Rafael Araújo

I remember walking into a penthouse project in downtown Chicago about a decade ago. The client wanted “luxury,” which at the time meant rare exotic woods, heavy synthetic drapes, and chrome finishes that required constant polishing with harsh chemicals. By the time we finished, the space looked like a showroom, but it felt… cold. It … Read more

I still remember the first “problem child” project I took on early in my career—a stunning pre-war apartment in the city with soaring ceilings and original moldings, but windows that faced a narrow, brick-lined alleyway. At high noon, the living room felt like a sophisticated cavern. My client was heartbroken, convinced she had to choose … Read more

Early in my career, I was tasked with styling a basement apartment in the heart of the city. It had stunning architecture, but the lack of natural light made it feel like a high-end bunker. My client felt disconnected and restless. That project was my “aha” moment. I realized that as humans, we don’t just … Read more

I remember the exact moment my design philosophy shifted. I was sitting in a high-rise apartment I had just finished styling in Manhattan, surrounded by “luxury” clutter—ornate moldings, heavy velvet drapes, and a desk so massive it felt like a barricade rather than a workspace. Despite the opulence, the client felt suffocated. “I can’t think … Read more

Choosing a design direction for your home is a lot like choosing a signature scent—it has to reflect your history while making you feel comfortable in your present. Over my 15 years in the industry, I have seen the “Farmhouse” trend evolve from a niche country aesthetic into a global phenomenon. I remember walking into … Read more

I still remember the first “true” loft I ever stepped into. It was in a converted 1920s garment factory in Lower Manhattan. The ceilings were dizzying, the windows were framed in blackened steel, and the original brick walls still bore the faint chalk marks of workers from a century ago. It was raw, honest, and … Read more

I still remember the first project that truly challenged my perception of color. It was a sun-drenched ranch-style home in Palm Springs. The client wanted “Mid-Century Modern,” but they were terrified of the “museum look”—that sterile, overly curated vibe that feels like you’re living in a 1954 catalog. I realized then that the secret to … Read more

In my fifteen years of walking through half-finished houses and polished penthouses, I’ve noticed a recurring pattern. Clients often come to me feeling overwhelmed by “clutter-core” or, conversely, find ultra-minimalism too cold and sterile. I remember a specific project for a young couple in a cramped city apartment; they wanted a retreat that felt like … Read more

I remember the first time I truly failed at decorating. I had just moved into a charming, slightly-crooked 1920s apartment with original crown molding and creaky oak floors. Naturally, I went to a big-box retailer and bought a matching set of gray, minimalist furniture. The result? It looked like a sterile waiting room that happened … Read more

We have all been there. You walk into a room that was “cutting edge” five years ago, only to find that the trendy chevron rug and the specific shade of “millennial pink” now feel like a time capsule. In my fifteen years of documenting home transformations and styling residential spaces, I have found that the … Read more