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A Women's Community That Lifts Each Other To New Heights
There’s something powerful happening in our community—and once you see it, you can’t unsee it.
It shows up in quiet ways. Like conversations between women who’ve just met but instantly understand each other. Introductions made without hesitation; recommendations shared freely, without expectation. And the way one woman’s growth doesn’t threaten another—but inspires it.
This month’s Women’s Issue is a reflection of that energy. Inside these pages, you’ll meet women who are not only building businesses, designing spaces, and launching brands—but who are doing it on their own terms.
You’ll step into the world of Cooley Construction, where Tammy and James are helping reshape the remodeling experience by bringing empathy and curiosity to an industry known for structure and speed. It’s a reminder that leadership isn’t always just pushing harder—it can be listening better.
In our feature on Worthington Inn’s revival, you’ll see how women are influencing not just businesses, but entire communities—helping preserve what matters while moving it forward with intention.
You’ll meet the local founders behind Esther, a bold new spirits brand challenging long-held perceptions while carving out space in an industry that hasn’t always made room at its table for women. And through Design Alchemy, where we explore the deeper idea that the most meaningful spaces—and lives—aren’t designed for perfection, but for authenticity.
But beyond the stories themselves, there’s a thread that connects all of it: none of these women are doing it alone. Behind every decision, every pivot, every leap—there’s support.
Sometimes it’s formal, like our Chamber's Women’s Business Network or other professional circles. Sometimes it’s informal, like the mom’s Facebook group that answers questions any time of the day. And often, it’s the relationships we build through shared experiences—school events, fitness classes, community gatherings—where connection becomes collaboration.
We don’t talk about this enough. Success isn’t just about strategy or execution. It’s about proximity. Who you surround yourself with. Who challenges you. Who reminds you of who you are when you forget. If there’s one takeaway from this issue, it’s this: building a life you love isn’t a solo endeavor. It’s a collective one.
So, as you read through these pages, be encouraged to look beyond the stories and into your own world. Because the strongest communities—and the most fulfilled lives—are built through sharing. And right here in Northwest Columbus, that’s exactly what we’re doing.
LISA FEDERICO, PUBLISHER
May 2026
PUBLISHER
Lisa Federico | lisa.federico@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Madison Moroi | madison.moroi@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
Samantha Harden | samantha.harden@citylifestyle.com
COPY EDITOR
Brice Bunner | bunnerb@gmail.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Brice Bunner, Lisa Federico, Madison Moroi
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Kate LaLonde, Mike Beaumont, Nicole Dixon
Photographic, Ramsey Baker Interiors, Timothy Johnson, Zach Gibson (Upright Creative)
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
President Matthew Perry
COO David Stetler
CRO Jamie Pentz
CoS Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Amanda Schilling
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler
Learn
Local
Columbus
city scene
WHERE NEIGHBORS CAN SEE AND BE SEEN
1: MedOne staff celebrates the opening of their Worthington office with a ribbon-cutting. 2: Lauren Payne checks out some spirits at I Am Boundless' March fundraising event. 3: Guests pose at McConnell Arts Center's inaugural Passport to the Arts Gala. 4: Worthington Chamber CEO Annina Parini speaks at the EmpowerHer Conference at the Ohioan Hotel. 5: Attendees enjoy games with friends at WBN's March Bingo Night. 6: Lisa Federico poses with Cooley Construction’s Tammy Yee at Greater Worthington Realty Association. 7: This stunning showroom design shines at the Designery’s Grand Opening Open House.
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CRYSTAL EVANS
SAMANTHA HARDEN
ANNMARIE MCCALLISTER
business monthly
MySOMM Packs a Punch with Wine & Dine Line-up
Wine-lovers rejoice! MySOMM’s May calendar is bursting with events - from guided tastings and educational classes to immersive, curated wine dinners. Multi-course pairing dinners held at The Clocktower in Plain City include Italian, Spanish, and the standout “Judgement of Paris” 50th anniversary experience, and newcomers can learn to Taste & Talk Wine in a beginner-friendly class at Brick House Dublin. You can find dinner tickets on Eventbrite, while class reservations can be made at mysommwine.com
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Green on the Green Makes Sustainability Fun
Is sustainability on your radar? The whole family is welcome at Green on the Green, Worthington’s annual sustainability festival on May 9th. This free event is designed to educate, entertain, and inspire families and community members to build green habits and make sustainability part of their day-to-day lives. Green on the Green makes sustainability fun and engaging with interactive exhibits, activities, and displays, featuring local businesses like ohDEER Northwest Columbus. Learn more at Worthington.org
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Worthington Receives National Nominations
In March, our community was nominated for two of USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Awards. Not only was Worthington nominated for “Best Historic Small Town,” but also for “Best Small Town in the Midwest.” This is not Worthington’s first nomination, having placed third in those same categories in 2025. With its historic charm and small-town, local spirit, it’s no surprise that Worthington was up for the awards again.
Photography by MySOMM
Photography by ohDEER
Photography by Ashley Labaki
THE WORTHINGTON INN, REINVENTED FOR WORTHINGTON
LOCAL INVESTORS REVIVE THE WORTHINGTON INN, REOPENING AS WOLF’S RIDGE WITH A VISION ROOTED IN PRESERVATION, COMMUNITY, AND MODERN DINING.
ARTICLE BY LISA FEDERICO | PHOTOGRAPHY BY NICOLE DIXON PHOTOGRAPHIC
The idea didn’t start in a boardroom. It started as a simple conversation.
Kat DePizzo, a longtime Worthington resident, couldn’t stop thinking about the Inn—its history, its role in the community, and what it could become again. What began as a passing thought quickly gained traction among neighbors and partners who shared the same belief: Worthington isn’t just growing—it’s worth preserving.
From that shared mindset, 1831 Ventures was born.
More than a one-time investment group, 1831 represents a collection of local residents committed to thoughtful, community-driven development. Their goal isn’t
“We didn’t want to see it disappear. This building matters to Worthington—and we felt a responsibility to bring it back to life.”
simply to build or restore—it’s to protect what makes Worthington special while ensuring it continues to evolve.
Their first major project, the Worthington Inn, carries both emotional weight and community significance.
For years, the building sat vacant— filled with memories of celebrations, dinners, and gatherings, yet no longer part of daily life. For many, it was more than just a restaurant. It was a cornerstone of the community.
For Sullivan Builders, part of the 1831 partnership and responsible for the renovation, the opportunity was rare— and urgent.
“They’re not making any more old Worthington,” says Matthew Sullivan. “When a property like this becomes available, you don’t get another chance.”
That understanding shaped every decision. The team approached the project with a balance of respect and realism—preserving what mattered while adapting the space for modern use. Historic integrity was never treated as a constraint, but as a guide.
The original layout remains largely intact, allowing returning guests to recognize the space while experiencing something refreshed. Architectural details were carefully protected, while updates ensure
the building can support today’s level of hospitality and volume.
Throughout the process, the team collaborated with local architects, designers, and historians, taking a thoughtful approach to both visible and behind-thescenes elements. The goal was never to recreate the past, but to honor it; appreciate the old while making room for something new.
That “something new” comes in the form of Wolf’s Ridge.
To bring the next chapter of the Worthington Inn to life, 1831 Ventures partnered with Wolf’s Ridge Brewing, a Central Ohio brand known for creating
Photo provided by Kate LaLonde
“We built this for Worthington—for the people who live here, gather here, and want a place that feels both familiar and new.”
layered, experience-driven spaces. For co-founder Bob Szuter, the project offered a rare opportunity to connect history with modern hospitality.
Rather than reinventing the Inn, the vision was to reinterpret it.
“We want people to feel the history when they walk in,” Szuter explains, “but also feel like it belongs in 2026.”
That philosophy is reflected throughout the experience.
The main floor features multiple distinct environments, allowing guests to choose how they engage with the space. From a lively bar setting to intimate dining rooms and a relaxed lounge for cocktails and small plates, each area offers its own energy while remaining cohesive.
The design leans into warmth and texture—inviting rather than intimidating—so whether guests are stopping in for lunch or celebrating a special occasion, the experience feels accessible.
A private dining room offers space for gatherings, while a thoughtfully designed patio expands the experience outdoors, creating another layer of connection to the community.
Later this year, the lower level will introduce the “Wolf Den,” a more intimate
cocktail lounge with a distinct personality. Designed to feel slightly removed from the main dining experience, it will offer a moodier environment—complete with the potential for live music and late-night energy.
The menu follows the same philosophy: familiar, but elevated. Expect modern interpretations of classic dishes, a strong emphasis on shareable plates, and an experience designed to feel approachable without sacrificing quality.
But beyond the design, the menu, and the experience, what sets this project apart is its origin.
This wasn’t driven by outside developers or national brands. It was initiated, funded, and guided by people who live here—people who understand the emotional connection this building holds.
It’s an investment not just in a property, but in the identity of Worthington itself.
And now, just weeks after opening, the Worthington Inn is alive again—reintroduced as Wolf’s Ridge.
Not as a replica of what it once was, but as a thoughtful continuation.
A place where history is still felt, but the experience is entirely new.
And perhaps most importantly, a place built not just for the community—but by it.
Photo taken by Mike Beaumont
Columbus founders bring a modern narrative to one of the world’s oldest spirits.
Two Women, One Bold Spirit
ARTICLE BY MADISON MOROI | PHOTOGRAPHY BY TIMOTHY JOHNSON
Rum has long been associated with pirate lore, tropical clichés, and overly sweet cocktails. But two Ohio entrepreneurs are working to change that perception with a new premium brand designed for modern drinkers.
Margaret Kerr-Jarrett and Emunah Winer, founders of the femaleowned spirits brand Esther, launched the company in Columbus with a mission to challenge the stereotypes that have long defined rum and introduce a more contemporary, sophisticated spirit.
With Esther, they recognized what they describe as a “white space” in the spirits industry—a category widely used in cocktails but lacking the cultural evolution seen in tequila or gin.
The rum itself is a single-origin Colombian spirit produced at the Picciotto Family Distillery in Cali, where rum has been crafted since the 1950s. Blending pot- and column-still rums—including unaged rum and aged rum of up to four years—Esther delivers a smooth, approachable profile designed for sipping or cocktails. The liquid is 100% additive-free and bottled locally in Columbus.
Flavor notes include ripe stone fruit, hints of caramel, toasted oak, and delicate spice layered with subtle grassy tones. The brand’s distinctive bottle—with bright green cap and Esther
lion—reflects the founders’ intention to create something instantly recognizable and refreshingly modern.
The name Esther itself carries layered meaning: for both the biblical queen known for quiet power and the “esters” that contribute to rum’s complex aromas and flavor.
Currently available at select Ohio retailers and online, Esther represents both global craftsmanship and local entrepreneurship.
To learn more, find retailers, or to order online, visit drinkesther. com. You can follow the brand on Instagram @drinkesther
Longtime collaborators, Margaret Kerr-Jarrett and Emunah Winer, are experienced brand builders. Prior to Esther, they co-founded the tequila brand Casa Malka and still advise beverage companies through their consultancy, Nihilo. The creative pair say Esther “has two mothers,” a nod to the creative partnership that brought the brand to life.
Margaret Kerr-Jarrett and Emunah Winer
Photo by Timothy Johnson
COLUMBUS IN-STORE EXCLUSIVE
30% off your entire purchase WHEN YOU BRING THIS AD IN AND SHOP AT BALLARD DESIGNS COLUMBUS
Offer valid only at Ballard Designs Columbus Store through 07/31/26. Offer not valid with any other offer, unless specified. Clearance items ending in $0.99, Select Furniture Care Products, Amiel Arch Mirror, Rope Doormat, Outdoor Furniture Sets, Books, Wallpaper, select swatches and select ceiling fan items are excluded from discount. Cannot be applied to previous purchases, replacement orders, gift cards, monogramming or donations. Shipping charges are based on item price before discount is applied. No cash value. Void where prohibited by law. Void if purchased, sold, or bartered for cash.
ARTICLE BY KALI KASORZYK
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BECKY HILLYARD
From Side Hustle to Style Empire
The power of taste, trust, and the courage to “just start.”
She didn’t have a business plan, a media budget, or even a name anyone could pronounce. What Becky Hillyard had was taste, a young family, and the instinct to just start. Today, her lifestyle brand Cella Jane commands an audience the size of Vogue’s , she’s nine collections strong with Splendid, and she’s built it all while raising three kids — refusing to sacrifice one for the other. In an exclusive conversation for the Share the Lifestyle podcast, Becky shares what it really takes to build a brand, a career, and a life you love. Read the highlights below, then scan the QR code for the full conversation.
Q: WHEN DID YOU KNOW CELLA JANE WAS MORE THAN A HOBBY?
A: Two moments. Women started emailing me saying they bought something I recommended and felt amazing — asking me to help them find a dress for a wedding. That felt incredible. Then I looked at my affiliate numbers for one month and realized I could cover our mortgage. I thought, I can actually do this. I never set out to build a business. I started it because I genuinely loved it.
Becky in Splendid x @CellaJaneBlog Spring 2026 Collection
Q: WHAT WAS THE BIGGEST RISK YOU EVER TOOK WITH THE BRAND?
A: Designing my own collection. It’s easy to point at items on a website and say I love these. But to create something from scratch, put your name on it, and wait to see if people connect with it — that’s terrifying. I had an incredible partner in Splendid, and women loved the pieces. It was the biggest risk and the biggest accomplishment.
Q: HOW HAS INFLUENCER MARKETING CHANGED SINCE YOU STARTED?
A: When I started, brands didn’t know whether to take it seriously. Now it’s a legitimate line item in their marketing budgets — sometimes bigger than TV. Because what we’ve built is trust. People trust a real recommendation from someone they follow far more than a commercial. There’s no question about it now.
Q: YOU’RE A MOM OF THREE RUNNING A FULL BRAND. WHAT DOES YOUR DAY ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE?
A: I try to get up at five and not hit snooze — that first hour before the house wakes up is the most productive, most peaceful hour of my day. Then it’s all hands on deck with the kids and school drop-off. After that I work — planning content, connecting with my team, editing. After pickup, the day shifts completely and it’s all about them. I’ve learned to protect both halves fiercely, because both matter.
Q: WHAT WOULD YOU TELL SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO BUILD SOMETHING OF THEIR OWN BUT KEEPS WAITING?
A: Don’t wait. Don’t wait for the perfect camera, the right strategy, or enough followers. We find every excuse to stay comfortable. Just start, be consistent, and be authentically yourself. The right people will find you — and they’ll stay.
This conversation is just the beginning. Becky goes deeper on the risks that almost stopped her, the design process behind her latest Splendid collection, and what she’d tell her 2012 self today. Scan the QR code for the full, exclusive City Lifestyle interview on the Share the Lifestyle podcast.
“Trust is the only metric that actually compounds.”
— Becky Hillyard
The Art of Balanced Building
FEMININE PERSPECTIVE AND DECISIVE LEADERSHIP GUIDING EVERY PROJECT FORWARD
ARTICLE BY BRICE BUNNER PHOTOGRAPHY BY ZACH GIBSON (UPRIGHT CREATIVE)
In an industry known for timelines, budgets, and blueprints, Cooley Construction is focused on something less tangible—but far more impactful: how the process feels.
Based in Worthington, and deeply connected to the community they serve, Tammy Yee and James Cooley have built their company around a simple but often overlooked idea—remodeling should be a collaborative experience, not a transactional one.
“We’re not just here to take an order and build it,” James explains. “We’re here to guide people through a process they’ve never done before.”
That distinction is where everything begins.
For many homeowners, remodeling starts with a vision—but often without clarity. They know what isn’t working, but they don’t always know why. And without the right partner, that gap can lead to miscommunication, missed details, and ultimately, disappointment.
Cooley Construction approaches it differently.
Before plans are drawn or materials are selected, they focus on discovery—asking questions that go beyond the surface.
How does the space feel day-to-day?
Where does life actually happen in your home?
What’s frustrating, and what’s worth preserving?
“We’re always trying to get to the ‘why’ behind the project,” Tammy says. “Because that’s what leads to better decisions all the way through.”
That mindset shapes not only their conversations with clients, but how they thoughtfully build every project team. Rather than forcing a one-size-fits-all approach, they intentionally assemble the right mix of professionals—designers or architects—based on personality, communication style, and project complexity.
For projects centered on aesthetics, layout refinements, and selections, designers play a key role in helping clients translate ideas into a cohesive vision. But when structural changes come into play—like additions, vaulted ceilings, or significant reconfiguration—Cooley
Construction brings trusted architect partners to guide those decisions and ensure the integrity of the plan from the outset.
“As with any project, the complexity drives the level of specialty needed,” James explains. “We lean on designers for layout and selections, but when structural elements are involved, we bring in our architect partners.”
Some clients need a highly collaborative designer who can help them articulate their style and navigate choices. Others require the technical expertise of an architect to ensure the feasibility of a more complex build. The goal isn’t just talent—it’s alignment.
Because when the right team is in place, the experience changes. Homeowners are no longer left trying to coordinate competing voices or guess at what comes next. Instead, they have a team designed around the actual needs of their project and the way they make decisions.
And that’s where Tammy and James introduce a concept not often associated with construction: the balance of masculine and feminine energy.
Not in a literal sense—but as a way of working.
Masculine energy drives execution. It’s decisive, structured, and focused on moving the project forward.
Feminine energy brings something equally critical: curiosity, empathy, and the ability to slow down long enough to fully understand the client.
“When you combine both, you get a better outcome,” James says. “You’re still moving forward, but you’re not missing the details that matter.”
That balance shows up most clearly in their process. They front-load communication—digging deep at the beginning so that fewer questions arise later. They translate emotional feedback into practical solutions. They ask better questions before construction starts. And they create space for clients to feel heard, even when they’re unsure how to articulate what they want.
This is why, for Cooley Construction, success isn’t just about the finished space.
“We’re not order takers. We guide clients through decisions they’ve never had to make before—helping them uncover what really matters so the final result actually fits their life.”
“The best projects happen when clients feel heard. When you balance structure with empathy, you eliminate confusion, reduce stress, and create a process people actually enjoy—not just endure.”
It’s about how clients feel throughout the entire journey.
That focus on collaboration wasn’t something Tammy and James set out to brand—it was something they learned the hard way.
Before launching Cooley Construction, they went through a full home renovation themselves. Like many homeowners, they entered the process with excitement—but quickly found themselves navigating uncertainty, unclear communication, and a lack of guidance.
“There wasn’t a lot of curiosity about how we lived or what we actually needed,” Tammy recalls. “It felt like decisions were happening around us instead of with us.”
That experience became the foundation for how they operate today.
They recognized that most clients don’t just need a builder—they need a partner. Someone who can lead with confidence while also creating space for questions, concerns, and evolving ideas. Someone who understands that remodeling is both a construction project and a personal experience unfolding inside the place where daily life happens.
Now, that philosophy is embedded in every step of their process.
From early discovery conversations to proactive check-ins during construction, they prioritize clarity, communication, and emotional awareness—especially during the more disruptive phases of a remodel.
Because no matter how well a project is planned, it’s still a major life disruption. Kitchens get torn apart. Dust travels. Daily routines shift. The home stops feeling settled before it starts feeling better, and that reality can wear on even the most excited client.
For Tammy and James, the goal is simple: deliver a finished space that works beautifully combined with a process that feels just as well-designed.
LEARN MORE: Every project starts with discovery, not decisions. By understanding how clients live—not just what they want— Cooley Construction creates aligned teams, clearer plans, and a remodeling experience built on trust, communication, and thoughtful execution.
BERRY BRUSCHETTA
A RECIPE FROM A CUP FULL OF SASS
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY AMY TINNIN
This Berry Bruschetta is a delightful twist on the classic bruschetta that we all love. This version uses fruit, bringing a sweet element to the traditionally savory dish. With the use of fresh berries, cream cheese, delicious fruit spread, crumbled cheese, and fresh rosemary, it is the perfect addition to your next spring event. This simple, yet beautiful appetizer could be enjoyed at your next brunch, shower or Mother’s Day celebration. But let’s be honest—you don’t need an excuse to enjoy this delectable dish!
INGREDIENTS:
• 12 baguette slices
• Extra virgin olive oil (for brushing)
• 4 oz cream cheese
• 1/4 cup Fruit and Honey Triple Berry Spread (or any fruit spread of your choice)
• 1/3 cup fresh strawberries, sliced
• 1/3 cup fresh blueberries
• 2 oz fruit cheese (such as Wensleydale with Autumn Fruit), crumbled
• Fresh rosemary for garnish
DIRECTIONS:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F.
2. Lightly brush the front and back of the baguette slices with Extra Virgin Olive Oil.
3. Toast baguette slices in the oven for 3-5 minutes or until lightly toasted.
4. Once the baguette slices are cool, spread a generous layer of cream cheese over each slice.
5. Add the fruit spread on top of the cream cheese.
6. Add sliced strawberries and a few blueberries, allowing the vibrant colors to pop. (A great place to find fresh fruit is our local staple, Crystal & Rich’s Produce.)
7. Crumble the fruit cheese over the top for an added layer of richness and depth.
8. Garnish with fresh Rosemary if desired.
9. Serve and enjoy!
JUNE 15-19 JUNE 15-19
Music Summer Camp! Music Summer Camp!
realty report
Behind each of our 200+ City Lifestyle magazines is someone who cares deeply about their community. Someone who connects people, celebrates businesses, and shares the stories that matter most. What if that someone was you?
Or maybe it’s someone you know. If this isn’t the right time for you, but you know someone who could be the perfect fit, we’d love an introduction.
MAY 2026
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
MAY 2ND
Golden Memories - 50 Years of Musical Moments
McConnell Arts Center | 7:00 PM
Join the Worthington Chorus Community Choir as they celebrate their golden anniversary with beautiful music, the joy of singing, and how it brings a community together. Don’t worry, you have two chances to join in on the fun with shows on May 2nd and May 3rd. Tickets $15 for adults at mcconnellarts.org
MAY 9TH
Green on the Green
Village Green | 9:00 AM
It’s time to get the whole family excited about sustainability. Green on the Green is Worthington’s annual sustainability festival. This free event features engaging exhibits and hands-on activities that are designed to help everyone learn how they can be more green.
MAY 19TH
Judgment of Paris Wine Dinner
101 S Chillicothe St Plain City, OH 43064 | 6:30 PM
This immersive wine dinner from MySOMM celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Judgment of Paris, a famous competition in which California wines unexpectedly won over prestigious French wine in a blind taste test. Featuring a multi-course meal from Chef’s Table and curated wine selections from MySOMM, this dinner is a wine-lover’s dream! Tickets at Eventbrite.com.
MAY 19TH
Women’s Business Network Morning Mixer
McConnell Arts Center | 9:00 AM
Come join your fellow women in business and build lasting connections. This event is free to attend for members and is an excellent chance to enjoy a delicious breakfast, network, and view some of McConnell Arts Center’s beautiful works by artists Cee Elbert, Morgan Rose Free, and Susan Steiner. Register on business.worthingtonchamber.org
MAY 26TH
Historic Neighborhood Series Bus Tour
777 High St. | 10:00 AM
Discover local history on the Historic Neighborhood Series Bus Tour, “The Civil War Era and Worthington’s Connection to the Underground Railroad.” This guided experience visits key sites tied to anti-slavery efforts and the Underground Railroad, including St. John AME Church and the Ozem Gardner homestead. Tours depart from the Griswold Center. Reserve tickets through the Worthington Parks & Recreation registration.
MAY 30TH
Summer Reading Kick-Off Party
Old Worthington Library | 10:00 AM
Are you looking for ways to keep your kiddos brains sharp this summer? It’s time for Summer Reading! This kickoff party features dinosaur-themed crafts, games, and activities – sure to get the whole family roaring.
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2026 DESIGN Insight on DEFINING HOW We Live
Jessica Brugger’s Design Alchemy 2026 reveals the shifts shaping more personal, livable homes
ARTICLE BY MADISON MOROI
PHOTOGRAPHY BY RAMSEY BAKER INTERIORS
What if the most beautiful homes weren’t the most perfect—but the most personal?
That’s the thinking behind Design Alchemy, the annual report created by Jessica Brugger, founder and principal designer of Dwell Well Design Co. More than a forecast, it’s a point of view—one that challenges the idea that homes should be designed for approval, and instead positions them as spaces meant to be lived in.
“Design is not a moment, but a practice shaped by real life,” Brugger explains in this year’s edition.
Now in its third year, Design Alchemy 2026 reflects a noticeable shift: away from performative design and toward spaces that feel grounded, expressive, and deeply personal. Homes are no longer meant to appeal to everyone—they’re meant to belong clearly to someone.
At the heart of this evolution are three guiding elements: The Collected Narrative, Soft Structure, and Decorated Confidence Each offers a different way of thinking about how a home should function, feel, and evolve over time.
The common thread is meaning.
Instead of chasing what’s “in,” Brugger encourages homeowners to focus on what feels right—materials that age gracefully, layouts that support real routines, and details that reflect the people who live there. It is a more intimate way of looking at design, and a more lasting one.
In a world of fast decisions and filtered perfection, Design Alchemy offers something more lasting: a reminder that the most compelling homes aren’t staged. They’re fully lived in.
At its core, Design Alchemy is about designing with intention— where beauty and function are inseparable.
Brugger’s work emphasizes homes that support real life: spaces that invite gathering, allow for wear, and evolve alongside the people inside them.
Rather than prescribing a singular look, the report offers perspective—helping readers make more confident decisions, layer more thoughtfully, and create a home that feels both elevated and entirely their own, without sacrificing comfort, warmth, or the quiet beauty of daily living.
The first direction, The Collected Narrative, is perhaps the most emotionally resonant. It’s a move away from instant, fully designed spaces toward homes that unfold over time.
Think: layered interiors, meaningful objects, and a mix of old and new that tells a story.
These are homes shaped by what’s been gathered— art, heirlooms, memories—not just what’s been purchased. The result is a space that feels more lived in than styled. A home that reflects a life in progress, not a finished product.
There’s also a quiet confidence in this approach. It allows for imperfection, for change, and for pieces that carry history to sit comfortably alongside those that are newly made. Nothing feels overly precious, and everything feels considered. It makes room for personality, for memory, and for the kind of beauty that cannot be rushed.
Next is Soft Structure, a concept rooted in balance. Here, strong architectural foundations—proportion, layout, millwork—are softened with texture, curves, and materials that invite comfort.
It’s the recognition that homes today have to do more. They must function beautifully while still feeling warm and welcoming. Structure provides clarity; softness makes it livable.
You see it in the way light is layered, in the use of tactile finishes, and in spaces that feel calm without feeling empty. There is intention behind every decision, even when the result feels effortless.
Finally, Decorated Confidence signals a return to detail—but with restraint. Pattern, color, and craftsmanship re-enter the conversation, not as excess, but as intentional expression.
This isn’t about maximalism. It’s about choosing pieces with purpose—tailored upholstery, layered textiles, finishes that reveal the hand of the maker. Spaces feel finished, but never overdone.
Across all three, one idea stands out: confidence. Not loud, attention-seeking confidence—but a quiet certainty in your choices, and in how your home reflects the life lived within it. That, perhaps, is what makes Design Alchemy so appealing. It doesn’t ask readers to imitate. It invites them to live more thoughtfully, and with greater trust in what feels true to them.
Explore the Full 2026 Design Alchemy Report
Jessica Brugger’s Design Alchemy 2026 offers a deeper look at the ideas shaping today’s most thoughtful homes.
Inside the full report:
• Three defining design directions for 2026
• The 2026 Color Box™ with nine curated, livable paint selections
• Material and sourcing inspiration tied to each theme
• Practical ways to translate these ideas into your own space
For those looking to go beyond inspiration, Bruegger and her team at Dwell Well Design Co. are known for guiding full-home refurnishing and renovation projects—creating spaces that feel layered, personal, and deeply considered.
Download the report or learn more at: www.dwellwelldesignco.com
Jessica Brugger, Owner & Principal Designer
Ladies Leadership
This group represents just some of the women who help guide projects at J.S. Brown & Co. From early conversations through the final walk-through, they bring organization, perspective, and steady leadership to every remodel. They coordinate teams, anticipate the details that matter most, and help homeowners move through decisions with clarity and confidence. It’s a collaborative effort that shapes not only the finished space, but the entire experience, creating homes that work beautifully and projects clients feel good about from beginning to end.
JSBROWNCOMPANY.COM | 614.324.0695
Since 1978, J.S. Brown & Co. has been delivering excellence in remodeling, improving both homes & the lives of our clients. Let us do the same for you.
Back row (left to right): Margie Rife, Monica Lewis, Clare Love, Meredith Young, Samantha Ferris, Front row (left to right): Shannon Weigand, Carly Haughn, Lorien Boyer, Katie Poling
