Choosing Hardware Built to Last

When refreshing a high-traffic area like the kitchen, the hardware you choose matters. For Marvena, the difference was immediate after switching to black iron pulls and cabinet knobs.

"Honestly, the quality feels noticeably better than other hardware I’ve used," Marvena shares. "A lot of the cheaper ones I’ve tried in the past felt lightweight, scratched easily, and just didn’t hold up over time. These are solid cast iron, so they have a nice weight to them, feel much more durable, and the finish looks and holds up way more high-end."

Designing for Family and Function

Beyond the visual impact, a kitchen has to perform. With a busy household, practical design isn't optional; it’s the foundation. "I always prioritize how the space will function with kids," says Marvena. "If it’s not practical for everyday life, it doesn’t work for us. Home means my family: my husband and my two boys. They’re what make everything feel complete."

While the kitchen is the hub of family activity, Marvena looks to another corner of the house when it's time to slow down. "My favorite room is probably my bedroom. It’s the one space I’ve really created to feel calm and peaceful, somewhere I can unwind at the end of the day and just reset."

Capturing Life’s Authentic Moments

Marvena’s eye for authentic, lived-in beauty extends far beyond her interior design choices. It’s the core of her career.

"I started photography after my first son was born, when I realized just how fast time flies and how easy it is for the little moments to slip by," she explains. "I fell in love with the idea that photos can hold onto those real, authentic memories. From there, I slowly stepped into social media to share that passion, capturing everyday moments and creating content that reflects the same feeling of storytelling and authenticity."

This appreciation for storytelling influences her view on upcoming home design trends. "I’m really drawn to the shift toward warmth, texture, and individuality in home design, and spaces that feel collected, personal, and designed for real life, not just how they look."

Lessons from the DIY Journey

Renovating and updating a home is a learning process as you go. When asked about her top three indispensable tools for home improvement, Marvena keeps it wonderfully real: "Honestly… my husband, a good drill, and a level. Those three get just about everything done." Over years of tackling home projects, her perspective on the process has evolved into one of patience and intention.

"The biggest lesson I’ve learned is to take my time," Marvena says. "It’s easy to get caught up in wanting things done quickly, but rushing usually means missing small details or having to redo things later. When I slow down and really think things through, I always end up happier with the result."

For those just beginning their own home renovation or DIY journey, she offers some encouraging words: "Trust the process. Home projects rarely come together overnight, and things often look messy or unfinished before they come together beautifully. If you stay patient and keep going step by step, it always works out better than you expect."

And where does she go to learn those new skills? "Honestly, it’s a sophisticated mix of YouTube tutorials, Pinterest boards I’ll probably never revisit, and good old-fashioned trial and error. I watch how the pros do it, save way too many inspiration pics, and then just hope for the best when I try it myself."

Thank you to Marvena for sharing her home, her insights, and her beautiful kitchen refresh with us! To see more of her inspiring work and everyday moments, follow her on Instagram.

Looking to add durable contrast to your own space? Explore our collection of black cabinet hardware.