Create Your Own Cozy Corner: Transform Any Space Into a Personal Haven

Imagine this: after a long, hectic day, you finally have a moment to yourself. You walk over to a cozy corner—a small nook in your home that feels like it was made just for you. Maybe it’s a spot where you unwind with your favorite book, reflect on the day with a cup of tea, or take a few deep breaths before diving back into the world. This dedicated space is more than just a piece of your home; it’s your retreat within reach.

Creating a cozy corner is a powerful way to bring calm and purpose into your home, no matter the room. Think of it as designing a small escape that’s still woven into the fabric of your space. You’re taking an area that might otherwise go unused and giving it a role that brings value and joy to your everyday life. Whether it’s a reading corner in your living room, a quiet reflection space in your bedroom, or a meditative nook in your home office, these corners make your home feel fuller, more functional, and genuinely yours.

Step 1: Define Your Corner’s Purpose

Before you start adding furniture or decorating, think about what you want your cozy corner to offer. Do you crave a reading nook where you can escape with a novel? Maybe you want a corner for journaling, meditation, or simply sipping coffee in the morning sun. When you define the purpose, you’re essentially setting the stage for the feeling and function of the space.

relaxation room with gym area, meditation area, and cozy corner

Imagine how this small area will fit into your life. Visualize yourself using it and think about what would make you feel comfortable and happy in that spot. A reading nook might need extra light and a spot for a stack of books, while a meditative corner could benefit from a simple, uncluttered design and softer lighting. By knowing what you want to use the space for, you’ll create a nook that feels intentional and draws you in.

Step 2: Keep the Room in Mind

While your cozy corner can be a retreat from the main part of the room, it shouldn’t clash with its surroundings. Think about the room as a whole and how this corner can fit in seamlessly, adding to the overall design instead of competing with it.

If your living room has a modern, clean style, consider carrying those elements over to your cozy corner with sleek lines and neutral tones. In a bedroom, you might use softer, warmer tones for a relaxing feel that blends with your bedding and decor. A cohesive look not only helps your cozy corner feel like a natural part of the room but also enhances the flow and harmony of your entire space.

Step 3: Lighting Matters

Lighting can make or break your cozy corner. Remember, lighting isn't just about seeing—it's about creating an atmosphere that invites you to relax and enjoy your time. Think about the mood you want to set in your corner and choose lighting that reflects that. For example:

• Reading corner: A floor or table lamp with a warm bulb can offer focused light without feeling too harsh.

• Meditation space: Softer, ambient lighting, like a small lamp or candles, can create a calming effect.

• Reflection nook: Consider a sconce or wall light if you’re working with a smaller space, providing soft light without taking up floor or table space.

Remember, dimmable lights allow you to adjust the brightness to fit the time of day or your mood, making your corner truly adaptable to your needs.

Step 4: Choose Comfortable Seating

The right seating will make all the difference in your cozy corner. This is where comfort meets style, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution here—it’s about finding what makes you feel at ease. Think about how much space you have and the level of comfort you’re looking for. Here are some seating ideas to spark inspiration:

• A classic club chair or wingback chair: Offers a solid, comfortable seat for reading or reflecting.

• A chair and ottoman combo: Provides a spot to put your feet up for extra relaxation.

• A pouf or cushioned ottoman: Works well in smaller spaces and adds versatility.

• An egg chair or swing chair: Brings a fun, unique element if you’re looking to add character and interest.

Bedroom accent chair

Your seating choice doesn’t have to be extravagant—just something that feels right for you and supports the purpose you defined in step one.

Step 5: Add Colors and Textures for Warmth

Finally, personalize your cozy corner with colors and textures that make it feel welcoming and warm. This is your chance to bring in elements that delight your senses and add depth to your space.

• Colors: Choose hues that reflect the mood you want to create. Soft blues and greens promote calmness, while warm tones like beige and taupe add coziness.

• Textures: Layer different textures for an inviting feel. A soft throw blanket, plush pillow, or woven basket can add comfort and personality.

• Rugs and Pillows: If your cozy corner is part of a larger space, consider adding a small rug to visually define the area. Pillows, too, can bring a touch of softness and color to the scene.

Wingback accent chair in living room with a draped throw and accent kidney pillow accompanied with a metal garden stool to the side

By mixing and matching colors and textures that resonate with you, you’ll create a corner that feels both stylish and comforting, welcoming you to unwind every time you settle in.

Your Cozy Corner Awaits

Imagine having a dedicated spot in your home that serves as a daily retreat. Whether it's one corner in a single room or small nooks spread throughout your home, these spaces give you a moment to pause, breathe, and enjoy a piece of calm. Creating your cozy corner is more than decorating—it’s designing a little sanctuary tailored to you.

If you’re ready to bring this vision to life but aren’t sure where to start, I’d love to help. Together, we can transform your home into a place where every corner works for you. Schedule a free 15-minute design call with me today to talk about your space and how to make it the calm, inviting retreat you deserve. Click here to book, and let’s get started on bringing your cozy corner dreams to life.

How to Create Calm Spaces That Invite Mindfulness

In today’s fast-paced world, we are often inundated with noise—be it the noise from our environments or the mental chatter that fills our minds. Have you ever noticed that the state of your home often reflects the state of your mind? When things feel chaotic, your space can mirror that feeling. But what if you could turn your home into a sanctuary—a place where calmness reigns and mindfulness becomes a natural state?

That’s where you, the hero of this story, come in. You know the importance of balance and peace in your life. But right now, something’s missing. Your home doesn’t yet feel like the serene oasis it could be. You long for a space where you can breathe, unwind, and be at peace—both mentally and physically. That desire is where your journey begins.

The Struggle: Feeling Overwhelmed in Your Own Home

Many of us spend hours working, running errands, and managing family life, only to come home to a space that feels more like a burden than a sanctuary. The clutter, the noise, the lack of functional flow in your home—it's overwhelming. How can you expect to calm your mind when your surroundings are anything but peaceful?

You need a solution—a way to turn your home into a quiet space that fosters mindfulness and tranquility.

The Wisdom of Calm Spaces: Learning from Georgette and Marise

I understand this struggle deeply because I have walked this path too. Growing up, I witnessed two incredible women—my late grandmother Georgette and my late mother Marise—craft homes that were filled with calm and love. Their homes were a reflection of their personalities and their approach to life: one of elegance, mindfulness, and balance.

georgette lifestyle

My grandmother Georgette, a woman of strength and sophistication, created a home where every detail felt intentional. She lived in Manhattan for almost 40 years and believed in the importance of creating pockets of peace within her surroundings, and her signature style was always infused with timeless elegance and a French-inspired calm. Whether it was the light scent of fresh flowers in the living room or the soft music from the piano, her home exuded warmth and invited everyone to relax.

marise lifestyle

Then there was my mother, Marise, who brought her Haitian heritage and family values to the forefront of everything she did. Her homes were never flashy, but it was rich in comfort, filled with subtle touches that made you feel safe and grounded. From the way she set the dinner table to the quiet spaces she nurtured for reading and reflection, her home was a refuge from the chaos of the outside world.

“I learned that a quiet home fosters a quiet mind.”

— Sabine

Through their examples, I learned that a quiet home fosters a quiet mind. And now, I want to help you discover the same in your home.

The Transformation: Adopting Mindful Design Practices

Like my mother and grandmother, I believe that our homes can nurture the mindfulness we so desperately need in our busy lives. There are a few ways you can begin this journey toward creating a home that brings you peace:

• Clear the Clutter, Clear Your Mind
  One of the most effective ways to create a calm environment is by decluttering. Let go of what no longer serves you. Simplify your space to make room for peace.

• Add Thoughtful Touches
  Whether it’s incorporating soft textiles like plush cushions or lighting a soothing candle with notes of bergamot or vanilla, these small, intentional details invite mindfulness. At Georgette Marise Interiors, I often use scent as a design element because it’s one of the most powerful ways to connect with calmness.

• Create Functional, Multifunctional Spaces
  A well-designed space is one where function meets beauty. Design your rooms with purpose, ensuring that everything you need is at your fingertips, without creating overwhelm. When I design for my clients, I make sure that each room not only serves its intended purpose but also flows in a way that feels effortless and comfortable.

• Connect with Nature
  Nature has a way of grounding us. Incorporate plants, natural textures, and outdoor light to bring calmness into your space. Georgette, my grandmother, always made room for greenery and sunlight in her home, as she knew the restorative power of nature.

The Path to Peace

You’ve already identified that you want a change—that you want a home that invites calmness and mindfulness. But how do you get there? The truth is, you don’t have to do it alone.

At Georgette Marise Interiors, my mission is to help busy homeowners like you create multifunctional spaces that not only look beautiful but also offer the peace you need to thrive. I blend comfort and style so that you can come home to a space that nurtures your well-being.

creating a calm home that invites mindfulness

You have the power to transform your home into the sanctuary it was always meant to be. It’s time to step into that role and make the mindful shift that will not only quiet your home but also your mind.

Your Journey Starts Here

Are you ready to take the first step toward a more peaceful home? Whether it’s decluttering, adding mindful touches, or a complete home transformation, I’m here to guide you on this journey. Together, we can create a space where calmness and mindfulness are not just aspirations but realities.

Schedule a free 15-minute design call today to discuss your space and start your transformation into a home that nurtures your well-being. Let’s create the calm you deserve!

5 Simple Ways to Create a Cozy, Stress-Free Home for Fall

As the vibrant days of summer gradually give way to the crisp, cool air of fall, our homes naturally become the backdrop for more indoor activities. Fall is one of my favorite seasons, it invites me to slow down, enjoy the simple pleasures of life, and create a haven where I can unwind and recharge. Here are some ideas that will help you explore how to design a home that promotes relaxation and comfort, focusing on the power of textures, lighting, and multifunctional furniture. By the end, you'll have practical tips on transforming every room in your home into a cozy retreat, perfect for unwinding after a long day.

1. Embrace the Power of Texture

One of the easiest and most effective ways to add warmth and coziness to your home as the weather cools down is through the use of texture. Think about the fabrics and materials that naturally evoke a sense of comfort—plush throws, soft wool blankets, and chunky knit pillows are perfect for fall.

Interior Design: Georgette MArise Interiors

• Living Room: Layer your sofa with a variety of textured cushions and a cozy throw blanket. Consider adding a soft area rug underfoot, which not only adds warmth but also makes the space feel more inviting.

• Bedroom: Swap out your lightweight summer bedding for heavier materials like flannel or a quilted duvet. Add a faux fur throw at the foot of the bed for extra comfort.

• Dining Room: Incorporate textured elements into your table setting with linen napkins, woven placemats, and rustic wooden or ceramic dishware. A centerpiece of fresh flowers or a bowl of seasonal fruits can add a natural touch of texture.

cane, wood, glass, woven, and metal are just some textures used in this space to add depth and interest

2. Set the Mood with Lighting

Lighting plays a crucial role in creating a stress-free environment. As the days get shorter, it's important to ensure your home is well-lit, but in a way that feels soft and inviting, rather than harsh or overpowering.

Luxe Noir Candle by Georgette Marise

• Warm Lighting: Opt for warm, soft lighting to create a relaxing atmosphere. Swap out bright white bulbs for those that emit a warmer glow, ideally in the 2700K to 3000K range. Table lamps, floor lamps, and wall sconces can provide gentle, ambient light, perfect for cozy evenings.

• Candles and Fireplaces: Nothing says fall quite like the flicker of candlelight or the warmth of a crackling fire. Place candles throughout your home—on coffee tables, mantels, and dining tables—to add a cozy glow. If you have a fireplace, make it a focal point by arranging seating around it, creating a perfect spot for relaxation.

• Dimmer Switches: Installing dimmer switches allows you to adjust the lighting to suit the mood, whether you're reading, entertaining, or simply winding down after a busy day.

cozy, stress-free home

3. Invest in Multifunctional Furniture

As we spend more time indoors during the fall, the functionality of our living spaces becomes even more important. Multifunctional furniture pieces can help you create a more organized and stress-free environment, especially in smaller homes.

• Storage Solutions: Consider furniture that doubles as storage, such as ottomans with hidden compartments, coffee tables with built-in shelves, or beds with storage drawers underneath. These pieces help keep clutter at bay, making your space feel more open and serene.

• Versatile Seating: Look for seating options that can adapt to different needs. A sectional sofa with a chaise lounge, for example, can be rearranged to create a cozy nook for reading or watching movies. Poufs and floor cushions can be moved around easily, providing extra seating when needed.

• Convertible Furniture: If space is limited, consider investing in convertible furniture, such as a dining table that can expand to accommodate guests or a sofa that transforms into a guest bed. These pieces offer flexibility, ensuring your home can adapt to your lifestyle changes throughout the fall season.

4. Add Personal Touches for a Calming Environment

Creating a cozy, stress-free home isn't just about aesthetics—it's also about making sure your space reflects your personality and brings you joy. Surround yourself with items that make you feel good, whether it's cherished photographs, artwork, or a collection of books.

• Personal Decor: Displaying items that have personal meaning can enhance the comfort of your space. Whether it's a favorite piece of art, a vintage find, or family heirlooms, these pieces help make your home uniquely yours.

• Scent: Incorporate scents that evoke a sense of calm and relaxation. Scented candles, essential oil diffusers, or simmer pots filled with spices like cinnamon and cloves can fill your home with the comforting aromas of fall.

• Nature-Inspired Elements: Bringing the outdoors in can also contribute to a serene environment. Decorate with natural elements like pumpkins, pinecones, or branches to capture the essence of fall.

5. Create a Relaxation Zone in Every Room

Finally, make sure there's a spot in every room where you can truly unwind. This doesn't have to be an entire room dedicated to relaxation; even a small corner can become a cozy retreat.

relaxation corner to reflect, read, journal, and just be.

• Living Room: Dedicate a corner with a comfortable chair, a soft blanket, and a good book. Add a small side table for your cup of tea or coffee, and you've created the perfect reading nook.

• Bedroom: Your bed should be a sanctuary of comfort. Invest in high-quality bedding, keep nightstands clutter-free, and consider adding blackout curtains to ensure a restful sleep.

• Bathroom: Transform your bathroom into a spa-like retreat with plush towels, a bathrobe, and soothing scents. Add candles or dimmable lights to create a relaxing atmosphere for your evening routine.

• Home Office: Even in a workspace, you can incorporate elements that reduce stress. A comfortable chair, good lighting, and personal touches like a plant or a favorite piece of art can make your office feel more inviting.

Final Thoughts

…the goal is to design a home that feels like a retreat.

As fall approaches, it's the perfect time to reimagine your home as a cozy, stress-free haven where you can escape the hustle and bustle of daily life. By incorporating texture, warm lighting, multifunctional furniture, and personal touches, you can create a space that not only looks beautiful but also nurtures your well-being. Remember, the goal is to design a home that feels like a retreat—a place where you can relax, unwind, and fully embrace the comforting essence of fall. Share in the comments below what your cozy space is! I’d LOVE to know!

Why Copying Someone Else’s Design Is a Big No-No and What to Do Instead

As homeowners, we’ve all been there—You scroll through Instagram, spot a beautiful living room, and think, "I want that exact look in my home!" While it’s tempting to copy a design you love, it’s a big no-no. Why? Because every home is different.

The Problem with Copying Someone Else’s Design

While it might seem like a good idea to duplicate a room you love, the reality is that each space has its own unique layout, lighting, and proportions. A design that looks perfect in one home might feel cramped, awkward, or mismatched in another. When you copy someone else’s design, you miss out on the opportunity to create something personal and authentic that reflects your tastes, lifestyle, and needs.

Here’s why copying can be a big design mistake:

1. Cookie-Cutter Look: A design that’s been copied too closely from another space risks looking unoriginal and bland. What may have felt fresh and exciting in someone else’s home could feel generic and impersonal in yours.

2. Piecemeal Result: Simply copying elements from one space to another can create a disjointed effect. Without a cohesive vision tailored to your home, the design can feel like a random assortment of pieces rather than a seamless and well-thought-out space.

3. Different Space, Different Feel: Your home’s architecture, layout, and natural lighting are unique. Even if you duplicate a room exactly, it will always look and feel different due to the context of your space.

Family Room designed to be serene yet functional for everyone’s needs in the space -- Interior design: Georgette Marise Interiors Photography: Thunderbird Productions

How to Make It Your Own

The key to a beautifully designed home is making it your own. Instead of copying, use inspiration as a jumping-off point to create something truly unique for your home. Consider the following:

• Personalize It: Think about how you want to feel in the space and how it needs to function for your lifestyle. This will guide your choices and ensure the design reflects your personality.

• Tailor to Your Space: Every room has its own strengths and challenges. Work with the unique aspects of your home—whether it’s maximizing natural light or creating flow with an open layout—to make the design fit perfectly.

• Create a Cohesive Vision: A home that feels pulled together starts with a clear vision. From colors and textures to furniture and decor, every choice should work together to create a unified and harmonious space.

“Formal Living Room” transformed into an exercise + meditation room -- Interior design: Georgette Marise Interiors Photography: Thunderbird Productions

Ready to Create a Home That’s Truly Yours?

Don’t settle for a cookie-cutter design that feels piecemeal and disconnected from your space. Let’s work together to create a home that’s authentic, unique, and perfect for you.

Every room can look drastically different with personalization. family room transformation

Book a complimentary design call today to discuss your project, and let’s start designing a truly one-of-a-kind space! >>> Click here to book your call today!

How To Transform your Home Into a Place That Brings you JOY

sitting room design

Home. It’s where we’ve officially spent most of our time in 2020. Our homes are playing new roles this year forcing us to reexamine the function of the spaces around us.

Your home is a representation of you. It should tell your story and be uniquely yours. Even if you’re not in your dream home - maybe you’re in a starter home or in between homes - the interiors of your home can and should service your essential needs and desires. Your home should inspire you, bring you joy, help you feel relaxed, keep you safe, and ultimately showcase your personality - and even your family’s personality.

How do you create this sense of ease and beauty in your home-you maybe asking? Let’s get into some of the practicals of how you can transform your home into a place that brings out your personality while servicing your needs and desires.

Interior Designer, Sabine Guillaume HAyes

1. Evaluate & Prioritize. Before you can rearrange, design or decorate anything you need to ask yourself what’s important. What are the main things you do at home that are important to you? Does cooking bring you joy? Focus on your kitchen. Do you love to entertain? Start with your dining and living room. Is family time essential to you? Start with a family room. Do you crave rest after working long hours? Start with your bedroom. In addition to focusing on the rooms that are important to you, I also recommend starting with a “self-care” space or a “you” space. Somewhere you can pause, retreat, and getaway for a moment. It can be a corner in your bedroom or a bonus room, dedicate a space where you can pause for a moment to read, pray, journal, meditate, exercise, etc.

2. Plan. Every project needs a plan. After you’ve evaluated your important rooms-develop a timeline of which ones you would like to complete first with a budget. You may not be able to complete your entire home at once but I highly recommend completing one room at a time. No matter how tempting, complete one room before starting another room. Why? It’s easy to get discouraged when you see portions of a room completed here and there. Think of design as a puzzle: all the pieces need to come together and fit perfectly to create a complete image. If you only have sixty percent of the puzzle complete, you can’t enjoy the full beauty or clarity of the image.

3. Execute. Once you’ve evaluated the goal of your project, planned a timeline and budget it’s time to design and decorate! This is where you may want to bring in an interior designer to help you put all your needs, desires, and styles together. However, if you are doing-it-yourself here are the steps I recommend taking to complete the design of your room.

   • Break down your plan.

   • Find or create your inspiration.

   • Layout your room - based on the room’s function write down the furnishings you would need.

   • Shop for your items. Invest in your large and most used pieces.

   • Tell your story by pulling all of the room’s components together - color palette, furniture placements, textures and patterns.

before & after of a Sitting Room design in a new construction home

If you are feeling stuck and cannot figure out what to do next, how to pull everything together or need reassurance and validation of your choices (sometimes you need just an additional set of eyes!) reach out to me. I’m here for you, even if it’s a quick question. All you need to do is ASK SABINE!

5 Ways to Personalize your New Construction Home

A new construction home has a polished look and feel to it when you are touring around the newly drywalled rooms for the first time. Everything is brand-new, clean and fresh like a blank canvas. Often times, unless you are working on a custom built, new construction homes are in a development, community or street with other similar models. Though the exterior core of your new construction may have to look similar to your neighbors, the details and the design of the interior can be unique to you.

1. Paint or Upgrade your Front Door. As guests walk up to your house your front door is the first impression they have of your home. It should be welcoming, inviting…overall it should reflect YOU! Unfortunately, most new construction homes have standard fiberglass exterior doors in neutral colors. If your development allows, I suggest painting or changing your front door to a color and style that not only elevates your curb appeal and compliments the architecture of the house but also brings out your personality.

upgrade your front door. this single fiberglass door was changed to a custom wrought iron double door for a grand welcome.

2. Upgrade your Fixtures. Unless you are building a custom home where you can specify all the fixtures and finishes, I suggest upgrading your builder grade fixtures (such as your light fixtures, door hardware, etc.) to your personal style. This can be overwhelming but doesn’t have to be done all at once. My advice is to focus on one room at a time, this will make each room feel complete.

upgrade your fixtures. designed by sharina liverman

3. Add Architectural Features. Architectural features such as fireplaces, molding, ceiling finishes, wall applications can all take your simple blank canvas and transform it to your personal oasis. The key is to know what features to add and where.

add architectural features.

4. Paint your Walls. Painting your walls is the least expensive way to transform a new construction home. If you are purchasing your home while it is under construction some builders are willing to paint using your specified colors instead of the standard flat off-white or beige throughout. This will allow you to move into a freshly painted house that you don’t have to worry about.

5. Add Wallpaper. Add texture, pattern, color, and design to your space by incorporating a wallpaper that compliments the overall decor of your home. Wallpaper is a great way to add your personal style to your new construction. Depending on your design you can use it on an accent wall, in the hallway, on the ceiling, or in a small room. The possibilities are endless.

Do you live in a new construction home? What are some personal changes you made or would like to make to your blank canvas? Share in the comments below!

À la prochaine,

Sabine's Favorite Pins of NFL Players' Homes

Favorite Pins of NFL players' homes

Even if you're not a football fan or even follow the sport, you know that Sunday is one of the biggest games of the year...Super Bowl Sunday!!! This year my Boston Native team The New England Patriots will be playing my husband's Philadelphia Native team The Philadelphia Eagles. For many of these football players, this is the most important game of their career, they worked hard all season and sacrificed time away from their homes and families to get here. Having a home that reflects their personality is extremely important to them. 

"...it can be a lot sometimes, and sometimes it’s just nice to go home and be chill and be away from everything.” -Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles

If we look at their homes, we can learn a lot about these athletes. We can see if they like to entertain, cook, read, watch movies, play music, drive luxury cars, or spend time outdoors for example.  Although, their interests off the field may be different the one thing their homes have in common is they call it home.  Their homes are a place they can relax and unwind after a challenging or victorious season. Join me as I go through some of these athletes' homes that stood out to me. 

I love the architecture of this house. The white finished exterior offers a fresh, clean look while contrasting well with the black framed windows and railings. The curb appeal is beautiful and gives an inviting feel. 

The kitchen is usually the hub of the home. I love this open floor plan, eclectic kitchen because of its energy. The lower ceiling height in the kitchen area, is a great way of making the kitchen feel intimate. The exotic grains in the hardwood floors give a warmth to the space. The stainless steel island is balanced well with the modern, slightly distressed leather barstools. Overall this kitchen is a beautiful space for entertaining guests or enjoying solo.

This grand living room takes advantage of its tall ceilings. I love how the beautiful picture windows create a stunning backdrop as you enter the room. The custom, neutral colored window treatments drape the center windows elegantly. This room uses subtle tones but feels very welcoming. I also love the use of light furniture & wall color balanced by a dark area rug and built-ins. 

"We built this house as a sanctuary for our family—a place where we can enjoy being together.” -Tom Brady, New England Patriots

Although this rustic kitchen is large in size, it has a casual and organic approach to its design. The island serves as the kitchen's anchor and is beautifully accented by 3 clear glass bell jar lantern pendants hung from a brick ceiling. The slightly distressed grayish-brown cabinets are topped with elegant white stone countertops to give a clean look. Overall, I love the simplicity and unique design choices in this open kitchen. 

My favorite part of this room is the view, of course. This room is a sophisticated approach to a game space. The pool table looks like a piece of furniture, centered in the space, while an accent square game table with 3 upholstered chairs are placed in the corner of the room near the calming view of the water. 

Our homes are ultimately where we recharge, re-energize, and rest. Just like these football athletes, we have a chance to be ourselves when we enter our homes. As hectic or lonely as our homes are it's still home...and there's nothing like it. 

Share in the comments below, what's the best part about being home?

For more of my favorite NFL players' homes follow me on Pinterest.

À la prochaine,

How to Decorate When You Are Starting From Scratch

Whether you're moving into your first apartment, house, downsizing or upgrading it can be overwhelming to decorate, especially if you have nothing. I remember when I moved into my first apartment by myself 12 years ago I had no furniture except for a mattress, books, my computer, and personal items. Sometimes starting from scratch is a great way to decorate because you have nothing to limit your choices. 

Start Somewhere. When you have little to nothing, it's time to visit the drawing board, look at your home and determine what is the priority. Sometimes the priority is decorating the entire home and sometimes the priority is taking it one room at a time. Once you've made the decision of what the priority is...focus on it. 

"Inspiration is the seed. Design but the flower." - Michael Langham

Be Inspired. Every unique design came from an inspiration. Once you find your inspiration it will transpire into a vision. Together, with an interior designer, that vision will transform into reality. An inspiration can be as simple as using the colors and tones of nature or the style of your favorite restaurant. There are no wrong answers only unique ones.  

Decide What Is Your Investment. Designing and decorating are investments you make. Based on your priority and the vision, finalizing a comfortable total dollar amount is the next important step. Be sure to decide on a realistic budget before starting any work. Keep in mind that emergencies can occur which should reflect in your budget. 

Create a Floor Plan. Once you've determined a budget, focus on your needs for the room or rooms. Having a well-designed floor plan creates a base for your decorating project, especially if you are working in phases over time. A floor plan will allow you to go back and finish the pieces of the design. A floor plan is also a great way to make sure any furniture needed will fit properly in your space, which is especially key in small spaces.

Shopping. Use your floor plan to create a list of furnishings needed to accomplish the design. Always purchase your largest and most important pieces first. When I am designing a room I always like to start with the seating and some important accessories such as lighting. For example, in a living room, I would purchase the sofa and chairs first then tables and lamps with essential wall decor.

A post shared by GEORGETTE MARISE INTERIORS (@georgettemarise) on Sep 14, 2017 at 12:31pm PDT

Decorating is a process. The decor of a space tells a story of those that occupy it, therefore it has to be done with thought and purpose. If you are looking to tell your story in your space but don't know how to, let's work together to create your vision. Email me today at sabine@georgettemarise.com.

À la prochaine,