Letting Go of the Plan
Laura Libenson’s design philosophy—free from fixed rules and open to change—offers a way of thinking not just about spaces, but about how we approach life itself.
"If I had to define my design philosophy, it is simple. The only rule is that there are no rules. If we can let go of some preconceived ideas about how a kitchen, bedroom, bathroom or living room should look, any space can be transformed into a functional cozy place full of personality."
— Laura Libenson, Buenos Aires, Interior Architect – Never Too Small, Ep. 217 (10-04-2025)
Summary:
Libenson invites us to step away from fixed ideas—about homes and, more broadly, about life—and instead remain open, adaptable, and focused on what feels right for the people and context involved.
Explanation
Laura Libenson’s quote begins as a reflection on design, but it touches on something much larger: the way we often hold onto set ideas of how things are supposed to be—whether it’s a living room, a career path, or a personal routine.
Her suggestion is a gentle challenge to that mindset. By letting go of expectations, we open the door to more thoughtful, personal solutions. In design, that might mean rethinking what a room is for. In life, it might mean letting go of what a job, relationship, or day is meant to look like, and shaping it around what actually matters to us.
This approach—centred on listening, flexibility, and working with what’s already there—resists the urge to force things into a fixed form. It encourages us to notice more, assume less, and respond with care. Libenson’s work is a reminder that rules and categories can be useful, but they’re not always necessary. Often, they limit our view more than they help.
What makes her philosophy useful beyond architecture is how practical it is. She’s not suggesting chaos or constant reinvention. She’s talking about starting where you are, working with what you’ve got, and making space for things to grow and shift as needed.
In that sense, her words are as much about mindset as method. Whether we’re arranging furniture or making life decisions, being open to change and responsive to our own needs can help us build something that not only works—but feels right.
About Laura
Laura Libenson is an interior architect based in Buenos Aires, known for her thoughtful and collaborative approach to small-scale residential design. Drawing on her own experience as both architect and client, she works closely with people and places to shape homes that reflect everyday life, rather than abstract ideals. Her belief that "there are no rules" speaks to a broader understanding of design—and of life—as something shaped by observation, intention, and a willingness to adapt.