firstPlAce: The most important space is the one that you return to every day
A “first place” isn’t defined by ownership, perfection, or how long you’ll stay. It’s the space where your day begins and ends. Where you wake up, unwind, and find moments of stillness in between.
A Home acts as a sanctuary - a refuge from the constant demands of the external world, and when that space feels chaotic or unsettled, it becomes harder to rest, recover, and regulate the mind fully. Clutter, harsh lighting, and visual noise heighten stress levels, while calm, balanced environments support focus, emotional regulation, and genuine rest. Your home becomes a reflection of self, and when it feels disordered or overlooked, it can subtly reinforce a sense of internal disconnection.
My goal is to help you restore clarity and calm.
At Firstplace Interiors, creating a beautiful home isn’t about starting over or spending beyond your means. It’s about thoughtful design decisions and subtle details that unlock the potential already within your space. My approach is grounded in the belief that a home should retain the essence of the person who inhabits it - a quiet reflection of their rhythm and way of living. Long after you leave, your home should hold a quiet, lasting imprint of the life you were building within.
With professional planning, material sourcing, and a dash of creativity, I will guide you through each step - making the design process practical, friendly, and even a little fun! Together, I will help to create a space you long to return to every day.
Meet the Designer
Rebecca Criste is an interior designer with a thoughtful, intuitive approach to creating spaces that feel both refined and deeply personal. With a professional degree in architecture from UCL’s Bartlett and years of experience in interior design, her work is grounded in a strong understanding of space, proportion, and how environments shape the way we feel.
She is drawn to the idea of home as a sanctuary - somewhere grounding, and reflective of identity. Rather than following trends, Rebecca focuses on creating interiors that feel timeless, balancing softness with structure and elegance.
Her experience designing for educational settings developed a growing interest in the neuroscience behind design - considering how light, layout, materiality, and atmosphere can support the right environment for everyday comfort.
Alongside her design work, as a photographer and portrait artist, Rebecca’s creative pursuits shape her sensitivity to light, composition, and detail. Inspired by nature and the quiet beauty of classical design, she brings a layered, artistic perspective to her work, ensuring each space feels cohesive, intentional, and lived-in.
Her process is personal and collaborative, taking time to understand each client and translate their story into a space that feels effortless, meaningful, and entirely their own.
Ready for a transformation?
Send us a quick note and let’s create a room you’ll love!