Pamela
As we welcome the new year, I’ve been reflecting on what matters both personally and professionally.
Family First
As I’ve mentioned before, spending time with my aging parents is one of my top priorities. Keeping them happy and healthy—and simply being present—is important to me. I also want to make more time to visit relatives who live in other areas. At this point in my life, I don’t like to go too long without seeing family.
Meaningful Work
I’m also looking forward to continuing the fulfilling, creative work we do for our clients at Pamela Hope Designs. We have several exciting new projects on the horizon—a beautiful second home in Santa Fe and two charming updates and decorating projects in the Heights.
We’ll also be completing some of our larger undertakings: finishing the outdoor furnishings for our fabulous renovation along the Heights Hike and Bike Trail, putting the final touches on a barndominium that sleeps eighteen, and continuing the elegant upgrades in a French country home in Tanglewood. Maintaining our professional excellence and design prowess definitely tops my list of resolutions.
A Designer’s Dilemma—The Notes!
Another goal for the year: neater notes. I often take copious notes at job sites, and like many of you, my penmanship is not what it once was. Picture this—no electricity, no Wi-Fi, no HVAC, a heavy bag of samples over one shoulder, a laptop in one hand, and a notepad balanced precariously somewhere in between—all while fielding questions from clients and contractors. It’s no wonder some notes are illegible or end mid-sentence! This year, I’ll try to slow down, take a pause when needed, and maybe—just maybe—clean up my handwriting.
Home Sweet (and Well-Lit) Home
On the personal front, I plan to address electrical and lighting issues in my home. Keeping up with home maintenance can be a chore, but my to-do list has grown long enough that it’s time to act. Let there be light!
Strength in Routine
I don’t usually include fitness as a resolution since it’s already part of my routine, but I do need to focus more on strength training. Lifting weights has never been my favorite, but I’ve met with a trainer and plan to commit to three sessions a week. I’m hoping that with a few routines memorized, it will feel more natural—and maybe even enjoyable.
All in all, the year ahead looks full, fun, and fulfilling—just the way I like it.
Danna
A Clear View Ahead: My New Year’s Resolution through a Fresh Windshield
As I sit down to reflect on the past year and dream about the one ahead, I keep coming back to the idea of clarity—clarity in my schedule, clarity in my intentions, and yes… clarity in my windshield. It may not be the most glamorous resolution, but after the adventures I’ve had driving around Houston this year, it feels both fitting and essential.
You see, I treated myself to a new car early this spring. It felt like such a celebratory moment—a fresh start, smooth leather seats, that lovely “new car” aroma, and the joy of something truly mine to zip around town in. I imagined myself driving from client meetings to showrooms to job sites with a sense of ease and maybe even a bit of style.
But Houston had other plans.
Anyone who lives here knows that driving around the Bayou City sometimes feels like participating in a high-stakes obstacle course. Between the ever-evolving construction zones, spontaneous lane closures, and the sudden appearance of orange cones that seem to multiply overnight, there is never a dull moment on our roadways. Add to that the confident drivers who weave across three lanes at a time, and the gravel trucks that fling little “gifts” at passing windshields, and you can quickly see how my brand-new car ended up looking… well, not so brand-new.
What started as a tiny chip became a small crack. The small crack became an artistic arc extending across my field of vision. And now, if you catch the light just right, my windshield looks like it’s trying to audition for a modern art exhibition. As much as I appreciate creativity, I prefer my glass flawless—whether it’s on a cabinet door, a powder room mirror, or the front of my beautiful new SUV.
So, this year, one of my New Year’s resolutions is wonderfully simple: replace my windshield and give myself a crystal-clear view going into 2026. It’s symbolic, of course—fresh clarity, clean lines, and a renewed perspective. But it’s also extremely practical. With the amount of time I spend in my car visiting clients, vendors, builders, and showrooms, I deserve a windshield that doesn’t make me feel like I’m peering through a kaleidoscope.
And while I can’t promise that Houston traffic will magically become more civilized in the new year, I can promise myself that I’ll approach it with patience, humor, and—fingers crossed—a pristine sheet of glass leading the way.
Here’s to clear roads, smooth travels, and a beautifully unobstructed year ahead. Cheers to 2026!
Natasha
Can you believe we’re already counting down the final days of 2025? What a year it has been. Through all its highs and challenges, I’m grateful—and I’m hopeful for what the new year will bring. As I look ahead, here are a few things I’ve been reflecting on and hoping to accomplish in 2026.
Keeping Up with the Family!
Balancing family life with a full-time job can be challenging. Family is incredibly important to me, and one of my goals is to manage my time more intentionally so that when I come home after a long day, I can truly be present. I want to spend my evenings making dinner, doing physical and creative activities with my husband Jonathan and daughter Valerie such as bike riding or playing soccer, and enjoying fun family nights together playing board games or singing our favorite songs. I’m looking forward to taking a camping trip or enjoying a peaceful beach day—a chance for my family and me to slow down, embrace nature, and appreciate its beauty together.
I believe that a thriving family comes from intentionally creating moments of joy and connection—and I’m committed to nurturing that in the year ahead.
Growing in Intelligence
My time at Pamela Hope Designs has taught me an incredible range of ideas, skills, and lessons that I know will continue to shape me as a designer. I’m truly grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given—each one has contributed to my growth and confidence. My goal for next year is simple yet powerful: GROWTH. Growth in who I am, in the work I create, and in the skills I continue to develop.
At Houston Community College, my exposure to design technology was at its peak. Running the office does require some technical design skills but it’s not the same as drawing floor plans all day long. I’m determined to build them back stronger and plan to pursue additional training in AutoCAD, Revit, and 3DS Max so I can work toward becoming a certified CAD drafter and deepen my understanding of multiple areas of design. Plus, I genuinely enjoy the learning process. I look forward to practicing these technical skills that help support the PHD design process.
Enjoy the Little Things
While life isn’t always easy, I’ve learned recently just how important it is to appreciate the little things. Not every day will be a walk in the park—life isn’t meant to be that simple—and that’s okay. In the new year, my goal is to embrace every small moment, whether it’s a win or a loss, a laugh or a tear. Another day of life is a gift, and I plan to make the most of each one.
We are off to our new design project.
Fondly,
Pamela Hope Designs
MEET PAMELA, A LUXURY INTERIOR DESIGNER IN HOUSTON
Pamela O’Brien is the founder of Pamela Hope Designs in Houston, Texas. Pamela is an award-winning luxury interior designer, writer, and speaker. Prior to founding Pamela Hope Designs, Pamela served as a spokesperson in media and public affairs, working with media outlets like Dateline NBC and 48 Hours. This experience allowed her to travel the world and furthered her love for travel, culture, and interior design. After attending an executive course at the Harvard Graduate School of Design, Pamela launched her own interior design firm full-time. Pamela is known for building strong relationships with her clients, who later become friends and collaborators. She is highly influential in the Houston interior design space and shows no signs of slowing down.
