The Illusion of the Perfect Home

In this episode, Lyssia sits down with Alana Nielsen and Kelly Breiter, the duo behind Alana + Kelly Design Co., a residential architecture and interior design studio, to explore why the idea of the “perfect home” often fails in real life. Working across both structure and interiors, they share how designing holistically allows them to bridge the gap between how a home looks and how it actually functions day to day.The conversation breaks down the difference between spaces that are designed for aesthetics and spaces that are designed for real life, and why so many homes fall short because they prioritize perfection over function. They explore why planning is the most overlooked phase of a renovation, how small decisions can become expensive mistakes, and why understanding how you truly live matters more than any trend or inspiration image. Alana and Kelly also share how they approach clients like a puzzle, balancing lifestyle, habits, and preferences, and why letting go of the idea of a “perfect” home can actually lead to a space that feels better, works better, and lasts longer. By the end of this episode, you may start to rethink what a well designed home actually looks like, and why the best spaces are the ones that reflect real life.More Room to Think:Alana + Kelly Design Co. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alanakellydesign/ Website: https://www.alanakellydesign.ca/LiLi Tile https://lilitile.comRoom to Think https://roomtothinkpodcast.com/Loved this episode? Let us know!Subscribe to Room to ThinkIf you enjoyed this episode, leave a review and share it with someone who would appreciate a more thoughtful approach to their space. New episodes every week. Build a better life by design.Spotify | Apple Podcasts | YouTube | Instagram