Today’s post is sure to be the last designer spotlight of 2015 (hey, you never know!); luckily we have Caitlin McCarthy Design to take us out on a high note.

Anyone who’s been paying very close attention and/or trolling the LS blog archives might recognize one of the spaces featured–that’s because Caitlin already has been. Back then, however, she was part of a design-duo. Now, she’s captain of her ship, and the winner of HGTV’s Fresh Faces of Design Award for Best Small Space and Overall Winner for 2014. So.

Let’s have at it, shall we?

Naturally, I’m a compulsive white-lover, and so have chosen all of Caitlin’s whitest and brightest spaces, but you might as well go take a gander at her full portfolio to get a sense of her knack for drama (read: a green and black marble kitchen with gold fixtures that’s not to be missed).

Even in these slightly pared down spaces, there’s a healthy injection of drama. Below, I’d argue it’s those black-framed windows. Cha-ching.

But it may also be something as subtle as the cabinetry hardware:

Caitlin also has a way of incorporating pieces that feel as though they have a storied past. Anyhow, even if that chair is brand spanking new, just how dang good does it look with all that fresh, sleek cabinetry?

Here’s a bit more of a storied, rustic feel:

And a bit of that fresh-to-death grandeur:

Lighted closet shelves? Caitlin! You shouldn’t have! By which, of course, I mean you should have!

To close, a small space that Caitlin somehow manages to maximize without it ever feeling cramped.

That’s kitchen, dining room, laundry, all in one.

Clap for Caitlin. Do it.

Or, you know, do whatever makes you happy and your spirit juices flow.

XO