The Holidays: A Season of Joy and Gratitude

The holiday season is a time when we seem to pause, allowing us to reflect on what truly matters. It’s a season of joy—wrapped in the laughter of loved ones, bright lights warming our homes, and the aroma of comfort foods filling kitchens. It's also a time of gratitude, a moment to appreciate simple pleasures. Amid the hustle of gift shopping and holiday preparations, the heart of the season lies in connecting with others. Whether gathering around a table with family and friends, sharing stories by a warm fire, or reaching out to a distant friend, these moments remind us of the beauty of the season.

As the year winds down, the holidays encourage us to focus on what we have—especially if you have a warm cozy place to come home to. If you’re not loving your home, here are a few simple tips that may help elevate your mood:

Color affects mood. Subtle changes to the color around your home can help you feel better. Use memories as inspiration for color. Maybe a favorite vacation spot that has vibrant hues of a sunset or the exotic colors of an overseas adventure.

Lighting brightens the atmosphere. Especially at this time of year. While natural light is optimal, well-modulated, diffused light can create a serene feel. Soft light bulbs have a warm impact on the eyes.

Functional room design layout creates ease. A well-designed home with rooms that ebb and flow, lend to moving freely throughout. Create a flow that makes sense to your routine. Your rooms should be supporting you, not stopping you.

Embrace “Perfect Imperfection.” A room that is too designed may feel uptight and uncomfortable, losing that homey feel. The Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi encourages perfect imperfection. Add organic, imperfect finishes and different textures to engage the senses. This can create a cozy, relaxed feel.

Infuse the air with natural, subtle scents. Infusing fragrance into a room using flowers, diffusers, or candles can change the overall feeling of a space. Scent is linked with memory, so bring in scents linked to happy memories, like fresh baked cookies or a warm crackling fire.

Design a space dedicated to a hobby. Hobbies are born out of passion. When you spend time doing what you enjoy, it brings happiness. Spend more time doing what you love and that love will radiate throughout your home.

It's easy to forget how many memories we make at home. That's why making sure my clients are happy in their home is my top priority. If you’re feeling that you need a change or are looking for design advice, call me, I can help.

Wishing you a very Happy Holiday Season!