What really defines a beautiful, functional home?

When most people think about building their dream home, they obsess over finishes — countertops, flooring, paint colors, lighting fixtures. But here’s the truth: finishes are the last 5%.

In this episode, I’m joined by Liz Powell, owner of Liz Powell Design, whose work proves that true design success starts long before you’re picking tile and paint colors. With decades of experience balancing function, flow, and timeless aesthetics, Liz shares why a strong architectural foundation is the key to every stunning finish that follows.

So why does this matter? Because too many homeowners get caught up in surface-level design choices, only to realize later that their home doesn’t work the way they imagined. Liz’s perspective reframes the conversation — reminding us that great homes aren’t styled, they’re designed.

💡 What You Can’t Miss:

🏠 Beyond the Pretty PictureWhy a home that functions beautifully is always more valuable than one that just looks beautiful.

🏠 Trust Over TrendWhy building trust with your designer matters more than chasing Pinterest-perfect ideas.

🏠 Avoiding Costly MistakesThe real risks of focusing on finishes before getting the architecture right.

If you’re dreaming, designing, or already building, this conversation will shift how you see your home — and why architecture is always the true starting line.

🎧 Hit play to rethink what “good design” really means and how to get it right from the ground up.

🔗 Helpful Tools + Resources for Smarter Design

https://www.lizpowelldesign.com/ www.dostudios.co/courses