Blog

The Georgette Marise Blog is a collection of informal journal-like posts written by interior designer, Sabine Guillaume Hayes. Our posts are meant to inspire and educate through discovering the latest home furnishing products, design tips for easier living, trending paint colors for ideas, and featured interiors picked by Sabine!

As a successful female entrepreneur, balancing the roles of business owner, wife, and mother, your days are undoubtedly packed with responsibilities and tasks. Amidst this bustling schedule, your home stands as your sanctuary—a place where comfort, functionality, and style converge to create a haven. This summer, let's explore three innovative ways to transform your living spaces into multifunctional areas that boost productivity while allowing you to enjoy the beauty and tranquility of your home.

1. Transform Your Backyard into an Outdoor Office Oasis

Summer is the perfect time to embrace the outdoors, and your backyard can become more than just a playground for the kids or a venue for gatherings. Imagine setting up a serene outdoor office where you can handle work tasks while soaking in the beauty of nature.

outdoor oasis with lounging area designed by georgette marise interiors

Creating Your Outdoor Office:

Furniture. Choose comfortable, weather-resistant furniture such as a stylish yet sturdy table and ergonomic chairs. Add cushions and throws for an inviting touch.
Shade and Comfort. Ensure you have adequate shade with an umbrella or pergola. Consider adding a fan or misting system to stay cool.
Connectivity. Extend your Wi-Fi coverage outdoors to stay connected. Set up a power source to keep your devices charged.
Ambiance. Enhance the ambiance with potted plants, a water feature, or outdoor lighting to create a calming environment.

outdoor seating area under a pavilion perfect for working outside

Benefits:

Productivity Boost. The change of scenery can refresh your mind, increasing creativity and productivity.
Flexibility. Conduct video calls, take important calls, or catch up on emails in a peaceful setting.
Work-Life Balance. Blend work with leisure by enjoying your surroundings while getting things done.

outdoor seating — create multiple areas in your outdoor space and create “moments”

2. Design a Versatile Living Room that Adapts to Your Needs

Your living room is more than just a place to relax—it's a central hub that can serve multiple functions, especially during the busy summer months.

Creating a Versatile Living Room:

Flexible Seating. Opt for modular furniture that can be rearranged to suit different activities, from family movie nights to impromptu business meetings.
Smart Storage. Incorporate stylish storage solutions to keep the space tidy and organized. Consider multi-purpose furniture like ottomans with hidden storage or bookshelves that double as room dividers.
Tech Integration. Ensure your living room is equipped with the latest technology, such as smart TVs, sound systems, and charging stations for your devices.

Benefits:

Effortless Transitions. Seamlessly switch between work, family time, and relaxation without compromising on comfort or style.
Enhanced Functionality. Use the space for video conferencing, brainstorming sessions, or even a quiet reading nook when you need a break.
Aesthetic Appeal. Maintain a beautifully designed space that reflects your style and makes you feel at home.

framed tv that can also be used for virtual conference meetings

3. Create a Dedicated Space for Reflection and Self-Care

In the midst of your demanding schedule, it's essential to carve out time for yourself. A dedicated space for reflection and self-care can be a transformative addition to your home.

Creating Your Self-Care Space:

Quiet Corner. Find a quiet corner in your home or garden where you can set up a comfortable chair or yoga mat.
Personal Touches. Decorate with items that bring you joy, such as candles, plants, artwork, or a cozy throw blanket.
Mindful Accessories. Include tools for mindfulness and relaxation, such as journals, meditation cushions, or a small water fountain.

Benefits:

Mental Clarity. A designated space for self-care encourages regular practice, helping you maintain mental clarity and emotional balance.
Stress Relief. Use this space to meditate, journal, or simply unwind, reducing stress and enhancing your overall well-being.
Personal Sanctuary. Create a sanctuary that is exclusively yours—a place to recharge and nurture yourself amidst the demands of daily life.

Embrace the Multifunctional Home

By incorporating these multifunctional spaces into your home this summer, you'll find yourself better equipped to handle your busy schedule while savoring the beauty and comfort of your surroundings. Whether it's transforming your backyard into an outdoor office, designing a versatile living room, or creating a self-care sanctuary, these enhancements will not only boost your productivity but also enrich your daily life. Embrace the possibilities and let your home be a true reflection of your dynamic lifestyle.

To dive even deeper into transforming your home into a serene and efficient haven, check out my eBook, From Chaos to Calm: Master Home Organization like a PRO. Get your copy here.

There's something about being outdoors with the sun shining and a slight breeze in the air that brings a sense of calmness. After a series of cloudy, rainy days the smallest hint of sunlight brings a smile to my face! Once the weather warms up people are always excited to get their outdoor furniture and sit outside. With Memorial Day weekend a few days away the official start of summer is upon us.

Just like our interior spaces our outdoor spaces need to be transformed into functional and stylish areas. Our exterior spaces should be a reflection of our interior. If you're like me and love to entertain guests, why stop inside? Create a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment in your exterior spaces for your guests.

No matter what size your yard/deck/patio you can host a great get together or party outdoors that will have your guests enjoying themselves. Here are 7 essentials to start with.

Outdoor Furniture. Determine how you are going to use your outdoor space before choosing your furniture. Are you going to be hosting formal dinner parties outdoors or casually hanging out with friends and family over your favorite barbecue? Choose your dining table first then select dining chairs that contrast or compliment your table. This will add more visual interest than buying from a "set", where everything matches.
Drinks/Cocktails. Make a refreshing signature cocktail or non-alcoholic drink that will have your guests asking for more. Having a signature drink will save you time & money by eliminating the need to have a menu of beverages. You can make a large container and serve it in a simplistic glass pitcher or an elegant dispenser for guests to serve themselves.
Lounge Seating. Lounge furniture is exactly how it sounds. It should be welcoming, comfortable, and casual. Be sure to select a configuration that will fit well in your space. For example, if you have a small patio select a sofa, chair and ottoman as oppose to squeezing a sectional into the space. This will make your guests feel uncomfortable and awkward.
Grill. You can't entertain outdoors and not have a grill. My husband is personally a charcoal grill fan so we do not use gas grills in our household. With that said, whichever grill you decide to use in your space be sure to strategically position the grill in a designated area fairly close to the dining area so you can still socialize with your guests while cooking. If you are installing a full outdoor kitchen I recommend having an island with a built-in grill and surface space for maximum efficiency.
Fire Pit. There's something cozy about sitting around a fire pit shortly after the sun sets and watching the fire burn, that brings people together. I personally love the smell of burning firewood. Make sure you use quality firewood like hickory, mesquite, alder, oak or fruit woods like apple and cherry wood for a great wood fragrance.
String Lights. String Lights are my favorite decorative element to an outdoor event. It can transform and liven any backyard into a festive space! You hang them in straight lines from one end of your yard to another by securing them on tree branches, poles, or across your pergola. String lights are also a great solution to highlighting a specific area like your deck or patio.
Potted Greenery. Bring a natural element to your outdoor space by adding potted plants and greenery. Your yard may be filled with grass, bushes, shrubs, and trees but it still needs accent plants directly incorporated into your entertaining space. It can be as simple as a set of 3 planters at different heights filled with annual flowers next to your lounge seating or a small flower pot as a centerpiece on your dining table. This will add color and texture to your space. Tip: If you live in the city with a small courtyard as your outdoor space, consider adding a wooden pallet filled with small pots to a wall for greenery and exterior wall decor.

using an island with a built-in Grill allows you to cook and still socialize with your guests. island: woodland direct

Share in the comments below your favorite part of your backyard, I would love to know!

Do you want to host a fabulous outdoor party but don't know where to start? Do you want to be able to just enjoy your outdoor space? Let me create a relaxing and fun outdoor space that you and your family can use and show off. Email me at sabine@georgettemarise.com to get started before summer comes and goes!

Have a great Memorial Day weekend!