generational households, designing a safe and empowering environment requires a comprehensive approach that balances functionality, comfort and sustainability.
“The first thing I prioritize is understanding my clients’ specific needs, lifestyle and future plans,” Love explains. “Are there children in the home? Aging family members? Pets? Each element helps shape a design that looks great and serves the people who use it.”
Love’s designs take both physical and emotional safety into account.
“It’s not just about choosing beautiful furniture,” she explains. “It’s about how the furniture functions, its accessibility and its role within the space. Functionality and durability are just as important as style.”
Storage is another essential component. By incorporating ample storage solutions, she ensures homes remain clutter-free, reducing tripping hazards and fostering a sense of calm.
To create spaces that truly reflect her clients’ personalities and values, Love approaches her work like a detective.
“Sometimes, clients don’t even know exactly what they need,” she notes. “That’s where I come in. I help uncover those needs, from the placement of outlets to the flow of the room; ensuring the design meets their current and future lifestyle requirements.”
Her process also prioritizes sustainability. “Fast fashion in design often leads to waste, so I focus on quality pieces that will last,” Love says.
If a client loves marble, she’ll explain its benefits and limitations, such as its porous nature and cost implications, before deciding if it’s right for their space.
Love digs deep into how design can profoundly impact mental health and emotional well-being.
“Lighting can completely transform how you experience a space,” says Love. “The right light can make reading more enjoyable and set the mood for relaxation or focus. Changing the bulb temperature to 2700K can make a room feel warmer and more inviting.”
She also encourages clients to create dedicated spaces for activities they love, whether it’s a cozy reading nook or a serene corner for meditation. “When you feel comfortable and confident in your home, you carry that energy into the world,” she shares.
This philosophy extends to her nonprofit organization, Design Changes Lives. Through this initiative, Love pairs local interior designers with children in need to create spaces that foster confidence and well-being. “When children have a safe, inspiring space to call their own, it empowers them to thrive,” she explains.
Love’s advice for creating a personal sanctuary starts with decluttering.
“Before bringing anything new into your home, get rid of what’s not working,” she advises. “Surround yourself with things you truly love.”
Also, invest in foundational pieces like a quality rug or curtains.
“A good rug grounds the space, ties colors together and adds a sense of warmth,” she notes. “Ceiling-to-floor curtains mounted six to twelve inches outside the window frame can instantly elevate a room’s sophistication.”
Building an empowering, safe space at home is an investment in your well-being and future. Love’s thoughtful approach to design proves that a home can be both a sanctuary and a foundation for growth. By blending functionality and sustainability with deeply personal touches, you can transform any of your rooms into a place that nurtures your confidence, safety and joy.
