Interior designer Amber Lewis offers a refreshing framework for tackling home design, breaking the process into six clear stages to help navigate the chaos and creativity of decorating.
- Design process broken into six intuitive stages
- Focus on blending creativity with practical steps
- Emphasizes patience and flexibility during installs
What happened
Amber Lewis recently outlined her approach to interior design through her book Interiors: Curated Spaces from Start to Finish, where she shares the six essential stages every decorating project undergoes. These stages, called the Six Ps, include Ponder, Play, Procure, Patience & Panic, Pull It Together, and Pride. Each represents a key phase, from dreamlike inspiration to the final celebration of a completed space.
Her framework simplifies the design journey by turning what can feel like chaos into manageable moments. It covers the whole spectrum—from brainstorming and experimenting with swatches, sourcing unique pieces, waiting through delays, to the excitement and stress of installation week—all culminating in the rewarding moment of pride when the vision comes alive.
Why it feels good
By naming and recognizing each phase, Amber’s approach underlines that the design process is naturally layered, sometimes messy, but always meaningful. Knowing that even setbacks like shipping delays or unfitting pieces are part of the journey helps homeowners and designers alike embrace the ups and downs with patience.
This method also provides a reassuring structure that helps clarify decision-making. Rather than rushing to buy or decorate, Amber encourages taking the time to ponder and play—carefully testing ideas before committing. This thoughtful pacing nurtures creativity without overwhelm, ensuring each choice aligns with the overall vision.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those inspired by Amber Lewis’ Six Ps, a deeper dive into her design philosophy can be found in her book Interiors: Curated Spaces from Start to Finish, where she documents the entire creative process with practical insights and beautiful examples from her projects across different settings.
Home enthusiasts may also enjoy exploring mood boards and vintage furniture shopping as part of the playful and procuring phases. Watching installation transformations or reading client stories of that final proud moment can offer both motivation and a comforting reminder that good design takes time and teamwork.