If you're looking for a truly medieval-feeling city in the UK, you can't choose a better spot than the Scottish capital, Edinburgh.

I was mesmerized by the city's stunning mix of architectural styles, which makes the buildings appear larger than life. Most notably, Edinburgh Castle towers over the city and is visible from many different spots in town.

Edinburgh is also a treasure trove of history, whether it's Mary King's Close, a preserved 17th-century alley, or a whiskey tour in which I learned about the distinctive regional varieties of Scotch.

When the colder weather started getting to me, I was able to find a surprising number of hot-chocolate shops. I found that hot cocoa paired with a doughnut from one of the countless bakeries around town made for the perfect afternoon snack.

Amsterdam has a reputation as a party city, particularly its proclivity for marijuana and the Red Light District. Though Amsterdam is definitely a good place to have a great time, there is so much more to the city.

During my stay, I tried to avoid the tourist hot spots, favoring the local neighborhoods instead. One particularly enchanting walk along the canals led me to Foodhallen, a lively food market where I got to enjoy sushi, a corndog, and the Dutch snack of bitterballen — which can best be described as a deep-fried stew ball.

When I did venture to busier places, it was to tour the art and history museums. My favorites were the Van Gogh Museum and the Anne Frank House, which were each powerful and moving in their own right.

I also enjoyed how much the city's layout differed from the other European cities I visited. Bikes and boats reign supreme, which make for lovely ways to explore the city.

Zurich is a gorgeous city, and sitting on the banks of the lake with a plate of currywurst was a top-tier European experience for me.

Though I found the city to be expensive compared with the other places I visited, the main reason I wouldn't return is because of Zurich's enviable neighbors: the villages of the Swiss Alps.

In just a few hours, you can leave the urban environment and arrive in towns like Wengen and Mürren, which look straight out of a storybook.

One of the main reasons I wanted to visit the capital of Wales was to tour Cardiff Castle, and the complex didn't disappoint. I learned about 2,000 years of history, from ancient ruling families to an underground bunker used in World War II.

But in my opinion, the rest of Cardiff wasn't quite as impressive.

Though I enjoyed the Victorian and Edwardian arcades (glass-roofed alleys with various shops), the city center felt a bit grungier than the others I visited because of some loose trash lying around. I also felt as if there weren't a ton of other activities to do in the vicinity.

But with 400 castles scattered throughout the country, I'll be sure to explore the more remote parts of Wales on my next visit.

This might sound odd, but some clients insist on incorporating seemingly random, vintage (and, in my opinion, extremely overpriced) items into their homes.

These pieces have ranged from a salvaged fireplace from a 17th-century home in France to a weathered wooden door from an abandoned Italian villa. But honestly, I'm all for it.

Having something interesting to talk about when people walk in never hurts. Imagine someone complimenting your fireplace and casually replying, "Thanks, I shipped it from France." Talk about a conversation starter.

I recently worked with clients who wanted art pieces that reflected their personalities.

Instead of picking something off the shelf, I made custom art that fit my clients' visions. Many of these pieces, which required large paintings or paper canvases, were very expensive to make.

Still, my clients loved being part of the creative journey, tweaking and perfecting their masterpieces until they felt just right. As a designer, seeing someone light up when they look at a one-of-a-kind piece hanging on their wall is fulfilling. 

Many of my affluent clients search for materials that look stunning and are made with sustainability in mind — think energy-efficient lighting, reclaimed wood, and renewable-energy sources.

For example, I've recently sourced sustainably made mattresses for a bedroom and salvaged boards from a barn for a kitchen backsplash.

I believe the future of interior design, especially in luxury homes, will revolve around sustainability. Over the next few years, I expect more designers to ask questions like, "How can we reuse marble to give it a second life?"

Gone are the days of plain countertops and all-white rooms that lack personality. Many of my high-end clients embrace bold statement stones like onyx and exotic marbles that showcase rich lines in the stone and make a striking impact.

Picture a kitchen with a stunning onyx backsplash or a bathroom countertop that elicits a "wow." Statement stones can elevate an ordinary space into something truly unique.

Custom-made furniture can be a game changer. I love the satisfaction of perfectly sizing a sofa to fit into a tricky corner or coordinating the trim on dining-room chairs with the fabric on a living-room couch.

Though custom pieces aren't essential — many of my favorite couches come from Ikea and other big-box stores — customizing furniture provides a chance to create unique items that reflect personal style and needs.

Clients who choose the custom-furniture route can select their preferred styles, source unique fabrics, and find ideal cushion fillings.

Have you ever walked into a nice restaurant and noticed a cozy vibe from the lighting? Ambient lighting — soft, glowing light that usually serves as a room's primary source of illumination — instantly makes everything feel more inviting.

Lately, my clients with big budgets are asking for custom ambient lighting in every corner of their homes. These fixtures, which range from LED strips tucked away in architectural details to beautifully designed lamps that cast a warm glow, create a luxurious, relaxing atmosphere.

Some mattresses contain polyurethane foam, which can emit chemicals known as volatile organic compounds. Some of these chemicals can be harmful, so lately, I've been furnishing my client's bedrooms with organic mattresses instead.

I recently stumbled upon Avocado Green Mattress, a company specializing in organic mattresses and luxury bedding. So far, I've used the brand's mattresses and furniture in two of my projects, and they've been a hit.

Luxurious linens are popping up everywhere, and honestly, I couldn't be more excited about it.

Linen has proved to be so much more than just a bedding essential. The fabric has an effortlessly luxurious aesthetic, has great breathability, and is versatile enough for furniture, bedding, and window treatments.

Imagine draping your windows with stunning linen curtains that filter light and add a chic touch to your living space. Or how about reupholstering an old chair with some high-quality linen? This fabric can easily give your space a fresh new personality.