Messy Designed Life

In Part 2 of Making Space for Who You're Becoming , Laura and I continue our deep dive into the power of intentional design—and this time, we’re talking about the real magic that happens when you claim your space. When you fully own your environment and align it with who you want to become, you open up new possibilities in every area of your life. We explore how making bold design choices can...

What if your space could help you become the person you want to be? In our latest two-part episode of Messy Designed Life, I sit down with my amazing friend and design client, Laura Nelson, to explore how intentional design isn’t just about making a room look great—it’s about shaping your future self. We dive into how creating a home that reflects the emotions and energy you want can help you get...

If you’ve ever felt the pressure to “be beautiful,” this episode might just change the way you think about it—and about yourself.   In the latest Messy Designed Life episode, we’re diving into the idea of beauty—not just as something we see, but as something we experience. What if we redefine beauty as a verb? We talk about how beauty impacts us deeply, not just in how we look but in how we feel a...

This week, we delve into the fascinating world of trends and uncover how they are usually viewed in a limiting way but when we harness their true power (go-go gadget arms!) they can be useful tools to discover what you may be craving AND what you’ve had enough of.  Why trends go way beyond middle school  How trends can reveal what we truly want in our lives  How to incorporate trends in a way that...

LINKS+REFERENCES: Krista Tippett Podcast On Being Rilke quote Renia Jaz IG @venswifestyle We Can Do Hard Things Podcast Lyn Slater IG @iconaccidental Elizabeth Gilbert Letters from Love

Does growing older have to be a bad thing? What happens when we question the societal story that we become less as we age? Can we get curious about what is actually exciting about the passage of time? Join MDL for a conversation about aging and how it can be a different experience than we were led to believe if we can learn to change our perspective and rewrite our assumptions.

Ever wonder if life holds a secret unlocked by age 42? I share my expectations of turning 42 versus the reality. But what if 42 is just the beginning? Ditch the pressure of having it all figured out! Join me for a fresh take on growth, embracing life's messy journey, and the questions that fuel us. Tune in to discover: Expectations vs. Reality at 42: My youthful visions of life at 42 and the...

Saying no to EDM, and leaning into JOMO with lentils, Pilates and disco. Aging joyfully and more - Hold on, hold on, we hear you. Fun can feel a little messy, right? Like, what even is "fun" anymore? Is it about keeping up with the latest trends, forcing yourself to those crowded bars, or feeling that constant FOMO (fear of missing out)? This episode, we continue flipping the script on f...

Today's Episode 4 discussion with my dear friend Amanda Ryder is a delightful exploration of the distinction between "Being Fun" and "Having Fun." It all started during a happy hour conversation where we realized the profound difference between these two concepts and just had to share it with you all.  We talk about: Being Fun vs. Having Fun The difference between projecti...

Join me on Messy Designed Life as we uncover the truth behind our pursuit of perfection. In this episode, we explore the three hidden desires driving our quest for flawlessness and discover why embracing imperfection is the key to true fulfillment. From the saga of my marble countertops to the timeless wisdom of The Velveteen Rabbit, we'll delve into the beauty of being real. Plus, I'll...

In this episode of Mandy Designed Life, we explore the profound connection between space and self, emphasizing that design isn't just a luxury but a vital aspect of creating a fulfilling life. Through personal anecdotes and insightful analogies, we uncover how our surroundings shape our identity and well-being. From blending history with modernity to empowering ourselves to design spaces that...

This is not your grandma's design podcast! Welcome to the premiere of "Messy Designed Life". I'm Mandy Straight, your host, and in our debut episode, we're diving deep into the art of intentional living. Join me as we explore the intersection of design, self-discovery, and authenticity. We'll discuss the power of intentional design in shaping our lives and surrounding...

Design is not just about choosing a pretty lamp. It's a tool that can help you create a happier, healthier, more beautiful life experience. As an interior designer, neuroplasticity coach and all-around life nerd I get so excited about the philosophy of living and how we do it in the best way possible. Episodes drop Every 1st and 3rd Thursdays to explore all that is this Messy. Designed. Life....