Design that sees the whole person

Your home affects more than how a room looks. It affects how you sleep, how you decompress, and how you show up for yourself and the people you love.

At CYI, we start with you, not the room. Every decision is made with your wellbeing in mind, focused on how you want to live.

Christy Yates in a white, textured dress standing in front of modern black and white abstract artwork indoors in Knoxville.

meet christy

Christy Yates, MS, PMP, Assoc. IIDA

With over 20 years in mental and public health, Christy has spent her career studying how environments shape behavior, mood, and quality of life. That work was never just professional. It was personal. And it changed how she sees everything, including the spaces we come home to every day.

That intersection is where CYI was born.

Design, for Christy, is a spiritual practice. It goes far beyond picking colors or patterns. Your home is a sanctuary and should be treated as one. When the spaces around you are intentional, aligned, and built around who you actually are, everything shifts. How you rest. How you heal. How you move through the world.

She serves clients in Knoxville and virtually across the country.

We start with you — not the room

Before we talk furniture or color, we talk about your life. How you're moving through your space. What feels heavy. What isn't working. What you need to feel when you walk through the door.

From there, every decision — layout, flow, color, light, materials, is made with intention. Designed to support your mind, your body, and your spirit.

Let's create a space that makes your life better!

how we work

Our approach starts with understanding you—your routines, your frustrations, and what isn’t working. Then we design solutions that make daily life easier and the whole home feel cohesive. No quick trends. No unnecessary extras. Just thoughtful, functional design that holds up.

Our process is simple and collaborative—here’s how it works.

  • We start with you. How you live, what isn't working, and what you need your home to feel like.

  • We translate everything we've learned into a clear, intentional design plan — layout, color, flow, and selections all guided by your life.

  • We fine-tune the details together. This is where we review selections, adjust what isn't quite right, and make sure every element feels intentional before anything is ordered or installed.

  • We manage the moving parts — vendors, timelines, orders, and coordination, so you don't have to. You stay informed without being overwhelmed.

  • We bring it all to life. Every piece placed, every detail considered. You walk in and it's done — exactly the way we envisioned it together.

  • We don't just hand you a beautiful space and walk away. Every client receives a personalized Restorative Living Guide — curated product recommendations, color and lighting notes, simple practices for maintaining flow, and everything you need to keep your space feeling the way it did on day one.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • We practice Restorative Interior Design — a whole-person approach that goes beyond aesthetics to consider how your space affects how you feel, sleep, decompress, and connect. Every decision is made with your mind, body, and spirit in mind.

  • Book a complimentary discovery call. We'll talk about your space, your life, and what you need your home to do for you — then find the right fit.

  • Yes. We serve clients in Knoxville and virtually across the country. The process is just as personalized and collaborative remotely as it is in person.

  • Yes. If you book any service package within 30 days of your consultation, the full fee is credited toward your project.

  • That's exactly why we're here. Most clients come to us feeling overwhelmed. The discovery call is designed to bring clarity — no pressure, no commitment required.

  • Every project is different. Timeline depends on scope, material availability, and contractor schedules. We'll provide a realistic timeline during your consultation based on your specific project needs.

Ready to Transform Your Space?

Let’s talk about your project. Book a discovery call to discuss your goals, timeline, and the best next step for your space.