Design Inspiration from Texas

I went to Texas recently and spent a week at a ranch there. It was not a design trip, just a chance to step away, but the landscape, the materials, and the quiet rhythm of the place stayed with me. There was a refreshing simplicity to it all. Nothing felt overworked, yet everything had a presence and a sense of purpose.

The wide open sky, the weathered wood, the raw stone all reminded me that design does not have to be complex to be powerful. Sometimes the most impactful spaces are the ones that leave room to breathe, where every element has space to be noticed.

Since returning, I have noticed that influence in my work. I have been drawn to cleaner lines, softer earth tones, and layouts that feel more grounded. Less noise, more intention. Letting the materials speak for themselves. Allowing the space to hold its own energy without forcing it.

The interiors at the ranch reinforced this for me. The soaring ceilings paired with rough stone and exposed beams created a sense of scale, while layers of leather, woven blankets, and textured fabrics pulled the space back into warmth and intimacy. Even the dining hall, with its long wood table and wicker-wrapped chairs, told a story of connection. It reminded me how furniture, finishes, and layout choices can foster a rhythm of gathering and belonging, not just function.

Back in my own projects, I find myself pausing more to consider what can be left out, not only what should be added. A healthcare space, for example, does not always need bold patterns or a long list of features to feel supportive. Sometimes it needs natural light, honest materials, and a plan that gives people space to breathe. A senior living project can feel comforting through the softness of fabrics, the warmth of wood, and a layout that encourages both solitude and connection.

What struck me most is how the environment itself shaped the way I felt, calm, open, and unhurried. That experience reminded me that design is not just about what we see, but about how a space makes us feel. The Texas ranch reminded me to slow down, to value restraint, and to let authenticity guide the work.

It was a good reminder that inspiration can come from anywhere, especially when you are not looking for it. And often the best design lessons come from stepping away, paying attention, and letting a place speak.

At The Designers Group, we carry that same belief into everything we do. Our philosophy of designing with purpose, creating a better world, is about more than aesthetics. It is about creating spaces that support people and leave a lasting impact.

-Blima