A couple of years ago, I had the honor of speaking with a group of student-athletes who are exploring careers in interior design. As an alumni athlete from San Diego State University, it was incredibly meaningful to return to that community. Not just to share my story as the founder and principal designer of Milana Designs Inc., but to help guide others who are standing where I once stood: full of ambition, energy, and curiosity about the future.

What struck me during our conversation was how thoughtful their questions were—not just about how to break into the design world, but about the deeper purpose of the work itself. They asked things like: Why is interior design important? How does interior design affect mental health? How does it affect mood? And one of my favorites: How do I figure out what interior design style I am? These weren’t surface-level questions. They came from a

genuine interest in the emotional and psychological impact of space. Something I believe is at the very heart of great design.

So, to those students, and to anyone else wondering why interior design matters. Here’s what I’ve learned: Interior design is so much more than making things look good. Yes, aesthetics are important, and who doesn’t love a gorgeous space? but true design goes deeper. It’s about creating environments that support how we live, how we move, and most importantly, how we feel.

We spend most of our lives indoors. The colors on our walls, the textures we touch, the way a room flows. All of it shapes our experience, even when we’re not fully aware of it. I’ve worked with clients who couldn’t quite articulate why their home didn’t feel right until we looked at the lighting, the layout, or the lack of cohesion in the space. These subtle details were affecting their stress levels, sleep, productivity, and even their

relationships.

That’s why interior design matters. It matters because your environment shapes your energy. It impacts your creativity, your relationships, and your ability to unwind. When your space is designed with intention, everything else begins to flow more naturally. And for me, that’s the goal: to help my clients not only live better but feel better.

I’ve always believed that design should reflect the person who lives in the space, not the pages of a magazine. One of the most common things I hear is, “I don’t know what my style is,” or “What interior design style am I?” And I always say: don’t worry about naming it. Let’s figure out what feels right for you.

You might love the calm of Scandinavian simplicity or the romance of French countryside charm. You might feel most at peace surrounded by natural materials and earth tones. Or maybe you light up around bold color and playful patterns. We discover your style through your stories, your memories, your rituals. It’s not about picking a “look”, it’s about translating your lifestyle into a physical space. The most powerful designs are personal.

So when those student athletes asked me why interior design is important, I told them plainly: because it directly impacts your mental health, your mood, and your sense of peace. It’s not just about style, it’s about well-being.

A well-designed space can soothe your nervous system, spark your creativity, and help you feel grounded. That’s why I always say: interior design isn’t a luxury. It’s a form of self-care.

That’s what we do at Milana Designs Inc. Whether I’m working with a young family building their forever home or someone creating a peaceful retreat for a new season of life, the goal is always the same: To design spaces that reflect who you are and support how you want to live. Design has the power to transform, not just spaces, but people. And for those student-athletes, who are learning how to trust their instincts and channel their discipline into a creative path, I hope our conversation was a reminder that design is as much about empathy and intuition as it is about aesthetics.

Interior design matters because you matter. Your space should reflect your story, your spirit, and your sense of purpose. That’s the kind of work I’m proud to do, and the kind of designer I hope to inspire others to become.

With warmth,

Milana Bahbout

Founder & Principal Designer