CABA. Is Back — A New Chapter in Design

3 Nov

A Return to Intention

It’s hard to believe it has been four years since my last post. Time truly moves quickly when life takes you through seasons of growth, reflection, and reinvention. These past years have shaped me not only as a designer but as a business owner. Like many creatives, I once thrived on the artistry of design but had to learn, sometimes the hard way, what it truly means to run a creative business. Those years brought incredible milestones and equally valuable lessons that have built the foundation of who I am today and what CABA. stands for.

One of the most defining moments came with the contemporary model I created for my custom home builder client in Florida. The project’s success affirmed something I had long felt but hadn’t yet owned — that thoughtful design, when done with clarity and intention, creates measurable value for clients. It proved what I bring to each collaboration: design that elevates both the experience of living and the investment itself. The difference between 2021 and today is belief. I no longer just know I can design exceptional spaces; I believe deeply in the value I bring and have the mindset required to sustain that excellence.

Running a business demands a different kind of courage. During my hiatus, I realised that my greatest fear wasn’t failure, but success — the possibility of thriving beyond what I had imagined. That awareness led me to seek support through therapy and later, business and life coaching with Dior Bediako. Both women I worked with helped me unlearn patterns that limited my growth and build new ones rooted in confidence, self-worth, and grace. I began to view success as something that could feel expansive, not intimidating; something I could own without apology.

These four years have been a tapestry of loss, joy, stillness, and rediscovery. Travel and new experiences reawakened my sensitivity to texture, light, and culture — the very elements that shape my design language. I refined my systems, tested new ways of working through smaller projects, and poured myself into creating experiences where every client feels assured they made the right choice in trusting CABA.. I want every interaction, whether with a client, tradesperson, or collaborator, to reflect the same calm precision and respect. As Kallum Nicholson, Fractional COO and Founder of Roundtable, reminded me in a recent conversation at a T413 event, consistency builds trust. That remains my focus.

You can explore our refined approach in Our Design Process, a guide that captures how intention shapes everything we create.

Looking Back — What Built CABA.

CABA. began unintentionally in my dorm room at Queen Mary University of London, where I studied Biomedical Science. My curiosity has always centred on patterns, i.e. how environments shape human emotion and behaviour. While at university, I noticed that students living in neglected, poorly designed accommodation often felt isolated or demotivated. One building in particular, a converted psychiatric hospital with barred windows and a graveyard behind it, left a lasting impression. It was then that I realised how profoundly our surroundings affect our wellbeing. That building remains on my list to one day redesign, as a symbolic act of renewal.

After completing my degree, I pursued a Diploma in Interior Design, merging my scientific understanding of human psychology with my passion for interior design. Over time, CABA. developed a distinct signature — refined, contemporary spaces with understated elegance and emotional resonance. Every project tells a story: of who our clients are, what they value, and how they wish to live. Whether we’re designing a serene home sanctuary or visualising a luxury development, our goal is always the same: to elevate quality of life, enhance property value, and communicate beauty with clarity.

Attention to detail is at the heart of our work. From the early sketches to final styling, we refine not only the design but the experience of collaboration. Over the years, our communication and processes have evolved to reflect that pursuit of excellence, and that evolution continues today.

What’s Next — The Future of CABA.

This new chapter is about sharing more of our journey — the projects that shaped us, the lessons that deepened our craft, and the principles that define intentional luxury. We’ll be opening up our process, discussing how to create spaces that balance beauty with purpose, and sharing design insights to help you curate homes that nurture your wellbeing while reflecting your story.

This phase of CABA. is about design that feels like a poetic symphony: grounded in culture, reflective of history, elevated by craftsmanship, and deeply connected to who you are. Because everyone deserves a thoughtfully designed home that speaks to both their lifestyle and their soul.

A Personal Note — Gratitude & Invitation

To everyone who has supported me — thank you. This journey has not been linear or easy, but it has been meaningful. I am grateful to God for His guidance, for every lesson, and for the people who have walked beside me with encouragement and wisdom.

If you’ve been with CABA. from the beginning, I’m truly grateful for your patience and belief. If you’re discovering us for the first time, welcome home. I invite you to follow our journey on Instagram, subscribe to the CABA. Journal, or explore our Design Services.

Here’s to this new chapter — one rooted in intention, storytelling, and emotional connection.

Warmly,

Christiana
Founder & Lead Designer, CABA. Interior Studio