For interior designer Madison Bell, home is a living, breathing extension of how life inside it unfolds. As the founder of design studio Desa Bell, she's focused on creating spaces that feel grounded, tactile and deeply personal, shaped more by intuition and experience than fleeting trends. And nowhere is that philosophy more evident than in her own home, a project that blurs the line between studio and sanctuary.

Rather than rushing to define a concept, Bell allowed the house to reveal itself slowly, living within its walls before making major design decisions. The result is an interior that feels considered yet effortless — layered with natural materials, sculptural furniture and moments of warmth that invite lingering rather than admiration from afar. There’s a sense of restraint here, but never at the expense of comfort or soul.

In conversation with RUSSH, Bell reflects on designing a home from the inside out: how lifestyle guided every decision, why emotional clarity matters as much as aesthetics, and how collaboration and craftsmanship shaped some of the home’s most memorable material moments.

Can you tell us a little about Desa Bell and the vision behind the home?

Desa Bell is both my design studio and our home, so the project was always deeply personal. The vision was to create a space that felt calm, grounded and intentional. I wanted our home to feel layered and tactile, shaped by natural materials and thoughtful detailing rather than trends. More than anything, the goal was to design a home that reflected how we actually live – warm, welcoming and lived-in; a place that would evolve with us over time and always feel like a true expression of who we are.

What was the starting point for the design?

Lifestyle was always the starting point. We spent several years living in the house before making any major design decisions, which was incredibly important to the process. That time allowed us to understand the rhythm of the home – where the light entered, how the spaces felt throughout the day, and how we naturally moved through it. The moment we first walked in and saw the pool from the front door, we knew we could make it work. From there, everything flowed from a desire to strengthen that connection between indoors and outdoors and to create spaces that encouraged gathering, comfort and everyday rituals.

Did the concept evolve throughout the design process?

Very much so. Designing your own home is unlike any other project – there was a lot of overthinking and many revisions along the way. While my husband and I were always aligned on the feeling we wanted to create, the details evolved slowly and intuitively. Living in the home first meant the design was shaped by real experience rather than initial ideas. Certain materials revealed themselves over time, and some of the best decisions happened organically as the spaces began to take form. It became less about executing a fixed concept and more about responding to how we wanted the home to feel.

Can you walk us through some of the key furniture selects for the home?

Every piece was chosen with longevity and comfort in mind. I’m drawn to furniture that feels timeless and sculptural, yet still relaxed and inviting - pieces that encourage you to sit, linger and actually live in the space. Throughout the home there’s a mix of custom-designed pieces, vintage and a curated selection from Fleur Studios. Designing many items ourselves allowed each space to feel tailored and intentional, while Fleur’s pieces added a level of craftsmanship and refinement that elevated the interiors. Soft textiles and natural timbers were layered throughout to balance the harder architectural elements. I wanted furniture that felt collected rather than styled, and that would only get better with time.

Are there any spaces in particular that feel most special to you?

The dining and alfresco areas are definitely the heart of the home. They’re where most of our memories are made – long lunches, casual dinners, and weekends spent with friends. Those spaces really capture the essence of how we live. I also love the more intimate rooms, like the master suite, where the materials create a quieter, more immersive atmosphere. Each space has its own personality, but they all feel connected through a shared sense of warmth and calm.

How did you approach materiality throughout the home – especially the beautiful marble used throughout?

Materiality was central to the entire design. I wanted a palette that felt natural, tactile and enduring. From the beginning, we knew we wanted Dark Emperador marble in the guest bathroom, but in a softer, more unexpected way. Instead of pairing it with heavy, masculine finishes, we layered it with warmer tones so it felt inviting rather than formal. For the master suite, we chose a caramel onyx that has this incredible sense of movement – almost like a kaleidoscope. It shifts with the light and brings depth without overpowering the space. We were incredibly fortunate that our friendship with Fleur Studios became the gateway to creating so many custom marble moments throughout our home. Assisting us with an offering outside their typical services, they guided us through hand-selecting slabs and creating custom tiles and vanities, which made the entire process feel truly bespoke and deeply personal.

What were some of the biggest challenges in the design process?

The main challenge was navigating the emotional side of the process. Designing a home – whether for a client or for yourself – involves so many layers, and it’s easy to overthink when you care deeply about the result. We also wanted to make sure the design never became "precious". Creating a home that feels considered, but still relaxed & liveable, takes careful balance. Staying true to how we were going to live in it was essential, and that’s a principle I carry through to all of my projects.

At its core, how did you want the home to feel?

I wanted it to feel effortless and grounding – beautiful but never precious. A home that supports daily life rather than competing with it. Warm, calm, and a little imperfect. A space that invites people in, encourages connection, and ultimately feels like a true reflection of us.

Looking for more interiors inspiration? Step inside the homes of some of our favourite creative minds, or pick up a copy of our most recent RUSSH Home issue.