As families evolve, their needs and preferences shift. Leigh Jendrusina, principal designer of Socal-based firm Salthouse Collective is an expert in designing adaptable family homes with thoughtful space planning, durable materials, and strategic design choices that allow for easy updates and modifications.
As a mother, her understanding of the practical realities of family life help her to strike a balance between timeless aesthetics and functional adaptability. Our discussion with Jendrusina offers a wealth of practical advice for how to invest in the design of a home that will grow with the family inhabiting it.
DNN: How do you approach designing spaces that can adapt to a family’s changing needs over time?
Leigh Jendrusina: Flexibility is key in family homes – one minute you need a ton of storage for kids toys and the next you need desk space for homework. Family homes are constantly evolving so I’m always trying to be cognizant of that for my clients.
I try to ensure I’m not putting overly expensive furniture in kid rooms or even in open living room spaces. One minute they might need bunks, but then the next, they need queen sized beds. It’s nice to avoid overly built out rooms (built-in bunks or built-in cabinetry walls in bedrooms) so a kids’ space can evolve over time.
Leigh Jendrusina: Built-in cabinetry is great in living rooms – i can work as oy storage for little kids, but evolve to storage for board games as they age.
DNN: How do you ensure that your designs remain timeless while still feeling current?
Leigh Jendrusina: I believe that trends come and go and someone’s personal style stays relatively the same through the years. I have clients invest in neutrals (whether dark or light) for big items and do more “trendy” things with pillows and affordable art and accessories. Then in 5-7 years, they can switch those out if their tastes evolve.
DNN: Can you discuss how you balance trendy design elements with more classic choices that will stand the test of time?
Leigh Jendrusina: If you want a home that can “last forever”, then I steer clients towards more neutrals in their tile, cabinetry and counters; but layer in funky lighting or art or accessories to fit the style they want now.
DNN: What advice do you have for homeowners who want to invest in design elements that will grow with them?
Leigh Jendrusina: Space planning is key – so if you’re building, ensure you have a well-laid out space. Then focus on quality materials and textures.
You can easily switch out lighting down the line; but tile/cabinetry are more costly. So if you want a space to look good “forever”, then pick materials and colors that are more neutral and then “spice” them up with accessories.
