Welcome to the blog, I’m Sabine! Interior Designer, candle creator, mom of 2, and lover of calm, beautiful spaces. I help busy women create homes that feel intentional, functional, and full of joy - one room at a time. Grab your coffee, get inspired, and let’s make your home feel like you again.
Love a well-designed room? Start with a signature scent. Explore the Belfong Candle Collection inspired by legacy, created for the senses.
Need a color palette or design guide? Shop my eBooks + digital boards for instant inspiration.
Should I Stay or Should I Go? The Question Every Homeowner Eventually Asks
There's a moment I've witnessed more times than I can count.
A homeowner walks me through their home (sometimes proudly, sometimes apologetically) and somewhere between the front door and the back bedroom, they pause. They look around. And then they say some version of the same thing:
"I love this house. But I'm not sure it loves me back anymore."
It's not a real estate question. It's not even really a design question. It's something deeper, a feeling that the place you've built your life inside has quietly stopped fitting the life you're actually living.
As an interior designer, I've spent years helping homeowners in Southeastern Pennsylvania and beyond figure out what their rooms need. And if there's one thing I've learned, it's this: the question of whether to renovate or sell is almost never just about the house.
The Crossroads Nobody Prepares You For
We talk a lot about the financial side of this decision. Square footage. Comparable sales. Renovation ROI. And yes, all of that matters. We'll get there.
But before the spreadsheets, there's something else going on. There's the Sunday morning you spent scrolling Zillow even though you told yourself you weren't looking. The contractor quote that made your stomach drop. The neighbor who just sold for a number that made you wonder. The guest room that became a storage room that became a symbol of everything you meant to do but didn't.
The crossroads is emotional before it's financial. And if you try to make a purely financial decision about something this personal, you'll either talk yourself into the wrong choice or talk yourself out of the right one.
So before we talk numbers (and we will) I want to start where I always start with clients: with the feeling.
What Are You Actually Tired Of?
This is the first question I ask. Not "what do you want to change" — but what are you tired of.
There's a difference. Tired of the kitchen layout is a renovation conversation. Tired of the commute, the school district, the neighborhood that used to feel like yours…that's a different conversation entirely. No renovation fixes a zip code.
When I sit with a homeowner and really listen, one of two things tends to emerge. Either they're tired of specifics: the dark hallway, the master bath that never got updated, the open floor plan they thought they wanted but actually hate…or they're tired of something bigger. Something the house itself can't solve.
Getting honest about which one it is? That's the starting point. And it's harder than it sounds, because sometimes we convince ourselves we're tired of the house when we're actually just tired. And sometimes we convince ourselves we just need a change of scenery when what we really need is to finally make this place ours.
Georgette Marise Interiors
The Designer's Honest Take
Here's what I see from where I stand.
People underestimate what a home can become. I walk into rooms all the time that feel hopeless to the people living in them. Whether they’re too dark, too chopped up, too stuck in 2003 — and I see potential with the right intervention. Not a gut renovation. Not a second mortgage. Sometimes it's a wall coming down. Sometimes it's light. Sometimes it's just making decisions that were never made in the first place.
Renovating well is an act of intention. It's saying: I am choosing this home. I am investing in this life. I am going to make this place actually mine. When it's done thoughtfully with a clear vision, a realistic budget, and the right guidance it can be transformative in ways that have nothing to do with resale value.
But I also see the other side.
I've worked with clients who renovated because they couldn't face the decision. Who spent money updating a house they were never going to love because it was easier than admitting they'd outgrown it. Who finished the project and felt…nothing. Because the problem was never the kitchen.
A renovation can change a home. It cannot change what the home means to you. And it cannot change the life happening outside of it.
The Question Underneath the Question
In my experience, the homeowners who are most stuck at this crossroads aren't stuck because they don't have enough information. They're stuck because they haven't asked themselves the real question yet.
Which is this: What do I actually want my life to look like — and can this home support that?
Not the life you have right now. The life you're trying to move toward. The way you want to feel when you walk in the door after a long day. The space you want your kids to grow up in, or your parents to visit, or your mornings to unfold. The version of home that matches the version of yourself you're becoming.
That question changes everything. Because sometimes the answer is: yes, this house can be that with the right changes. And sometimes the answer is: no. And no amount of shiplap, paint, or wallpaper is going to fix it.
What Comes Next
This is exactly the conversation I want to have with you in person, face to face, over a cup of coffee.
On Thursday, March 26th at 10am, I'm sitting down at Maman (Suburban Square) in Ardmore, PA with Melissa Zimmerman, an interior designer and licensed realtor with Serhant for a free, intimate Q&A we're calling Renovate or Sell?
You get one question. We give it our full attention. No pitch, no pressure just two professionals who have guided a lot of homeowners through this exact crossroads, ready to help you think it through.
Melissa Zimmerman, Serhant + interior designer Sabine Hayes
We'll have free digital guides for every attendee covering real renovation costs at every budget level and the true cost of listing your home. And there's something else we're only sharing with the people in the room.
Coffee is on us.
If you've been sitting on a question about your home, this is your moment.
Ready to ask your question in person? Join us March 26 in Ardmore…it's free. → Reserve your seat
A Home Is Not a Performance
A Women’s History Month Reflection
Last month, I wrote about Paul R. Williams and the kind of luxury that endures.
His commitment to excellence.
His integrity.
His restraint.
And in that piece, I shared something I hear often from women:
“My house doesn’t feel personal.”
“I’ve saved a thousand Pinterest photos, but I’m still stuck.”
“I want calm… but I don’t know how to create it.”
Today, during Women’s History Month, I want to continue that conversation.
Because I’ve realized something deeper.
Many women don’t feel disconnected from their homes because they lack inspiration.
They feel disconnected because they are aiming for perfection.
The Magazine Illusion
We’ve been conditioned to admire the finished look.
The hotel aesthetic.
The styled coffee table.
The immaculate kitchen with nothing out of place.
And while there is beauty in finesse (in proportion, detail, and refinement) what we often forget is this:
A magazine is staged.
A hotel is transient.
A home is lived in.
When you try to replicate a space designed for photography or temporary stays, you can unintentionally erase the very thing that makes your home yours.
Perfection can feel polished.
But it can also feel impersonal.
A Home Is Always Becoming
Here’s the truth most design magazines won’t tell you:
A home is never finished.
It is layered over time.
It shifts with seasons of life.
It responds to growth, change, and new rhythms.
Instead of chasing a final reveal moment, what if you embraced the idea that your home is always becoming?
Not incomplete.
But unfolding.
The pressure to “arrive” at a perfectly styled space often keeps women frozen.
Waiting for the right sofa.
The perfect layout.
The final touch.
But beauty rarely arrives all at once.
It gathers.
Refinement Without Rigidity
When I think about the kind of luxury I believe in, the kind Paul R. Williams embodied, I think about restraint and integrity.
His spaces were detailed and refined.
But they were designed for living.
Luxury does not require sterility.
It does not demand that you hide your life.
True refinement makes room for reality.
It is possible to create a home that feels elevated and welcoming.
Curated and comfortable.
Structured and soulful.
The key is intention.
A thoughtful layout that supports how you actually move through your day.
Materials that age gracefully.
Layers that reflect your story, not just a trend cycle.
Finesse is not the absence of life.
It is the thoughtful framing of it.
What Makes a Home Feel Personal
It isn’t perfection.
It’s presence.
The art that reflects your heritage.
The books you return to.
The chair where conversations linger.
The table that holds both work and dinner.
Personality is what transforms a house into a home.
And personality requires permission.
Permission to shift things around.
Permission to edit slowly.
Permission to design in seasons instead of sprints.
A Picture of Possibility
Imagine walking into a room that feels calm not because it is untouched, but because it is aligned.
The sofa supports your posture and your lifestyle.
The lighting softens the edges of the day.
The layout allows your home to breathe.
There is refinement.
But there is also warmth.
Nothing feels staged.
Nothing feels forced.
It feels like you.
That is possible.
Not through perfection but through clarity.
This Women’s History Month
We celebrate women who built, led, nurtured, and created — often without applause.
Your home is no different.
It does not need to be a showroom to be worthy.
It needs to support your becoming.
And if you’ve been waiting for the “perfect” moment to design your space, consider this your permission to begin where you are.
Your home is not a performance.
It is a reflection.
And reflections are allowed to change.
The only thing they need is direction.
Because becoming doesn’t happen by accident.
It happens with intention and with a plan.
If you’re ready to move beyond inspiration and design a home that truly supports your life, this is where we begin.
The Design Path is my guided framework that helps you move from overwhelm to clarity aligning layout, function, and aesthetic so your home feels refined, personal, and deeply livable.
Not perfect.
But purposeful.
Because your home isn’t meant to impress the world.
It’s meant to support you.
With intention,
Sabine
Black Architects and Interior Designers Who Inspire Intentional Homes Today
During Black History Month, we often talk about supporting Black-owned businesses.
And that matters.
But this year, I want to talk about something deeper.
As a Haitian American designer, the daughter of a Haitian mother and Cuban father, I carry legacy in everything I create. I think about resilience. Craftsmanship. Hospitality. Story.
And I think about how Black architects and interior designers have shaped the way we experience home in America, often without recognition.
Because here’s the truth:
Our homes, the way they function, feel, and flow have been influenced by Black brilliance for generations.
Because design is more than aesthetics.
It’s about effective problem solving.
It’s about storytelling without words.
And as a homeowner, especially as a woman shaping the emotional tone of your home, if your home doesn’t feel aligned right now, that conversation matters.
Why So Many Women Feel Disconnected From Their Homes
Right now, many women tell me
My house doesn’t feel personal.
I’ve saved a thousand Pinterest photos, but I’m still stuck.
I want calm… but I don’t know how to create it.
The real problem isn’t a lack of inspiration.
It’s a disconnection.
And that’s where history quietly guides us.
Let me show you what I mean.
Paul Revere Williams: Designing Luxury That Felt Livable
Photo Source: The Crisis, Vol 14 No 2, June 1917 (page 83)
The more I learn about Paul R. Williams, the more inspired I become.
Paul R. Williams was one of the most influential architects in American history, designing over 3000 buildings and homes in the Los Angles area. He was the first African American member of the AIA (American Institute of Architects) in 1923.
Blackburn Residence, Paul R. Williams, Architect 1927
Source: MichaelJLocke
He didn’t design for just one type of client. He designed affordable housing for everyday families and he also designed for Hollywood icons like Frank Sinatra, Lon Chaney, Lucille Ball and Desi Arnaz to name a few. He helped shape the elegance of Los Angeles itself, including work on the legendary Beverly Hills Hotel, even contributing to its iconic signature identity.
His range alone is extraordinary.
But what moves me most is this:
During segregation, many white clients refused to sit beside him. So he mastered drawing upside down across the table, sketching detailed architectural plans while facing them.
The discipline.
The composure.
The excellence.
He didn’t allow exclusion to limit his excellence, he led with charm, class, and grace.
And here’s why that matters to you as a homeowner.
Paul R. Williams understood that design is not about status. It’s about experience.
Whether he was designing a modest home or a grand estate, his spaces felt balanced, elegant, and welcoming. They were elevated but livable.
That is what I mean when I talk about approachable luxury.
Not excess.
Not intimidation.
Not rooms you’re afraid to sit in.
And as women carrying full lives - careers, children, marriages, aging parents, dreams, responsibilities - we don’t need homes that perform.
We need homes that restore.
We need rooms that hold us with the same level of intention and care Paul R. Williams brought to every drawing - even when the world made it harder.
Luxury should feel like walking into a space that understands you.
Paul R. Williams designed with that level of care even when the world made it harder.
And that kind of intention is timeless.
Norma Merrick Sklarek: Structure Creates Peace
Norma Merrick Sklarek was the first Black woman licensed as an architect in both New York and California. She helped execute large-scale projects like the Pacific Design Center and the U.S. Embassy in Tokyo, complex buildings that required precision and mastery.
She was known not for flash, but for discipline.
For making sure bold ideas could actually stand.
We naturally gravitate toward the visible elements first…
the sofa that makes a statement.
the paint color that feel fresh.
They shape the aesthetic and bring personality.
But it’s the invisible decisions - spatial planning, layout, proportion, function, and storage that determines whether a room truly supports you.
As women, we often carry the invisible load of our homes. If the systems don’t work, we feel it first.
Norma’s legacy reminds me of something essential:
Calm isn’t accidental.
It’s engineered.
A peaceful home begins with thoughtful layout, intentional furniture placement, and functionality that supports your real life.
Beauty matters.
But structure sustains it.
Sheila Bridges: Cultural Storytelling Through Interior Design
Sheila Bridges is one of today’s most influential interior designers.
She took the traditional French toile pattern, long associated with European pastoral scenes, and reimagined it through the lens of Black life and culture.
She didn’t just design wallpaper.
She reclaimed narrative.
That kind of confidence in storytelling through interiors is powerful.
Design becomes powerful when it reflects lived experience.
Because here’s the quiet question many women wrestle with:
Does my home reflect who I am or who I think it’s supposed to impress?
Your heritage, your upbringing, your memories, your traditions - they deserve presence in your space.
Not in a loud way.
Not in a forced way.
But in a way that feels honest.
When design reflects your culture and lived experience, it doesn’t just look beautiful.
It feels anchored.
And anchored spaces create emotional security.
Designing With Intention in Your Own Home
Black architects and designers throughout history understood something profound:
Space shapes experience.
And you have the power to shape yours.
If your home feels disconnected right now, begin here:
Remove one item that no longer feels aligned.
Add one object that reflects your heritage or a meaningful memory.
Rearrange one room based on function before aesthetics.
Design is not about copying trends.
It’s about curating identity.
This Black History Month
But also recognize the deeper legacy, the architects and designers whose resilience and brilliance shaped how America lives inside its homes.
And then ask yourself:
What story is my home telling?
As women, we deserve homes that feel like sanctuary not performance.
Homes that are calm, multifunctional, and layered with meaning.
Homes that tell our story.
If you’re ready to create a home that reflects who you are becoming, I invite you to begin with clarity and purpose. The Design Path is where we begin →
2026 Is the Year of Personalization: Designing a Home That Tells Your Story
There’s been a quiet shift happening in the world of interiors.
Not louder trends.
Not more things.
But more meaning.
As we move into 2026, the luxury conversation isn’t about what’s new, it’s about what’s yours. Personalization is no longer a bonus; it’s the expectation. And I don’t mean monograms on everything or initials sprinkled throughout your home.
I mean pieces that don’t announce their importance but carry it.
The kind of home where someone can walk in and sense there’s a story here… even if they can’t quite name it.
Personalization Isn’t Obvious - It’s Intentional
I recently worked with a family on their lower level, a space designed to flex with real life. A place for kids to play video games and host friends, but also somewhere adults could relax, create, and unwind.
Naturally, we discussed a gallery wall. Their first instinct was family photos - which I love - but those already lived throughout the main level of the home. The lower level had a different energy. More playful. More “game night.” More personality.
So instead of defaulting to logos or sports memorabilia, I started asking deeper questions:
What moments matter most to you?
What would make you smile every time you walked downstairs?
What memories feel joyful, not obvious?
That’s when it surfaced: one of their first dates was an NFL game.
Rather than hanging team logos, they framed replicas of those original tickets. To a stranger, it might look random. But to them, it’s layered - romantic, playful, personal. It honors their story while still fitting the space.
We layered in artwork from places they’re connected to as a family, added a changeable cinema-style letterboard for the kids, and suddenly the room felt like theirs. Not staged. Not generic. Lived-in and loved.
When One Image Shapes an Entire Room
Earlier this week, I had a consultation with a client whose home is already rich with personal touches - family photos, travel memories, meaningful moments.
In their bedroom, one enlarged photograph stopped me.
It wasn’t a traditional engagement photo. No poses. No faces. Just their backs, standing on a mountain, overlooking an incredible view in Norway.
That single image (rooted in nature, stillness, and connection) became the emotional anchor for the entire room. We’re pulling colors from it. Texture. Mood. It going to be our guide for the entire design of the room.
That’s personalization done well. One meaningful piece speaking louder than a dozen decorative ones.
Your Home Should Hold Pieces of Your Life
In my own home, there’s a gallery wall in the dining room that evolves but almost every piece carries meaning.
An old-world map of the West Indies, honoring where my parents are from.
A silhouette that’s iconic to my mother’s homeland.
A black-and-white oak tree photograph that reminds my husband of his grandparents’ farm and childhood summers in Virginia.
A sketch my daughter created on her iPad of my grandmother’s home, layered over an old photo.
And a framed scripture my mother hung in every home she ever lived in, long before I was born.
My mom has since passed, but that piece still anchors me. Every time I walk by, it feels like a quiet conversation.
That’s the power of personalization. It doesn’t fade. It deepens.
Designing Beyond the “Standard”
There’s nothing wrong with mass-produced artwork or beautiful decorative pieces. They absolutely have a place.
But when you combine them with:
meaningful memorabilia
travel memories
heirlooms or reimagined keepsakes
places you’re from—or dream of going
things you collect or love
…your home becomes irreplaceable.
Luxury today isn’t about excess.
It’s about intentionality.
Your home should feel like you - layered, thoughtful, lived in. A place that doesn’t just look good, but feels right every time you walk through the door.
Until next time - à la prochaine,
Sabine
Thinking About Updating Your Home This Year? Start Here.
January is a quieter month - and for many homeowners, that’s when the questions begin.
The decorations are packed away.
Life slows just enough.
And suddenly, you notice your home again.
The sofa that worked in your last place but feels off now.
The empty walls you’ve been hesitant to touch.
The colors you love but feel unsure about committing to.
You might not be planning a major renovation.
But you are thinking.
And that’s where most meaningful design journeys begin.
“I Know Something Needs to Change… I Just Don’t Know What Yet”
If any of these thoughts sound familiar, you’re not alone:
“How does one even work with a designer?”
“I just moved and my old furniture doesn’t work in this house.”
“I get overwhelmed by color.”
“I’m scared to hang things and mess up the walls.”
These aren’t design mistakes.
They’re signs that you’re ready for clarity.
What most people don’t realize is that working with a designer doesn’t require having a fully formed vision or a big plan in place. In fact, many clients begin with uncertainty - and that’s expected.
Design Isn’t One Decision, It’s a Journey
One of the biggest misconceptions about interior design is that you either need to “go all in” or do it all yourself.
In reality, design support can — and should — meet you where you are.
Some homeowners start by asking questions and gathering information.
Others need help making sense of a new space.
Some want focused guidance before making decisions.
And some are ready to hand it over entirely.
At Georgette Marise Interiors, our services are designed to grow with you - whether that means starting small or eventually expanding into something more comprehensive. There’s no single entry point and no pressure to have everything figured out at once.
Calming home exercise room Design: Georgette Marise Interiors
The First Step Is Often a Conversation
If January feels like a season of researching, observing, and quietly asking yourself what could feel better in your home, that’s not hesitation - it’s preparation.
And sometimes the most helpful next step isn’t choosing furniture or paint colors.
It’s having your questions answered.
To support homeowners in this planning phase, I’m hosting a free New Year Design Q&A — a relaxed, no-pressure space to ask the questions you’ve been holding onto and gain clarity around what your next step might look like.
I’m keeping the session intentionally small (just 10 women) so it feels conversational and everyone has space to ask what’s on their mind.
We’ll talk about:
How working with a designer actually works
When it makes sense to start small versus go all in
Common concerns around layout, furniture, and color
Those moments of hesitation many people don’t talk about - like hanging things on the wall or committing to a decision
A Calm Place to Begin
You don’t need answers to join.
You don’t need a plan.
You just need curiosity.
If 2026 is the year you want your home to support your life more fully — with less stress and more intention — this is a thoughtful place to begin.
Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year Is White…Here’s Why Designers Are Divided
A professional interior designer’s perspective on Cloud Dancer, color psychology, and cultural fatigue.
When Pantone announced Cloud Dancer, a soft white, as the 2026 Color of the Year, the design world reacted instantly. Some people were confused. Others joked that it looked like a “landlord special.” And some even tied the choice to the cultural and political climate.
While all of that commentary is interesting, I want to offer a different perspective — not political, not reactionary — but from the lens of a professional interior designer who lives and breathes color.
Let me start here:
I understand what white does. I respect its place. I just don’t believe it should be crowned the lead character of 2026.
And that distinction matters.
What Pantone Says Cloud Dancer Represents
Image courtesy of Pantone®
Pantone describes Cloud Dancer as a color that reflects:
Lightness
Simplicity
Calm
A desire for quiet and clarity in an overstimulated world
From a color psychology standpoint, white is associated with cleanliness, openness, renewal, and mental clarity. In a season of visual and emotional overload, a collective craving for calm makes complete sense. From that perspective, Pantone’s choice is logical.
But in design, logic and inspiration are not always the same thing.
My Honest Reaction as an Interior Designer
With a trained eye that studies undertones, saturation, contrast, and harmony every single day, my response was simple: I felt underwhelmed.
Not offended.
Not angry.
Just… uninspired.
We’ve already lived through:
All-white kitchens
All-white sofas
Layered whites on whites on whites
Neutral minimalism dominating interiors for years
White has been the backdrop of nearly every major design trend of the last decade. So when I heard “Color of the Year” and then saw white, it felt less like a bold declaration and more like the absence of one.
This particular shade, Cloud Dancer, feels:
Sterile
Flat
Void
Almost like the removal of color rather than a celebration of it
That emotional pause is what made me reflect more deeply on what Color of the Year is really meant to represent.
The Role of White vs. the Role of a Lead Color in Interior Design
White is powerful but its power has always been in what it supports, not what it replaces.
White:
Gives the eye space to rest
Allows other colors to shine
Creates balance and contrast
Acts as a visual transition
Frames beauty rather than becoming the main subject
White is the pause between chapters in a book - necessary and peaceful, but not the chapter itself.
As a stand-alone “Color of the Year,” it feels like placing the spotlight on the background. And for a title that historically pushes creativity forward, this feels like a missed opportunity.
Why Color Matters So Much to Me
I don’t just see color as décor.
I see color as language.
Color is personal.
Color is cultural.
Color is emotional.
Color is memory.
My love for color was shaped by contrast - by movement between worlds.
On one hand, my heart lives in tropical, Bohemian design. I’m endlessly inspired by the Caribbean islands (my mother’s homeland) the richness of palm trees, the drama of banana leaves, the way greens layer into one another as sunlight filters through them. The Caribbean is never flat. It is saturated, alive, and layered with warmth and rhythm.
Georgette Marise Interiors vignette
On the other hand, I am a city girl at my core. I was born in Queens, New York and often spent time visiting my grandmother in her Manhattan home. The city sharpened my eye through Art Deco geometry, Art Nouveau curves, bold architectural ornamentation, metallic finishes, and contrast. New York taught me that color can be dramatic and commanding, even when restrained.
Between the tropics and the city, my design language was formed:
Lush yet intentional
Expressive yet structured
Bold yet balanced
Emotional yet refined
Nature remains my greatest teacher. The sky never shows up as one blue. The ocean never offers a single tone. Sunsets arrive layered, glowing, complex, and imperfect. I see nature’s palette as a gift, one we’re meant to experience with both our eyes and our bodies.
White isn’t where the story begins.
It’s where one chapter ends so another can start.
Interior Design Trends, Timelessness, and Color Fatigue
As an interior designer, I respect all styles - even the ones that don’t personally resonate with me. Minimalism has a place. Neutrals have their elegance. Restraint can be beautiful.
But Color of the Year is not about safety.
It’s about direction.
It’s meant to:
Spark creativity
Signal cultural movement
Influence interiors, fashion, branding, and art
Invite us into something new
Choosing white feels more reflective than forward-looking.
Right now, many homeowners are craving:
Warmth
Expression
Depth
Personality
Life
Not just quiet.
My Professional Take on Pantone’s 2026 Color of the Year
Cloud Dancer isn’t wrong.
It’s just not bold.
It isn’t layered.
It isn’t emotionally complex.
It isn’t pushing the visual conversation forward.
I respect what white does.
I respect its place in interior design.
I use white constantly in my work.
I just don’t believe it should be the lead character of 2026.
For me, white will always be the supporting act that elevates the true stars of a color palette - not the star itself.
Ready to Create a Color Palette That Feels Like You?
If this conversation has you rethinking the role color plays in your home, you don’t have to navigate that shift alone. If you’re ready to move beyond trend-driven choices and into a color palette that truly reflects you, I offer a personalized e-Design Paint Color Suggestion Service designed to remove the guesswork and replace it with clarity and confidence.
Together, we’ll create a color direction that feels intentional, layered, and aligned with how you actually live in your space.
To learn more and get your personalized Paint Color Palette CLICK HERE.
A Home Filled With Gratitude
Thanksgiving is one of my favorite moments of the year to reflect on what makes a home feel calm, grounded, and full of warmth. As an interior designer, I’ve learned that the foundation of a peaceful home doesn’t start with the furniture or the paint - it begins with gratitude.
When we approach our homes with appreciation, our energy shifts. We start noticing what we love, honoring the small comforts, and designing with intention instead of urgency. A grateful mindset transforms the way we see our space, and this mindset naturally leads to a calmer, more harmonious home.
This year, I’m deeply grateful for my family, my clients - especially those who celebrated with me at my Anniversary Soirée and the partners and collaborators who supported my work. Each person has played a meaningful part in my design journey, and I carry that gratitude into every project.
Why Gratitude Matters in Home Design
A calm home is created from the inside out. When gratitude is present:
You make clearer design decisions
You select items that bring joy instead of clutter
You let go of unnecessary things more easily
You create spaces that support rest, connection, and well-being
Gratitude becomes the guiding force, and your home becomes a reflection of that peace.
Black Friday Sale — 30% Off All Digital Products
To celebrate the season, I’m offering 30% off all digital products through Cyber Monday. This includes:
My home design e-books
My curated color palette boards
Black Friday SALE - Shop all digital products (ebooks + color palettes)
What Is a Color Palette Board?
A color palette board is a designer-curated collection of paint colors that work beautifully together across an entire home.
These palettes are thoughtfully selected by me to help you:
Create visual flow from room to room
Choose colors confidently
Reduce the overwhelm of selecting paint
Design a cohesive, peaceful home environment
Whether you’re updating one room or refreshing your entire home, these palettes bring order, harmony, and unity to your design plan.
Shop Curated Color Palettes - 30% off until Monday
Final Thoughts
As you enjoy today—whether you're hosting, traveling, or relaxing—I hope you take a moment to look around your home with grateful eyes. Notice the small things that already make your space feel comforting and safe.
Remember: a calm home begins with gratitude
From my family to yours, Happy Thanksgiving.
Thank you for being part of the Georgette Marise Interiors community.
A Recipe for Calm: How to Host with Joy (Even When the World Feels Heavy)
Thanksgiving is near, and so is the whirlwind that comes with it—family gatherings, meal prep, and the endless to-do list. While this season is meant to bring connection and gratitude, it often brings stress and exhaustion instead.
As an interior designer, I’ve seen how deeply our surroundings affect how we feel—especially when hosting. When your home feels chaotic, it’s harder to relax. When it feels calm and intentional, everyone feels it.
This post will show you how to transform your home and your mindset using design psychology and practical hosting strategies—so you can rediscover the joy of hosting.
What If Hosting Didn’t Have to Feel Stressful?
Imagine walking into your dining room before guests arrive and feeling peace instead of panic.
Imagine your home feeling so cozy and balanced that it welcomes everyone - including you.
That’s what I call The Joy of Hosting - a design philosophy centered on creating calm, inviting spaces that nurture connection. And just like your favorite meal, it starts with the right ingredients.
Recipe for a Calm & Inviting Home
(Serves: You + your guests’ peace of mind)
Ingredients:
1 Warm Color Palette — Layer tones like Buttered Maple (a golden tan that glows like candlelight), Soft Clay Rose (a blush-beige that wraps a space in warmth), and Tranquil Moss (a muted sage green that restores balance). Add Warm White Linen or Oat Cream for lightness. These Pantone-inspired hues are trending for 2025 because they naturally evoke calm, comfort, and timeless beauty.
2–3 Layers of Lighting — Combine overhead, task, and accent lighting for softness and dimension. Warm light instantly lowers visual tension and invites relaxation.
A Pinch of Personal Touches — Family photos, fresh florals, or a curated stack of books create emotional connection and authenticity.
A Dash of Texture — Woven baskets, linen napkins, and knit throws bring comfort through touch—a proven psychological trigger for calm.
1 Playlist of Soft Background Music — Choose mellow jazz, acoustic covers, or light instrumentals to create an ambient mood.
A Generous Helping of Gratitude — The most important element of calm design is the energy you bring to the space.
Optional Garnish:
Add a candle with notes of bergamot, vanilla, or vetiver - scents that soothe and ground the mind.
Directions:
1. Set the Tone
Start with lighting. Adjust your overheads, use dimmers if you can, and let candlelight or table lamps soften the space. Warm light communicates welcome and safety to the brain - two essentials for calm hosting.
2. Create Comfort Zones
The best dining rooms are designed around connection, not perfection.
Group chairs closer together to encourage conversation and eye contact.
Create a small overflow zone - two accent chairs and a side table for dessert chats or coffee refills.
Use curved lines, circular rugs, or soft groupings to signal belonging. Design psychology shows that rounded arrangements make people feel more relaxed than rigid, linear layouts.
3. Declutter with Purpose
Edit your space like you’re editing a story. Keep what matters, and release what distracts. A clear surface allows your guests to breathe and you, too.
4. Infuse Your Personality
Your home should feel like you, not a showroom. Use meaningful details: your favorite art print, heirloom glassware, or even mismatched napkins that tell a story.
5. Serve with Intention
Hosting isn’t about impressing - it’s about connecting. Let your table be the place where laughter, stories, and warmth flow freely.
The Psychology Behind a Calm Home
A calm home isn’t just pretty - it’s powerful. Studies in environmental psychology show that visual balance, soft lighting, and tactile materials lower stress and promote comfort. The spaces we design can literally change how people feel.
When your home feels calm, your mind follows.
When you host from that place of peace, your guests remember how you made them feel—not just how your home looked.
Bring the Joy Back to Hosting
If the thought of hosting this Thanksgiving feels overwhelming, start small—with your space, your mindset, and your intention.
My eBook, The Joy of Hosting, walks you through practical design strategies and emotional resets to make hosting not only easier—but joyful. Inside, you’ll discover how to:
Design calm, comfortable spaces that encourage connection
Choose colors and textures that soothe, not stress
Create meaningful hosting moments that linger long after guests leave
Let this season be about peace, warmth, and the beautiful simplicity of gathering well.
The Joy of Hosting - Why It’s Worth It (Even When It’s Not Perfect)
If you’ve ever said, “I want to host more, but it feels like too much work,” you’re not alone.
As an interior designer and candle creator, I hear this all the time. People love the idea of hosting—inviting friends over, lighting candles, setting a beautiful table—but when it comes time to plan, the overwhelm creeps in.
Between cooking, cleaning, and worrying whether guests will feel comfortable, it can start to feel like more stress than joy.
But here’s the secret I’ve discovered: hosting doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to be personal.
The Soirée That Started It All
Sabine with Premier Sponsors MAG Development, Inc.
photo: Dat Designs
photo: Dat Designs
Photo: Dat Designs
Photo: Dat Designs
Recently, I hosted the 10th Anniversary Soirée for Georgette Marise Interiors, and it reminded me of everything I love about bringing people together. The evening was filled with laughter, warmth, and connection. Guests mingled, shared stories, and enjoyed delicious bites surrounded by candlelight.
Was every detail flawless? Of course not. But when I looked around the room, what I saw were smiles. That moment reaffirmed something I deeply believe—hosting is not about performing; it’s about creating a space where people can relax and feel seen.
From That Experience Came: The Joy of Hosting
That soirée inspired me to write my newest eBook, The Joy of Hosting, which releases this Wednesday!
It’s a 20-page guide filled with practical, inspiring tips to help you host confidently—whether it’s a Friendsgiving, Thanksgiving dinner, or a casual Sunday supper.
Get your copy of my latest eBook The Joy of Hosting: Designing Dinner Parties that Delight
Inside, you’ll find:
✅ A step-by-step plan for how to host a dinner party without stress
✅ Easy ways to make guests feel instantly at home
✅ Table styling and ambiance tips for any occasion
✅ My personal checklist for hosting success
If you’ve been searching for holiday hosting tips or entertaining ideas for Thanksgiving, this eBook is for you. It’s designed to help you rediscover the joy of gathering, minus the overwhelm.
Visit the Soirée Exhibit
I’m thrilled to share that our 4 designed vignettes are still featured at the Philly Photo Spot Selfie Museum, open to the public until Thanksgiving!
It’s a visual celebration of the joy, connection, and design inspiration that come from opening your doors to others.
Mood Board concept of one of our exclusive vignettes.
from concept to reality designed by Georgette Marise Interiors
Introducing Maison Fraîche: A Candle Made for Hosts
As you prepare to welcome guests into your home this season, set the mood with my newest scent in The Belfong Candle Collection — Maison Fraîche.
Enjoy our newest luxury scent Maison Fraîche
It’s a luxurious blend of santal and coconut, inspired by that feeling of a fresh coastal breeze drifting through a beautifully styled room. The scent is calming, clean, and elegant - perfect for creating a warm atmosphere your guests will remember.
Shop Maison Fraîche Candle and Maison Fraîche Reed Diffuser
Explore The Belfong Candle Collection
Lighting a candle before guests arrive is one of my favorite home decor and hosting tips, it sets the tone for the evening instantly.
Hosting Is About Connection
When I think back to the soirée, what stands out isn’t the décor or the playlist however, it’s the laughter, the conversations, and the warmth in the room.
That’s what I want for you this season. Hosting isn’t about perfection…it’s about presence.
So whether you’re planning a festive Friendsgiving, a cozy winter dinner, or a just-because get-together, remember this:
Your guests won’t remember if everything matched.
They’ll remember how you made them feel.
Your Invitation
Download The Joy of Hosting this Wednesday.
Visit the Philly Photo Spot Selfie Museum exhibit before Thanksgiving.
Light a Maison Fraîche candle or enjoy the reed diffuser and rediscover the joy of bringing people together.
Because the best gatherings aren’t perfect - they’re joyful.
How My Client Found Home Again with Virtual Interior Design Services
When people think of interior design, they often picture colors, fabrics, and furniture. And yes, as an interior designer I’m trained to notice styles, scale, balance, layouts, lighting, ceilings, color theory, textiles, art, furniture and architecture. But for me, design is never just about achieving a look. It’s about telling a story - your story - through your home.
Design Clarity
Recently, a client booked a Design Clarity Call after finding me on social media. She had just moved into her late mother’s New York City apartment, where her mom had lived for over 40 years. On our call, I saw the fatigue in her face. She was overwhelmed, surrounded by furniture that didn’t reflect her, weighed down by memories she loved but didn’t quite know how to live with.
She confessed that she longed for her home to feel like stepping into a French village - narrow cobblestone streets, stone houses with lavender fields in bloom, textures of stucco walls and weathered wood. She wanted her space to feel feminine, romantic, relaxing, and inspiring.
But instead, she had mismatched advice from stylists, regret over freshly painted walls that didn’t connect, and no cohesive plan. She didn’t need more random purchases. She needed clarity.
The Blueprint
That’s when I introduced her to what I call the Blueprint. It’s not a cookie-cutter package. The Blueprint is a carefully curated combination of my À La Carte services and E-Design services, tailored specifically to a client’s needs. No more random purchases or endless scrolling for inspiration. Instead, she now had:
A multifunctional furniture layout designed around her lifestyle.
A curated color palette inspired by her vision.
A complete furniture and accessory plan that tied everything together.
Styling and sourcing guides that made execution feel doable, not overwhelming.
That’s when her face lit up. For the first time, she could see a roadmap: a furniture layout based on her lifestyle, a color palette that captured her vision, a design that wove in cherished memories of her mom without overwhelming her.
Romantic French Village inspired Living Room in a New York City Apartment
boho, parisian Dining area for a small new york city apartment dining area
When we walked through her completed design, she was more excited than I’d ever seen her. There was hope, direction, and peace. Her home was no longer chaos - it was her story brought to life. During the design process she donated and sold most of her mom’s larger pieces, but incorporated meaningful keepsakes like her mother’s cookbook. We layered in curvilinear lines, a soft palette of mauves and blush tones, distressed wood, artwork from Black artists, and linen drapes that let in natural light. Her space now reflected her story, while still honoring her mom’s memory.
For the first time, her apartment felt like home.
This is what design is really about. Not chasing trends. Not just making a home beautiful. But creating spaces that reflect who you are, where you’ve been, and where you’re going.
If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed with decorating or unsure of how to pull it all together, know this: your home can tell your story too. Start with a 20-minute Design Clarity Call and let’s create your personal Blueprint for a functional and beautiful home design.
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