The Spaces Between: Why Great Design is as Much About What You Leave Out

When people think about design, they often focus on what they see - the patterns, the colours, the pieces themselves. But great design, in my experience, isn’t just about what you add. It’s about what you leave out. It’s in the spaces between the bold elements, the quiet pauses that allow the statement to breathe.

At Locale, this philosophy shapes everything we do. From the way we curate our collections to how we design the store itself, we’re always asking: What’s essential, and what’s noise?

I learnt a lot about this during my travel experiences, where every detail - no matter how small - was intentional. The Europeans have a way of making less feel like more. A single, well-tailored blazer can outshine an entire closet full of fast fashion. A room with one stunning centrepiece can feel more alive than one crowded with clutter.

This way of thinking stayed with me as I transitioned from KERRYmanwomanhome to Locale. Both spaces were built with intention, but Locale has pushed me to refine even further. When we designed the store, every detail was carefully considered. From the repurposed driftwood displays to the clean, open layout, we wanted the space to feel as curated as the pieces within it.

"I like to think of Locale as a conversation. Every detail invites you to slow down, take a breath, and appreciate the beauty of simplicity." - Kerry

A Jamaican Perspective on Simplicity

Jamaican culture, for all its vibrancy, actually does have an understated side. You see it in the natural beauty of our coastline, where the sea meets the sand in perfect harmony. You feel it in the quiet moments between beats in a reggae song, where the rhythm pauses just long enough for you to take it all in.

This balance between boldness and restraint is something we strive for at Locale. We want every piece we showcase to have its own voice, but also to live in harmony with the space around it.

"Design is about harmony; not just between pieces, but between people, places, and moments." - Kerry

The spaces between aren’t just about design, they’re about life. In a world that’s constantly asking us to add more, sometimes the best thing we can do is step back, make space, and let the essentials shine.

At Locale, we’re proud to create a space where those essentials come to life, where every detail feels intentional, and where less really does feel like more.

What do the spaces in your life look like? Are they filled with things that inspire you; or could they use a little breathing room?