layered, personal, and deeply connected
by Carie McMichael | photos by Nolan Calisch
Move over, minimalism—the sterile and uncluttered white and greige expanses of the last decade are fading from Instagram feeds and are being replaced with layered, curated spaces that marry functionality with personality: Welcome to modern maximalism, elevating design from baseline utility to visual storytelling.
For years minimalism defined the conversation around interiors; clean lines, neutral palettes, and simplicity at every turn. While that foundation still holds value, today’s spaces are evolving into something more nuanced: interiors that feel layered, personal, and deeply connected to how people live.
At Dani Kohl Interiors, this shift isn’t about following trends, it’s about refining them. “Design isn’t all about appearance. It’s about how a space functions, flows, and feels on a daily basis,” says founder Dani Kohl. “How materials come together. The layering, the contrast, the small details all turn a soft palette into something truly elevated—depth, personality, and a stronger sense of story.”
On one of Kohl’s recent remodels, the goal was to create a home that balanced beauty with the realities of everyday life for a family of five. Improving flow, maximizing storage, and designing a kitchen that could function as both a gathering space and a central hub became key priorities.
The solution required a bold move: reimagining the layout entirely. By swapping the kitchen and living areas, the space was transformed into a more natural, functional environment that feels intuitive and open. “It’s about finding the right balance,” Kohl explains. “The goal is for the existing architecture and the new design to feel naturally aligned, clear, intentional, and cohesive.”
One of the greatest challenges was a load-bearing wall that once divided the space. Demolishing it allowed the home to breathe, creating open space for longer sightlines and a stronger connection between each area. A structural beam was installed for support, while original elements like the skylight and white plank ceiling were preserved for continuity.
The windows and sliding glass door to the backyard were enlarged to bring in natural light and strengthen the connection to the outdoors. The result is a space that feels expansive, yet grounded. Light, scale, and proportion working together to define the experience.
“My belief is that design should feel intentional, elevated, and deeply connected to how people live,” Kohl says. “It’s about creating spaces that are both beautiful and meaningful, where every detail has a purpose.”
Materials were also carefully selected to highlight the character of the space: a melting pot of warm woods, quartz stone, metal accents, and curated furniture were layered to create depth. Everything was selected to feel timeless, tactile and layered without being overwhelming.
While white is the backdrop of the remodel, the starring role actually belongs to the thoughtfully curated cast of objects and decor that give the space a chic but sophisticated look, like a set for a New York City–based drama. Furnishings are intentional. The ample shelving space houses articles and mementos from the homeowner’s overseas travels and Brazilian familial roots. Live plants bring the outside indoors, along with texture, movement, and a sense of life that truly completes a space.
“We approached it as the final layer of storytelling,” Kohl says. “Each piece was selected to complement the architecture and reinforce the overall concept: refined simplicity. Clean architectural lines, thoughtful materiality, and a restrained palette that allows each element to stand out. It’s about creating impact through balance rather than excess.”
Sometimes the most impactful designs come from knowing when to hold back, and letting the materials speak for themselves. Careful layering of history, personality, and craft—the result is a space that is rich, intentional, and entirely its own. It’s the kind of outside-the-box thinking that creates a tableau without compromising identity.
