‘You Can Design’ connects home space to greater purpose

Lewes designer Ana Bueno has published a collection of real-life stories that explore the deep connection between the spaces people live in and the lives they create within them.

In “You Can Design,” Bueno invites readers to see home as more than walls and furniture — rather as a reflection of personal history, emotion and meaning.

“Every home tells a story,” said Bueno. “The most beautiful designs are born not from trends or rules, but from the way people truly live.”

During her 20-year career in architecture and interior design, Bueno’s work has always centered on understanding clients’ lives beyond aesthetics.

In a series of heartfelt narratives and reflections, “You Can Design” celebrates the people behind the spaces — their joys, challenges and memories. Each story reveals how authenticity and emotion can shape the most meaningful environments.

Bueno encourages readers to reflect on their own stories and values, and the intimate connection between life and the homes they create.

Living in the Cape Region with her husband and daughter provides continuing inspiration for her work and creativity, Bueno said. The warmth of her neighbors, the charm of coastal life, and the shared appreciation for beauty and connection have all shaped the heart of her design and writing.

“I wrote this book as a way to honor the everyday stories I’ve witnessed over two decades of design work,” Bueno said. “Lewes has taught me so much about the meaning of belonging, and I hope this book helps others see that design begins with who we are — our memories, our stories, and the unique way we live and build our homes. It’s more than trends or aesthetics; it’s about life itself.”