Here at RKID, the phrase “Burn the candles, use the China” isn’t just a catchy home interior design tagline. It’s a guiding philosophy. It reflects our core belief that your home should be a place to be experienced not merely admired. Your favorite possessions, from heirloom china to cherished candles, shouldn’t sit on a shelf gathering dust. They should be enjoyed, used, and celebrated, turning everyday moments into special experiences.
Why Does This Phrase Matter in Home Design?
When I say “burn the candles, use the China,” I’m encouraging homeowners to design spaces that aren’t just aesthetically pleasing but emotionally significant. Your home should be filled with items that spark memories, stories, and conversations. Whether it’s a favorite wing-back chair in Fortuny fabric or a unique platter found on a trip abroad, these pieces bring life and personality to your home and personal style.
Instead of saving them for special occasions, I believe they should be part of your everyday life. A home isn’t just a place to reside—it’s a place to experience.
How We Bring This Philosophy to Life in Design
At our design studio, we take this idea to heart when creating bespoke interior designs. During our initial intake process, we ask clients about the objects and pieces they hold dear. Sometimes, inspiration strikes immediately—like finding the perfect spot for a vintage art collection or an heirloom rug. Other times, it takes more careful curation, especially for more unexpected or eclectic objects. But one thing is certain: if something is special to our clients, we will always strive to include it thoughtfully in the design.
Every design inspiration is unique because every client is unique! That’s the beauty of bespoke interior design. It’s all about tailoring an entire space to reflect the personalities, stories, and values of the people who live there. Your home shouldn’t feel like a magazine cut out (though it may be beautiful enough to belong between the glossy pages), it should feel like you.
Helping Clients Burn Their Candles
One of my favorite aspects of being a Minneapolis interior decorator is helping clients live this concept in their day-to-day lives and design styles. It might involve taking design inspiration from a must-have piece of furniture, like a Webster Wisconsin porch swing that holds sentimental value, or incorporating a collection of cherished pottery into a room.
I’ve found that highlighting these meaningful pieces doesn’t just make the actual space more beautiful—it makes it personal. These foundational pieces connect homeowners to their space in a deeper way. They also enrich their day-to-day lives by reminding them of who they are and what they love!
How This Idea Has Shaped My Own Design Process
This philosophy has been central to my design process since the beginning of my career. Officially, “Burn the candles, use the China” has been my mantra for about 15 years, since the launch of RKID, but it was a part of my design ethos even before that. Meaningful items have always had a place in my work and personal style, and I love mixing old, sentimental pieces with new, modern elements to create a balanced, curated look.
There’s an art to blending the old with the new, finding just the right balance between nostalgia and innovation. Like baking, it requires the perfect combination of ingredients—a little tradition, a little freshness, and a lot of heart.
Want to learn more about Renae? Check out this blog for more details!
Final Home Interior Design Thoughts
“Burn the candles, use the China” is more than just a slogan. It’s a reminder to live fully in the spaces we create. At RKID, we believe in designing homes that are both visually striking and emotionally rich. Every room tells a story, every piece has a purpose, and every day in your home should feel like an experience worth savoring.
Renae Keller is an award-winning, ASID certified interior designer in Minneapolis-St. Paul, specializing in new construction and large remodels. Trusted by homebuilders, architects and homebuyers alike, Renae is known for creating an overall design vision that blends functionality and aesthetics, while keeping the details intertwined, and her customer's style in clear focus.
