Carmeon Hamilton: Designing for Healing, Joy, and Real Life
Curating vibrant, functional rooms encourages wellbeing and authentic self-expression.
In this in-depth conversation with interior designer Carmeon Hamilton, we explore her distinctive approach to design, tracing her personal journey, her guiding principles, and her actionable tips for cultivating both beauty and healing in your home. The episode, part of The Better Buy podcast, reveals how Carmeon’s background, outlook, and work empower people to shape their spaces intentionally—making them reflections of identity and sources of wellbeing.
Meet Carmeon Hamilton
Carmeon Hamilton is a Memphis-based interior designer and self-proclaimed ‘environmental curator.’ From her early days in retail merchandising and healthcare design to becoming HGTV’s Design Star: Next Gen winner, Carmeon’s story is one of transformation—both for her clients and herself.
- Design Philosopher: Carmeon views interior design as fundamentally about improving lives, not just beautifying rooms.
- Healing Advocate: She believes well-designed spaces can literally help people heal, finding parallels between her time in healthcare environments and home interiors.
- Empowerment Mission: Carmeon champions the idea that anyone can create a joyful, functional, and beautiful space regardless of budget or homeownership status.
From Healthcare to Home: Carmeon’s Journey
The journey to becoming an interior designer was not a direct one:
- Early Aspirations: Carmeon originally studied physical therapy in college before switching to interior design—a choice sparked by her own dorm room transformation and encouragement from friends.
- Construction Roots: Her early career in construction and retail merchandising gave her a technical foundation and unique insight into how spaces are built, organized, and experienced.
- Healthcare Influence: Working in healthcare design solidified Carmeon’s belief that physical environments deeply affect emotional and psychological well-being, especially in settings meant for healing.
Design as Healing: Carmeon’s Core Philosophy
One of the most powerful themes in Carmeon’s work is the role of design in creating spaces where people feel safe, inspired, and whole.
- Joy as a Design Goal: For Carmeon, joy is not just a byproduct; it is the main objective. She intentionally designs spaces with colors, textures, and arrangements that evoke happiness and calm.
- Identity and Authenticity: She encourages homeowners and renters alike to shape their environments to reflect their personal stories, cultures, and tastes—instead of chasing trends or the latest influencer looks.
- Physical & Emotional Transformation: Whether refreshing an outdated bathroom or curating a whole home makeover, Carmeon’s approach is about transforming lives through transforming spaces.
The Principles That Guide Carmeon’s Designs
Throughout the podcast, Carmeon outlines principles that shape her distinctive style and process. Here’s how she thinks about creating truly healing homes:
- Listen First: She always begins by listening and observing—whether her own family’s rhythms or a client’s frustrations, needs, and aspirations.
- Function Over Perfection: Design must fit real life. For Carmeon, function and comfort always outweigh picture-perfect aesthetics.
- Celebrate Imperfection: Life (and homes) are lived-in. Embracing imperfect spaces is part of her philosophy.
- Layering for Depth: Carmeon uses a layering method—adding pieces over time and across budgets for character and depth.
- Bring in Nature: Plants and organic elements are central in her designs—not just for looks, but for their mood-boosting power.
Her Five-Step Approach to Transforming a Space
- Define the Purpose: Who uses this space? What activities happen here?
- Identify Challenges: List pain points—awkward layouts, poor light, clutter, or underused zones.
- Prioritize Solutions: Pick the changes that will make the most noticeable improvement.
- Personalize: Add artwork, mementos, or colors that represent the inhabitants.
- Finish with Greenery: Place living plants for freshness and vitality.
Real-Life Design: Finding the Joy in Every Day Spaces
Carmeon is passionate about helping listeners recognize the transformative potential in everyday spaces. Her advice is practical, actionable, and always rooted in authenticity:
- Renter-Friendly Solutions: Peel-and-stick wallpaper, removable shelves, portable furniture—Carmeon specializes in upgrades that don’t require permanent changes.
- Budget Consciousness: She believes home improvement should be accessible—utilizing thrift stores, DIY, and incremental purchases.
- Double Duty Pieces: Furniture and decor should adapt and serve multiple purposes (e.g., ottomans with storage, kitchen islands on wheels).
- Accent Walls Done Right: Bold paint and wallpaper are encouraged, but she warns listeners to commit fully if they choose to accent a wall—half-measures can look unfinished.
Plant Power: Easy Ways to Add Life to Any Room
Plants are a recurring theme in Carmeon’s interiors. She believes anyone—even complete beginners—can enjoy their positive impact:
- Start Simple: Choose hardy varieties like snake plants or pothos; they thrive in diverse light and are forgiving to new plant parents.
- Right Containers Matter: Select planters with drainage holes to promote root health and prevent overwatering.
- Shop Local (and Grocery): Don’t overlook grocery store floral sections or farmers’ markets for hidden gems and affordable choices.
- Green Therapy: Carmeon argues that tending plants, even in small ways, deepens our connection with nature and can be truly therapeutic.
Designing for Family and Work: Blending Life’s Roles
Balancing multiple roles within the home—parent, partner, even co-worker—requires thoughtful design that adapts:
- Flexible Layouts: Carmeon employs furniture and finishes that move with life’s needs, from playtime to work-from-home scenarios.
- Vision Compromise: She recommends active collaboration among family members—everyone’s needs and tastes should be considered.
- Zones and Boundaries: Establishing clear zones (reading nooks, kid corners, workstations) helps maximize functionality and minimize stress.
Bathroom Makeovers: Maximizing Space and Style
Even the smallest spaces deserve smart solutions. One of Carmeon’s favorite bathroom hacks is increasing counter space and managing clutter:
- Creative Storage: Use attractive trays or floating shelves for toiletries, keeping surfaces tidy but accessible.
- Mirror and Lighting: Upgrading mirrors or adjusting lighting can make a bathroom feel much more expansive and inviting.
- Personal Touches: Bathrooms should include color, art, or small plants for an instant uplift.
Decorating Dilemmas: Solutions for Tricky Spaces
Listeners often share their unique decorating problems. Here’s one scenario discussed, with Carmeon’s advice:
| Challenge | Carmeon’s Solution |
|---|---|
| Open loft/office with built-in desk, minimal lighting, awkward walls |
|
Making Home for Yourself: Ownership, Renting, & Joy
Carmeon emphasizes that joy, comfort, and beauty in your home are available to everyone—renters and owners alike. Her most important advice?
- Empowerment: Don’t wait for the “perfect” home or a big budget—small, intentional changes can transform your space and your life.
- Define Home on Your Terms: Focus less on comparisons; create a sanctuary that uniquely suits you.
- Celebrate Progress: Every change, however incremental, is a step toward a more fulfilling environment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is Carmeon Hamilton’s signature design style?
A: Her style blends modern elements, rich textures, bold colors, and distinctive artwork—always personalized to reflect the occupants.
Q: Can I apply Carmeon’s tips if I rent my home?
A: Yes, she specializes in renter-friendly ideas such as removable wallpaper, flexible furniture, and accessories that add impact without permanent change.
Q: How do I choose the right plants for my space?
A: Start with hardy varieties and research the light and water needs for each spot. Carmeon recommends snake plants, pothos, and ZZ plants as beginner-friendly choices.
Q: What if my family’s tastes are totally different—how do we design together?
A: Carmeon suggests collaborative vision boards, open conversations about needs, and compromising on shared spaces while personalizing private zones.
Q: What’s the easiest change I can make for instant joy?
A: Add greenery—even a single plant—or refresh with a bright new pillow or art piece that makes you smile.
Key Takeaways for Transforming Your Space
- Design is for Every Life: Whether you own, rent, or just moved in, you can shape your environment for greater happiness and healing.
- Start Small: Big transformations can begin with a single corner or a single plant.
- Stay True to You: The most powerful design emerges from your authentic story and daily needs, not from fleeting trends.
- Function Is Fundamental: Comfort and usability create spaces people want to stay in—and that fuel ongoing joy.
Connect With Carmeon Hamilton
Carmeon’s philosophy and warmth invite everyone—whether seasoned renovators or first-time decorators—to experience healing, creativity, and self-expression in home design. To explore more, find her online or stream further episodes of The Better Buy podcast for more in-depth advice.
References
- https://www.ballarddesigns.com/howtodecorate/2020/08/podcast-carmeon-hamilton/
- https://www.iheart.com/podcast/269-the-better-buy-98153979/
- https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/carmeon-hamilton-follow-the-principles-of-design/id1628904301?i=1000571311487
- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiilV8nCCfo
- https://carmeonhamilton.com/blog/reno-my-rental-a-closer-look-at-episode-5
- https://static.onecms.io/wp-content/uploads/pdfs/sites/37/2022/07/27/the-better-buy-episode-5-carmeon-hamilton-transcript.pdf
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