In an era dominated by mass-produced furniture and algorithm-driven design trends, one interior designer stands firmly against the tide of sameness that has swept through the industry. While countless homes across America now feature identical pieces from major retailers and Instagram-inspired aesthetics, a different philosophy is taking root—one that champions authenticity, craftsmanship, and the deeply personal nature of living spaces.
The modern interior design landscape has become increasingly homogenized. Walk into homes across different cities, and you’ll often encounter the same neutral palettes, the same trending furniture pieces, and the same safe choices that prioritize viral appeal over individual expression. This phenomenon, which some industry insiders have dubbed “fast-food design,” treats interior spaces as commodities rather than canvases for personal storytelling.
A Different Approach to Design
Debby Gomulka has spent over two decades building a career on the opposite principle. Her approach begins not with trending Pinterest boards or catalog pages, but with deep conversations about her clients’ lives, travels, and memories. This process of discovery informs every decision, from architectural elements to the smallest decorative details.
The difference is immediately apparent in the finished spaces. Rather than following predetermined formulas or relying on mass-market solutions, each project reflects the unique story of its inhabitants. A homeowner’s childhood trip to Morocco might inspire a color palette. A collection of vintage textiles could become the foundation for an entire room’s aesthetic. Family heirlooms are integrated seamlessly with contemporary pieces, creating layers of meaning that transcend mere decoration.
The Rise of Mass-Market Design
To understand the significance of this philosophy, it’s worth examining how the design industry arrived at its current state. The past decade has seen an explosion of accessible home goods retailers, from online giants offering next-day delivery to subscription services that ship furniture directly to consumers. While this democratization of design has made stylish interiors more achievable for many people, it has also created an unexpected consequence: a landscape where individuality has been sacrificed for convenience.
Social media platforms have amplified this trend. Instagram and Pinterest, while valuable sources of inspiration, have created echo chambers where certain aesthetics dominate. The algorithm rewards what’s already popular, creating a feedback loop that pushes users toward increasingly similar choices. The result is a generation of homes that photograph beautifully but lack soul.
Craftsmanship Over Convenience
The counter-movement gaining momentum emphasizes quality over quantity and story over trend. This philosophy draws inspiration from historical periods when design was inherently artisanal—when skilled craftspeople created unique pieces and architects approached each project as an opportunity for innovation rather than replication.
Consider the materials used in historic homes: hand-carved moldings, custom ironwork, plaster details that required weeks of skilled labor. These elements weren’t simply decorative; they were expressions of craftsmanship that elevated everyday living spaces into works of art. Modern manufacturing has made it possible to replicate these looks quickly and cheaply, but something essential is lost in the translation.
Working with artisans and craftspeople brings back this lost dimension. A custom dining table created by a local woodworker carries the marks of its maker. Hand-painted tiles tell a different story than their mass-produced counterparts. These choices require more time, more budget consideration, and more intentional planning—but they result in spaces with genuine character.
The Personal Interview Process
One distinctive approach involves beginning each project with extensive conversations that go far beyond typical client consultations. Questions about travel experiences, favorite colors, and even fashion choices help build a comprehensive understanding of how clients live and what brings them joy.
This information becomes the foundation for design decisions. A client who lights up when discussing their honeymoon in Tuscany might see those warm Italian tones reflected in their living room. Someone who gravitates toward structured, classic clothing might find that sensibility echoed in their home’s architectural details. These connections create coherence between personal style and living environment.
Sustainable Luxury
The rejection of fast-food design also aligns with broader sustainability concerns. Eco-luxury approaches recognize that preserving and repurposing existing materials often creates more environmentally responsible outcomes than purchasing new items, even if those new items claim sustainable credentials.
Historic preservation exemplifies this principle. Restoring original architectural features, refinishing vintage furniture, and incorporating reclaimed materials reduce waste while honoring the past. A carefully restored historic home can achieve both environmental and aesthetic goals simultaneously.
The International Movement
This philosophy extends beyond individual practices to represent a growing international movement. Organizations advocating for authentic design bring together professionals who share these values, creating networks that support craftspeople, educate consumers, and push back against the homogenization of living spaces.
These groups emphasize that quality design need not be prohibitively expensive. Rather, it requires rethinking priorities: investing in fewer, better pieces rather than filling spaces with disposable items; working with local artisans who offer competitive pricing; and approaching design as a long-term investment rather than a quick makeover.
Creating Meaningful Spaces
Ultimately, the case against fast-food design rests on a simple premise: our homes should reflect who we are, not who an algorithm thinks we should be. They should tell our stories, accommodate our lives, and evolve with us over time. This requires patience, intentionality, and a willingness to resist the pressure toward conformity.
The spaces we inhabit profoundly affect our daily lives. A home designed with care and personal meaning provides more than shelter—it offers sanctuary, inspiration, and a tangible connection to what matters most. In a world of increasing sameness, choosing authenticity becomes an act of creative resistance, one thoughtfully designed room at a time.