'Design for the life you’re living – not the one you think you “should” be living' – Marie Flanigan knows how to create the most stylish homes that feel as lived-in as they do luxurious

The Layered Lives series is our take on the designer profile, where we have intimate conversations with iconic creatives that go beyond portfolios to reveal the memories, possessions, and passions that shape their aesthetic. Each story is a layered portrait of life as well as design: warm, emotional and human.

You can often pick up on a designer's signature look. Maybe it's a color scheme they stick with, a material they thread through every project, or an aesthetic that's woven into each home. But look at Marie Flanigan's portfolio, and while you'll notice each one is similarly classic and timeless, the common thing they share is not a 'look' but a feeling. All her projects reflect the people who live in them; they are layered and light and elevated, yes, but also laid back and lived in. There's a softness and approachability to her style that's very natural.

It's an interior design style we all want to achieve, but it's a tricky one to get right as it's so dependent on the balance between a space feeling curated, but still packed with personality. Marie's biggest tip? 'Design for the life you’re living, not the one you think you “should” be living. Your home should reflect your story, your rhythms, and your joys. When you start there, beauty naturally follows.'

Here, Homes & Gardens takes a step into Marie's world. In an in-depth interview, we find out more about the designer behind the beautiful rooms, gaining insight into where her love of design began, her key sources of inspiration, how she designed her own dream home, and how her daily family life works within the spaces.

Homes & Gardens: Where did your journey with interior design begin?

I’ve loved the arts for as long as I can remember, and my parents were wonderful about nurturing that creativity. They gave me the liberty to design my own room, which planted the earliest seeds of what would eventually become my career. That freedom to explore color, texture, and space was the beginning of my design story.

Homes & Gardens: Can you describe the first space that shaped your sense of design?

My childhood bedroom was the very first place where I discovered how design could transform a space. My parents let me experiment with paint colors and furniture layouts, even when that meant a bold green-and-black palette at one point. Looking back, it was such a gift to have the freedom to play, make choices, and start to see how a room could reflect personality and creativity.

Homes & Gardens: Is there a specific project you see as a turning point in your career?

One of the most meaningful turning points in my career was working with a client on their home early on, when I was just beginning as a solo designer. Years later, they invited me back to design their second home, this time with my firm behind me. It felt like such a full-circle moment – not only to see how far I had grown as a designer, but also to recognize the evolution of my business and the incredible team that now supports each project.

Homes & Gardens: And when designing your own home, how did it feel different from projects you have worked on with clients? How did you make your own home feel like 'home'?

Home is where I exhale, where lots of life happens, and where I recharge. I have three young children, so it’s really a place that feels comfortable and functional for our needs. When designing my home, I relished in creating spaces that feel warm, safe, and reflective of my family and the way we live.

Homes & Gardens: What was the key inspiration behind your home?

The inspiration came from a desire to blend timeless architecture with layers of lived-in warmth. I wanted spaces that honored craftsmanship and natural materials, but also felt approachable for our kids. My goal was to create a backdrop that would age gracefully and welcome the marks of a family of five with three young (and very active) children.

Homes & Gardens: How would you describe your style and the overall style of your home?

I would describe my style as timeless with a sense of ease. I’m drawn to classic forms, natural textures, and a palette of muted gem tones, but I love the depth that comes from layering in vintage pieces and personal collections. Over time, I’ve really embraced telling a story through design – layering pieces that hold meaning and reflect where a family is in that moment.

Homes & Gardens: Has your home changed as your family has grown and your needs have changed?

We have been in our home for about three years, so I haven’t had to change too much. When I started working on this house, I tried to be very forward-thinking in how my kids' needs would change over the coming years.

Homes & Gardens: How did designing a home with your family in mind impact the decisions you made?

Every decision was made with the idea that our home should support, not compete with, our life. That meant choosing durable finishes, creating storage solutions that kids could actually use, and leaving room for the beautiful chaos of family living. I think one way to have a home feel styled and manageable is to keep decor relatively simple. For example, a curated coffee table, only a few throw pillows on the sofa, very simple bedscape for easy bedmaking.

Homes & Gardens: Which is the space in your home that you relish the most?

Our kitchen will always be my favorite. It’s where life really happens – meals, homework, and it has the best natural light. The kitchen opens up to our living room, so we are always oscillating between those two spaces.

We love hosting, and the kitchen is always the gathering place. From there, guests spill into the dining room or out into our backyard area. I like creating flow between spaces so people can move easily and feel at home. All of these areas are connected, so it really makes casual hosting fun and engaging as everyone is in close proximity with space to move around.

Homes & Gardens: Have your favorite spaces changed over time at all, the longer you have lived in your home?

I'm still drawn to each space for different reasons, but one space that we really gravitate toward is our second-floor landing. We have a large, cozy sectional in that space, anchored by our only television, so when we head up there, it’s usually to curl up for a movie and enjoy some unhurried family time on the weekend.

Homes & Gardens: What are your favorite rituals within your home?

I’m an early bird, so I’m often up before everyone else and try to squeeze in a workout followed by a devotional. Then, I’ll look over my calendar for the day and check emails. Once the kids are up, we’re eating breakfast, getting dressed, and heading out the door. My husband and I are very protective of family dinners, so we always gather around the dinner table, and I light a few candles to make that time feel special. Then, usually after the kids go to bed, my husband and I make tea and use that time to wind down from the day.

Homes & Gardens: Do you have a favorite memory linked with your home?

I’ve really loved hosting holidays in my home. I come from a very large family and it’s been so fun to have them come spend Thanksgiving or Christmas with us. We congregate in the living room and with so many musicians in my family, including my son, someone is always strumming on a guitar. I love creating a warm and welcoming ambiance for all to enjoy. It’s the moments that we really get to slow down and enjoy that mean so much.

Homes & Gardens: What are your key tips for designing a home that feels timeless, on trend, and also personal?

I start with a foundation of classic elements – architectural details, quality materials – that will never go out of style. Then I layer in antiques, personal pieces and smaller accents. The goal is to create a space that feels like it belongs to you, not to a moment in time. For example, I personally love to collect beautiful invitations. There have been some incredible invites over the years, so I’ve had them framed and placed them around my house like art.

Homes & Gardens: Outside of interiors, what fuels your creativity?

Nature is always my greatest source of inspiration, but travel and product design also push me creatively. Whether I’m sketching new lighting pieces or exploring the textures of a rug collection, those outlets give me space to imagine and create in new ways.

Homes & Gardens: Finally, have you ever made a design mistake that taught you something essential?

Absolutely. Early in my career, I learned how critical it is to partner with the right tradespeople and artisans. Design is only as strong as the team that helps bring it to life, and developing trusting relationships with those who execute the vision and detail makes all the difference. That lesson shaped the way I approach every project today.