Why Some Homes Still Feel Right 20 Years Later
August 28, 2026
Darren Genner and Simona Castagna discuss the psychology behind great residential design on HIA’s Made to Build podcast.
Why do some homes still feel right 20 years later, while others begin to feel dated within five?
The answer has less to do with following the right trend and far more to do with understanding the people who will live there.
Studio Minosa co-founders Simona Castagna and Darren Genner recently joined HIA’s Made to Build podcast to explore the psychology behind successful residential design and why the best homes begin with listening.
A client may arrive with inspiration images, a list of rooms and a clear idea of how they want their home to look. Our role is to understand what sits beneath those requests.
How does the family come together? Where does the morning become difficult? Who needs connection, and who needs retreat? What is creating friction now and how might life change over the next decade?
These questions allow us to design beyond appearance.
In the conversation, Simona and Darren discuss the importance of thoughtful spatial planning, functionality, materials and craftsmanship. They also explore how resolving decisions before construction can reduce renovation regret, improve communication and give clients, builders and trades a clearer shared direction.
Following a recent visit to Salone del Mobile in Milan, Darren also shares some of the emerging ideas influencing residential design globally—from tactile materials and integrated technology to spaces designed for wellness, flexibility and changing family structures.
The future will continue to bring new materials, products and possibilities. But the principle behind a lasting home remains remarkably consistent:
Understand the people first. Design everything else around them.
🔗 Watch the full conversation with Simona and Darren on HIA’s Made to Build.
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