The Fine Art of Design Intuition
The synergy between craftsmanship and creativity
When Jessica Hannesson of Hannesson Home steps into a brand-new interior-design project, she works hard to mesh a client’s wants with the spark of creativity that she envisions.
“Our design process always begins with listening — really listening — to who our clients are, how they live, and what they want their home to feel like,” Jessica says. “Most people think they’re describing colors or furniture styles, but what they’re really revealing is their personality. Some clients crave calm and simplicity; others light up when we talk about warmth, texture and a lived-in feeling.”
That is evident when you step inside one of her latest projects, where her client gravitated toward soft, muted tones like warm white, gentle taupe and an earthy brown.
“We expanded that instinct into a layered palette that feels quiet but rich,” Jessica says, “especially when paired with natural woods and subtle black accents.”
When it comes to texture, Jessica is always sure to ask a lot of questions.
“Some clients want everything plush and cozy, others love smooth, clean lines,” she says, adding that most clients don’t begin with a defined color palette. They usually know what they don’t like far more than what they do.
“For this home, the clients wanted a warm, comfortable environment and we guided them toward soft linens, performance fabrics and organic materials like wood, stone, and woven elements,” Jessica says.
You’ll find that warmth in the living space, where a generously scaled sofa with soft upholstery and mix of patterned and solid pillows add depth without overwhelming the room. The rustic wood coffee table is the perfect partner.
And while beams and wall color can frame a room with comfort, it’s the details Jessica loves to bring to the forefront. That’s why in this home, you’ll find accent pieces like woven trays, ceramic vessels and natural greenery, which bring in organic textures.
In the home’s kitchen, the character continues. Warm-wood-styled lower cabinetry is paired with soft, off-white upper cabinets that add dimension. A Roman-clay range hood brings artisanal texture. Open shelving adds a splash of style.
Every one of these choices delivers the inviting feel that the homeowners wanted, while still being practical for everyday life.
Jessica chats about why collaborating with trusted partners is of the utmost importance, and why she loved partnering with Tom and Heather Boyce at Boyce Built Construction.
“They are open, communicative, and dedicated to bringing the client’s vision to life,” Jessica stresses. “Beautiful homes happen naturally when everyone on the team values craftsmanship and care at the same level.”
Tom says a big part of what his team does is problem-solving on site and keeping the project moving smoothly with an attention to quality. “Essentially, we’re the bridge between the design vision and the finished home,” he says. “Working with Jessica is always energizing — she’s creative through and through. We love her big-picture vision and her willingness to push design boundaries while still honoring the client’s lifestyle and goals.”
This remodel is a perfect example. The homeowners really wanted to optimize the layout they had so that it functioned better for their family.
“So, we focused on what already worked and gave those areas a fresh face,” Jessica says. “In other spaces — especially the kitchen and the new pantry — we knew walls would need to shift in order to truly give the clients what they wanted and better support their current lifestyle.”
Jessica adds that the owners were drawn to serenity, warmth, and timelessness, nothing trendy or overly showy. “That grounded, welcoming personality shows up in every decision, from the layered neutrals to the comfortable silhouettes to the natural materials used throughout,” she says.
This home had such good bones and so many things to love about it. But like any home, the way it functioned changed over time. What worked beautifully when it was first built didn’t really meld with the way the homeowners’ lives look now.
“That’s one of the most beautiful reasons people choose to remodel rather than build new,” Jessica says. “Our expertise lies in reimagining a space and finding ways to make it work harder and feel more intentional, without starting from scratch.”
At the heart of the kitchen is functionality. The homeowner loves to bake, so maximizing countertop space and creating zones that truly support cooking and baking was a top priority. Jessica converted an existing bedroom into a butler’s pantry with a dedicated baking haven that didn’t exist in the original layout. It now offers expansive prep space, storage, and a layout perfectly suited for an avid baker. The result is a kitchen that feels inviting, soulful, and highly functional all the way down to Jessica’s finishing touches.
“We don’t chase trends, we pay attention to what feels timeless, functional, and emotionally grounded,” she says. “Design isn’t about filling a home. It’s about creating a feeling.”
