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Behind the Spaces at HMDS: Our Interior Design Process (and Why It Works)

October 9, 2025
Hanna & Tracey; Co-Owners of Hanna Mae Design Studio; Mother-Daughter Business

At Hanna Mae Design Studio, our design process is built on one thing first and foremost — relationships. We’re a mother-daughter team who believes that good design starts with good listening. Every space we create begins with understanding you — your story, your lifestyle, and the little details that make home feel like home.


Our process has been refined through years of collaboration, laughter, and the occasional coffee-fueled brainstorm — and it works because it’s personal, thoughtful, and centered around trust. Here’s how we bring your vision to life, one intentional step at a time.


1. The Consultation — Connection Comes First

The first thing we do? We get to know you. Whether we’re chatting over coffee, a video call, or walking through your space together, this stage is all about connection.


We listen closely to your goals — what’s working, what’s not, what you love, and what you never want to see again. From there, we talk about your timeline, budget, and how you want your space to feel.


It’s a collaborative conversation that lays the foundation for everything to come — and we want you to walk away feeling both inspired and understood



2. Concept Development — Turning Ideas into a Vision

Once we’ve gathered all those details, we turn them into a cohesive vision.


We’ll curate a mood board that captures the colors, textures, and overall tone of your future space. This is where your style starts to take shape — cozy, calm, elevated, or somewhere in between. We share visuals, make tweaks together, and ensure it truly feels like you.


This step is where the excitement begins — you start to see your home’s personality come to life.



3. Design & Visualization — Bringing It All Together

Now for the fun part — watching your ideas come alive.


Using floor plans, renderings, and detailed layouts, we’ll show you exactly how your new space will look and function. Our 3D renderings help you visualize every detail, so there are no surprises (just a lot of “oh wow” moments).


This stage is both creative and technical — the magic happens when beauty meets function, and everything just clicks.



4. Selection & Sourcing — The Details That Make It Yours

Design is in the details. From the perfect sofa fabric to the right cabinet pull, we thoughtfully select each element to fit your space, lifestyle, and budget.


Because we’re a small, family-run studio, we care deeply about every decision — no cookie-cutter design boards here. Each piece we recommend earns its place through purpose, beauty, and longevity.


We also lean toward materials and finishes that are durable, sustainable, and easy to love for years to come. Especially in vacation rental design, we know that beautiful and practical can absolutely coexist.



5. Implementation — Making It Happen (Without the Stress)

This is where we roll up our sleeves and get to work. We coordinate with vendors, track orders, and handle the behind-the-scenes details so you don’t have to.


Our goal is to make the process smooth and stress-free — you can focus on the excitement while we manage the logistics. Because we work closely with our clients, contractors, and trades, communication stays clear and open the entire way through.



6. The Final Reveal — The Best Part

When it’s time to reveal your new space, we handle the finishing touches — styling, layering, fluffing pillows, adjusting lighting — all the little things that make a house feel like a home.


And yes, we usually cry happy tears right alongside you. Seeing your reaction, your joy, your “this feels like me” moment — that’s why we do what we do.



Why Our Process Works

We’ve honed this process through years of experience, but the real secret is simple: we treat every client like family.


1. We Design with Heart

Our work is grounded in care — for our clients, our craft, and the way your home supports your well-being. We design spaces that look beautiful, yes, but more importantly, feel good to live in.


2. Collaboration is Everything

We’re here to guide, not dictate. You’ll always have a say in your design — we just help translate your vision into a space that functions and flows beautifully.


3. It’s Personal

Because we’re a small family business, every project matters deeply to us. You’ll always know who you’re working with, and you’ll always get our full attention (and probably a few heartfelt check-ins along the way).


4. It’s Stress-Free

From ordering to install, we handle the details so you can enjoy the process — not just the result.


5. It Delivers Results

Whether it’s a calm family home or a high-performing rental, our process creates spaces that photograph beautifully, stand the test of time, and tell a story.


The Heart Behind Our Studio

We started Hanna Mae Design Studio to bring warmth and connection back into the design world. As a mother-daughter duo, we approach each project with a mix of creative intuition and practical experience. We value family, relationships, and creating spaces that bring people together — and that ethos runs through everything we do.


If you’re ready to transform your home or rental into a space that truly feels like you, we’d love to chat. Our process may be polished, but at its core, it’s about people, connection, and creating something beautiful together.


Xoxo,


Hanna & Tracey