Kitchen Interior Design That Works Hard and Looks Good: A Houston Interior Photographer’s Take
There’s something really satisfying about photographing a space that not only looks beautiful but functions beautifully too. That was absolutely the case with this kitchen interior design project I photographed for Melissa at Carte Blanche Designs and Finds. From the moment I walked into her Holly Project, I could feel how intentionally every detail had been considered, not just for aesthetics, but for the way the homeowner lives and moves through the space.
As a Houston interior photographer, I’ve seen a lot of beautiful kitchens, but this one? You could feel it was a love letter to real life, to cooking from scratch, baking on the weekends, storing ingredients you actually use, and making your kitchen work for your lifestyle.
Kitchen Interior Design Rooted in Real Life
Melissa’s client is a passionate cook and baker, someone who doesn’t just use their kitchen, but lives in it. And like so many people, she’d reached that “okay this kitchen isn’t working anymore” stage. The lack of storage had become a daily frustration, and while a full renovation might’ve seemed like the obvious route, Melissa had a smarter vision: combine the butler’s pantry, the existing pantry, and the dining storage area to create a single, multi-purpose pantry and prep kitchen.
From a kitchen interior design perspective, it was genius.
As a photographer, what made this especially rewarding to capture was how seamlessly Melissa wove function into every visual detail. The new layout flows beautifully, and I loved being able to photograph the layers of materials, light, and purpose within a space that now truly serves the client’s daily routine.
Photographing the Details That Matter
One thing I loved about this shoot was how much creative freedom Melissa had in the design process. She wasn’t working from a rigid template, she was making bold, intentional choices to customize the space for her client’s needs and style. That kind of creative trust always shows up in the final images. The cabinetry was tailored down to the inch, the finishes felt personal, and the overall look was elevated yet welcoming.
As a Houston interior photographer, my goal isn’t just to document the room, it’s to tell the story of the space and the people behind it. So I paid close attention to the way the light moved across the countertops, how the textures played together, and how the pantry tucked just out of frame served as a secret workhorse (with fun pops of color), behind the polished main kitchen area.
What to Know Before Your Kitchen Interior Design Photoshoot
If you’re a designer planning a kitchen interior design shoot soon, here are a few quick tips I always share:
- Tell me the story. What makes this kitchen special? Is it a space your client uses daily? Did you get custom millwork? Understanding the why behind the design helps me know where to point my lens.
- Prep the space. Clean counters, hide those cords, and fresh florals go a long way. A space can be lived-in and still feel elevated in photos.
- Think about movement. Styling items in a way that shows how someone might use the space (a cookbook open on the counter, bread cooling on a tray) adds warmth and relatability to the final gallery.
Working with designers like Melissa, who trust the process and also understand the long-term value of strong portfolio imagery, makes my job feel like a creative collaboration. And I think that shows in every frame.
The Heart of the Holly Project
Melissa shared with me that one of her favorite parts of working on this project was the ability to customize so much, because her client trusted her vision. That trust, that freedom, is what allowed this kitchen interior design to really shine. It wasn’t just a facelift. It was a thoughtful reimagining of how the space could better support a lifestyle of creativity, nourishment, and joy.
Photographing this kitchen didn’t just mean snapping a few wide shots and moving on. It meant slowing down, noticing the way her client could move about the beautiful space efficiently, with all of her tools beautifully organized or hidden, yet within reach.
I wanted the images to reflect how the lived-in yet elevated the space truly was. Not just for portfolio sake, but for the client who trusted her designer to make her kitchen feel like home again.
Book Your Houston Interior Photographer!
If you’re a designer dreaming of portfolio images that do more than show a finished room, if you want images that feel like your client, that reflect the thought, love, and detail you poured into the work, let’s talk.
As a Houston interior photographer, I work with designers who care deeply about their clients and their craft. I don’t just show up with a camera, I show up to collaborate, to notice the whys behind the thoughtful design, and to translate your hard work into imagery that connects with your future clients.
Contact me here to book your shoot!
Check out more of my work on Pinterest and more blogs below to help you plan your interior photoshoot!
The Power of Merging Interior and Branding Photography
How to Do a Portfolio for Interior Design? A Photographer’s Take on What Really Matters
Ellen! This was beautifully written. Thank you. And I have perfected my sourdough loaves. Come back for a better bread! LMK when you’re available for a visit.
Fondly Cindy Goldblatt