Ask A Designer - Isabel Valenta
Remodeling or building a new home comes with plenty of questions, and the best answers often come straight from the experts. In this Q&A, we sat down with Isabel Valenta, our Design Director at Eastside Builders Group. Isabel earned her Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts and Interior Design at The Design Institute of San Diego and has since worked at multiple residential and commercial firms over the past 10 years. During this interview, she tackled some of the most common design questions homeowners in Kirkland, Bellevue, and the Greater Eastside ask when planning a project. From avoiding common mistakes to selecting the right finishes, Isabel shares professional insights to help you create a home that is both functional and uniquely yours.
1. What common design mistakes should homeowners avoid?
When it comes to remodeling or creating something new, it’s easy to want to dive straight into selecting finishes or furniture. We get it, the excitement is real! Sometimes I even have to take a step back and evaluate before jumping in, because without a thoughtful plan, even the most beautiful ideas can fall flat.
One of the most common mistakes homeowners make is skipping the fundamentals, things like circulation, furniture scale, and lighting. Without considering these elements first, your space may not function as intended and could end up looking very different from the polished inspiration photos you see on Pinterest.
Color is another big one; it’s more than just picking a paint swatch you like, it’s about understanding how that color interacts with natural light throughout the day and which direction your home faces. The wrong undertones or lighting can completely change the mood of a space. For example, if you have trees in front of a window, which is common here in the Pacific Northwest, they can cast a green-blue glare into the room, which will completely change how a “simple” white paint looks once it’s on the walls. Subtle shifts like this can have a dramatic impact on the entire space.
The key takeaways:
Start with function - Circulation, measurements, wall height, furniture size.
Layer in balance - with furniture, lighting, and color.
Invest in timeless elements - Flooring, cabinetry, and lighting all create a solid foundation. Then add personality through accents and decor that are easy to update over time.
2. What design trends are you loving right now, and are there any trends you recommend homeowners avoid?
One of my absolute favorite design trends right now is the built-in dog bowl station inside cabinetry, paired with a pot filler for easy access to water refills. As a corgi owner myself (see below for proof), I know how much water they go through! I can’t emphasize enough how functional this detail is. Not only does it keep the kitchen looking clean and streamlined, but the spill-proof base even prevents messes, while the pot filler eliminates the hassle of carrying bowls back and forth from the sink. It's a thoughtful, convenient design that blends seamlessly into the flow of everyday life!
On the other hand, one trend I recommend homeowners steer away from is the all-grey, monotone palette. Grey floors, white walls, and a grey or white kitchen. While it may feel safe or modern at first, the look has become overdone and often feels flat. These cool tones don’t allow furniture, art, or personal accents to shine, leaving the home feeling one-dimensional. Instead, I encourage incorporating warm, layered tones, rich woods, earthy neutral tones, and pops of subtle color. This approach adds depth, personality, and timelessness!
The takeaway:
Thoughtful details, such as a dog bowl station, can make your home not only beautiful but also incredibly functional, while a more balanced, warm palette ensures your space feels inviting and uniquely yours.
3. How do you handle blending new remodels with existing architecture?
One of the main reasons I became a designer is the opportunity to bridge design with architecture, creating harmony between what exists and what’s new. I believe there’s a deep respect for preserving architectural elements from the designers and craftsmen before us. Rather than tearing everything down, we should recognize the story and artistry embedded in those details. It’s about honoring the past while moving forward, creating a sense of continuity instead of a disconnection between eras.
Of course, not all architectural features will align with a homeowner's current style or vision. But when it does, it often becomes the most distinctive part of a space, infusing personality and character that cannot be replicated. These preserved elements give your home a uniqueness that many newer builds simply don’t have.
When approaching a remodel, the first step is to always explore ways to integrate the existing architecture into the new design. If it truly doesn’t work, then we consider alternatives, whether that means carefully removing and repurposing materials elsewhere in the home or reusing them in a different project altogether. This thoughtful approach ensures that nothing of value is lost and that every design decision contributes to a home’s story, both old and new.
4. Is it better to go neutral or bold with cabinets and tile?
This is one of the most common questions I get from homeowners, and my answer always starts with another question: Are you planning to sell your home in the next few years?
If the answer is yes, I almost always recommend leaning towards a neutral palette. Soft, timeless tones are universally appealing and make it easier for future buyers to envision themselves in the space. Bold mosaics, statement tiles, or unconventional cabinet colors can feel too personal; what excites one homeowner may turn another away. Since tile, in particular, comes in endless styles and colors, it’s a challenge to find something that’s both bold and timeless. Sticking with neutrals in a resale situation ensures your home feels inviting and market-friendly.
On the other hand, if you plan to stay in your home long-term, I always encourage going bold in a way that feels authentic to you. Think of your tile and cabinetry as functional art, something you’ll see every day that has the power to influence your mood and bring joy. A carefully chosen pop of color, a unique backsplash pattern, or rich, moody cabinetry can completely transform how you experience your home. These design choices become deeply personal, turning your kitchen or bathroom into a space that reflects your personality and uplifts you daily.
The takeaway:
Selling soon? Keep it neutral, timeless, and broadly appealing.
Staying put? Don’t be afraid to invest in bold choices that feel like you. Your home should make you happy every time you walk in the door.
5. What’s your favorite project you've worked on so far?
One of my favorite projects to date that I’ve worked on here at EBG has been a full custom new build in Kirkland, Washington. Set in the middle of a lush forest, this home offers a serene backdrop where wildlife, including curious deer, becomes part of the daily view. With 15 thoughtfully designed rooms, this project allowed me to craft a home that felt both luxurious and deeply personal to the family who lives there.
From the moment you step inside, the foyer sets the tone. A beautifully laid mosaic floor paired with a striking chandelier that creates instant excitement and elegance. Every corner of this home was designed with intention, blending sophistication with warmth.
Highlights include a spa-inspired sauna, designed to feel like a private retreat while staying connected to the surrounding natural beauty of the forest. Each room tells its own story: from a whimsical hummingbird sconce in the children’s bathroom to a full-sized coffee bar in the kitchen that makes the mornings both functional and indulgent.
What made this project so special was the level of personalization, the details that reflected the family’s lifestyle and personality, resulting in a home full of color, natural light, and character. For me, it was an absolute joy to think through every finish, fixture, and accent, ensuring the design felt meaningful and memorable in every space.
6. What's a great way to refresh your home without a full remodel?
You don’t always need to commit to a full remodel to make your home feel new again. One of my favorite ways to refresh a space is by painting the interior doors in a bold or contrasting color. This simple change instantly adds depth, personality, and visual interest, turning something functional into a design feature.
Another small impactful update is swapping out hardware, whether it’s cabinet pulls, doorknobs, or hinges. Hardware acts as jewelry for the home: subtle but powerful in shaping the overall look. Together, these updates can completely shift the energy of your space.
By introducing color and detail in a strategic place, your eye naturally travels throughout the home, creating flow and dimension. Instead of feeling flat or monochromatic, your interiors gain character and a sense of intentional design, all without the cost or disruption of a major renovation.
We hope this Q&A with Isabel gives you fresh ideas and inspiration for your next home project. Whether you’re considering a kitchen remodel in Bellevue, a bathroom renovation in Kirkland, or a custom home build on the Eastside, our design-build team is here to guide you from first sketch to final finish. At Eastside Builders Group, we combine thoughtful design with expert craftsmanship to ensure your home is both beautiful and practical.
Ready to bring your vision to life?
Schedule a free design consultation today, and let’s start planning a space that feels truly yours.
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