How to Find Peace at Home, Even When Life Feels Overwhelming

Home is supposed to be our sanctuary, but for so many, it becomes another source of stress. I’ve heard it all from my clients: the weight of coming home to a cluttered space, the frustration of unfinished or outdated rooms, the overwhelming task of creating functional spaces, and the longing for a cozy nook to unwind after a demanding day. These are real struggles, and they can make a long day feel even longer. But there’s hope, and it starts with one simple step.

As an interior designer, I help clients create homes that bring them peace, joy, and a sense of accomplishment. Here’s how we can start addressing some of these common pain points one by one:

Declutter and Organize—Start with One Room

Coming home to disorganization is one of the top causes of stress for homeowners. But here’s the secret: start small. Pick one room or area, like an entryway or a bathroom corner, and declutter it. Start by removing items that don’t belong or aren’t needed, then introduce simple storage solutions to keep essentials organized. This one small step can make you feel more in control of your space, which has a positive ripple effect on your overall stress level.

custom bathroom shelving for storage Interior Design: Georgette Marise Interiors

Coming home to disorganization is one of the top causes of stress for homeowners.

Focus on Completing One Space

empty, unfinished dining room - see client’s reaction on Instagram

Many clients tell me they feel overwhelmed by unfinished spaces, making their home feel incomplete and chaotic. Rather than thinking of the entire house, focus on one area that would make a big difference if completed. For one client, it was her dining room. As a physician, she wanted a space to entertain but felt embarrassed when guests entered and saw an empty room. We completed her dining room, and it instantly brought her peace and pride—no longer a source of stress, but a place to gather and enjoy. Watch her reaction on Instagram.

Refresh Outdated Areas in Simple Ways

Tackling an outdated room can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to mean a full remodel. Consider adding a fresh coat of paint, new lighting, or a statement piece of furniture. I worked with a client who struggles with migraines, so we installed dimmers in her main living spaces. This small change allowed her to control the lighting and reduce eye strain, transforming an outdated space into one that truly supports her well-being.

Create a Personal Retreat

Every home needs at least one retreat—a place you can unwind and recharge. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a serene bedroom corner, or even a small outdoor seating area, having a personal sanctuary can be a game-changer for stress relief. For one client, we created a tranquil corner in her home with soft colors, where she can come after a demanding day as a surgeon. This simple addition turned her space into a safe haven, helping her leave the day’s stress at the door.

cozy banquette corner perfect for morning coffee Interior Design: Georgette Marise Interiors

Incorporate Meaningful Elements

One of the most fulfilling parts of my job is helping clients create spaces that reflect their lives, memories, and values. A gallery wall can be a beautiful way to incorporate family photos, cherished moments, or favorite art pieces. One of my clients felt a true sense of joy every time she looked at the family portraits we arranged in her family room. Another client, upon smelling our Élégant candle for the first time, was moved to tears as it transported her back to fond memories with her late father. These meaningful touches bring calm to our homes in ways that no other décor element can.

Élegant Scented Candle & Luxe Noir Diffuser

Real Stories of Transformation

I’m grateful to have seen firsthand how small design changes have transformed my clients’ lives. Many end up feeling relieved, joyful, and finally at peace in their homes. From a serene paint color that melts away the stresses of the day to a new gallery wall filled with cherished memories, these changes create powerful shifts.

You don’t have to continue feeling stressed in your home. Working with an interior designer isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about creating a home that uplifts you, that tells your story, and that brings you peace.

What’s your biggest challenge in creating a calm space at home? I’d love to hear in the comments, and I’d be honored to help you take that first step toward a home that supports you and brings you peace. Remember, change happens one step at a time. Let’s find the calm you deserve.

 

The Quick Fix: How a Day with an Interior Designer Can Transform Your Home

Do you walk around your home, loving some rooms and but not others? Do you flip through photos on Instagram or Pinterest asking, “How do I get my home to look like that?”. Good design is intentional. When you look or walk into a beautiful space even if it has a “lived-in” look, it’s important to know that every material and finish selected, color palette chosen, and furniture placement was part of an overall plan. That plan is the design. Chances are the plan was created by a professional interior designer who created a design based on the needs of the end user aka - the client.

Good design is intentional.

How a day with an interior designer can transform your home

When it comes to designing a home there are a lot of moving parts. I usually compare it to a book. The cover gives you an overall feel of the tone and style of the book before you dig into the chapters. Each chapter ends and transitions into the following chapter which either picks up where the last chapter ended or gives a different scene or angle to the overall story. Interior designers interview their clients, identifying their needs, desires, lifestyles, and goals to translate that to their homes. Each room in a home is a chapter - having its own identity but part of a big picture.

Hiring an interior designer can truly change the way you live in your home. If you’re looking to work on one chapter at a time, hiring an interior designer for a day can be an efficient way to improve the look and feel of your home. Here are some reasons you may want to consider hiring a designer for a day.

  1. Expertise and Professional Advice. Interior designers have the knowledge and expertise to transform spaces, ensuring they are both functional and aesthetically pleasing. By hiring a designer for a day, you can tap into their professional advice and get expert recommendations on colors, layouts, furniture placements, and decor choices that align with your style and needs.

  2. Budget-Friendly Solutions. Interior designers can work within your budget, helping you make the most of your available resources. They can provide cost-effective suggestions for renovations, furniture, and accessories, and help you avoid costly mistakes that may arise from DIY attempts. Keep in mind when hiring a designer and purchasing furnishings, a higher quality product or service often comes with a higher price tag.

  3. Save Time. Designing a space can be time-consuming, especially if you're not familiar with the process. Interior designers are well-equipped to make efficient decisions, select appropriate materials, and manage projects effectively. Hiring a designer for a day can save you valuable time by making quick decisions that will change the look and feel of your room, especially if you have a tight schedule.

  4. Fresh Perspectives. Interior designers bring a fresh and creative perspective to your space. If you have a designer at your home for the day they can suggest innovative design ideas that you might not have thought of on your own, helping you achieve a unique and personalized look for your home.

  5. Problem Solving. Interior designers are skilled at problem-solving and can address issues such as layout challenges, awkward spaces, and lighting problems. Whether it's reconfiguring your furniture arrangement or recommending the right lighting fixtures, they can help you find practical solutions to enhance your living space.

Hiring an interior designer for a day can be a smart investment, particularly if you're looking for professional guidance, want to avoid costly mistakes, and desire a more efficient and aesthetically pleasing outcome for your home that reflects your personality. It allows you to access their expertise and creative insights without committing to a long-term project. Never worked with a designer before? Be sure to read my post on 5 Things you Should Do When Working with an Interior Designer.

fresh florals with woven basket on coffee table

Do you have a room that is in need of some changes but you don’t know where to start and don’t have the time to figure it all out? Ask me for help! No really, ASK ME! Hire me for a day and I will come to your home and help you complete a room in your home in one day. I will survey your room, discuss some of your goals and vision for your space and come up with a plan. While at your home I will make some changes, whether that’s moving some furniture around or hanging some wall decor up or maybe even go shopping for some decor pieces. Together we can make major improvements to your room in ONE DAY!

For a limited time I am giving clients that opportunity to hire me for a day! It’s called Ask Sabine! Interior Designer Access. My time is limited and so it this offer. This is your time to pick my brain while getting access to me in real-time! Reserve your spot now before this offer is over! Comment below and share with me what room you want to complete in one day.

5 Things You Should Do When Working with an Interior Designer

Things you should do when working with an interior designer

Things you should do when working with an interior designer

Do you go through pictures on Houzz, Pinterest, or Home Decor Magazines thinking, "Why can't my home look and feel like that?" or "That room is beautiful! How did they do that?". Most likely they used the assistance of a professional interior designer or decorator.

Your home should be a reflection of your personality. How do you achieve that and make your home look beautiful and be functional at the same time? Hire a professional! A professional interior designer will allow your personality to shine while taking your lifestyle, space, and budget in consideration. It is important to hire a designer that you will enjoy working with. A great designer achieves more than a beautiful space, they change the way you LIVE in your home.

Here are some things I suggest to all my clients that they do prior and during our working relationship.

1. Ask your Designer Questions

If you've never worked with a designer before, you probably have a lot of questions as to how they work. When working with a designer, there's always a process. Ask what the process is so you know what to expect. As designers we never want to create surprises for our clients. Don't assume if there's something you're unsure about, just ask. Have questions about our services? CLICK HERE

2. Have a Budget

Unless you have an unlimited budget, plan ahead of how much you can afford to spend on your total project from beginning to end. Many designers charge by the hour, percentage, or by project, so have an idea of how much you can afford and let your designer know that. The worst mistake, is when you tell a designer that you don't have a budget and they design a beautiful project that costs 30k and you only have 10k to spend. That will waste the designer's time and you'll be mad that you can't have what they presented.

3. Communicate

You and your designer are a team, so if there is something you're unsure about make sure you communicate exactly what you mean. Many of my clients have their own idea of a style or design they saw, sometimes the best way to communicate something specific is through pictures from magazines.

4. Do Research

Find out more about your designer and their background. Have they been formally trained with a degree in interior design or architecture? How many years experience to they have? Are they a designer or decorator, there is a difference. 

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A DECORATOR & INTERIOR DESIGNER

A decorator is a creative professional who can accessorize and change any surface to make it look aesthetically pleasing. An interior designer is professionally trained to design a space from beginning to its completion. They take into account structural elements, lighting and functionality of an interior. 

Here are some other ideas to research. Do they have a website and portfolio? Do they have referrals? What is their specialty? Are they a full-service company with a team of workers? These are all questions that you should ask when hiring a decorator/designer or company. 

architectural drawings

architectural drawings

5. Trust your Designer

You have paid money for a professional, tell them your needs for your space, your likes and dislikes...now it's time to allow your designer to gather all of your information, add their expertise, and produce a functional and beautiful space that reflects you! 

Ready to get your project started? Contact me TODAY at 610.924.2780 or sabine@georgettemarise.com to begin the process to achieving your dream space!

 

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