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 I’ve heard it all from my clients: the weight of coming home to a cluttered space, the frustration of unfinished or outdated rooms, the overwhelming task of creating functional spaces, and the longing for a cozy nook to unwind after a demanding day.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Refresh Outdated Areas in Simple Ways

Tackling an outdated room can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to mean a full remodel.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 This small change allowed her to control the lighting and reduce eye strain, transforming an outdated space into one that truly supports her well-being.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.

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.

Light Your Home Right: The Power of Lighting to Create the Perfect Atmosphere

You’ve spent hours choosing the perfect furniture, picking out colors that speak to your soul, and finding the right accessories to make your space feel just right. But there’s one thing that can either make all that effort shine—or fall flat. What is it? Lighting.

I remember one of my professors in art school telling us, "You can have the best-designed room in the world, but if the lighting is off, it’s all for nothing." He was absolutely right. Lighting has the power to completely transform how a space looks and feels. It's not just about seeing better—it's about feeling better too. The right lighting can add warmth, set a mood, and even calm the mind after a long, stressful day.

So, how can you get the lighting right in your home? It starts with understanding a few key principles. Let me introduce you to the simple but foolproof lighting rules that I use in every room: General Lighting, Task Lighting, and Accent Lighting. When you master these, you'll be on your way to a home that looks amazing at any time of day. In my opinion, every room should have these layers of lighting to be well-lit.

using layers of lighting to create a calm space

1. General Lighting: The Foundation of Your Space

General lighting, sometimes called ambient lighting, is your main source of light. This is the light that fills the room and gives you the overall brightness you need to move around comfortably. Think of your overhead lights, recessed lighting, or large ceiling fixtures—this is your foundation.

But here’s the trick: General lighting should be functional without being harsh. You want enough light to see, but you don’t want your room to feel like an operating room. This is where dimmers come in handy. Adding dimmers to your general lighting allows you to adjust the brightness based on the time of day or your mood. Bright when you’re cleaning or working, soft and cozy when you’re relaxing or hosting friends.

And here's a quick tip: LED bulbs are your best friend for general lighting. They’re energy-efficient, last forever (well, almost), and come in a variety of color temperatures to suit any mood. For a calming vibe, I recommend going for warm white LED bulbs (2700K to 3000K). They create a softer glow that’s perfect for winding down.

2. Task Lighting: Light Where You Need It Most

While general lighting provides overall brightness, it doesn’t always cut it when you need to focus on specific tasks. This is where task lighting steps in—lighting that’s designed to help you see clearly for specific activities.

If you’ve ever struggled to read a book under dim lighting or tried to chop veggies in a shadowy kitchen, you know the importance of task lighting! Think of desk lamps, reading lights, under-cabinet lighting in the kitchen, or even pendants hanging over your dining table. These lights are directed and practical, helping you get stuff done.

For task lighting, you want something bright and focused, but not blinding. Again, LED bulbs work wonders here because they give you plenty of light without generating heat or using too much energy. Look for cooler light temperatures (around 3500K to 4000K) for areas where you need to concentrate, like your home office or kitchen.

3. Accent Lighting: The Finishing Touch

Now that you have your general lighting and task lighting sorted, it’s time for my favorite layer—accent lighting. Accent lighting is all about setting the mood and creating an atmosphere that reflects your style. It highlights specific areas, adds warmth, and draws attention to your room’s best features.

Think about a sconce on the wall, a floor lamp in the corner, or even a strip of LED lighting behind a piece of artwork. These are not your main sources of light, but they add depth and texture to your space, making it feel more layered and cozy.

One of my favorite ways to use accent lighting is to create a sense of calm in the evenings. You can dim the overhead lights and turn on a few accent lights for a soft, calming glow. It's like your room is giving you a hug after a long day.

LED vs. Incandescent vs. CFL: What’s the Difference?

With so many different types of bulbs on the market, you might wonder which is best for your home. Here’s a quick breakdown:

• LED (Light Emitting Diode): Energy-efficient, long-lasting, and available in a range of color temperatures. They’re great for both general and task lighting. LEDs can last up to 25,000 hours and use up to 80% less energy than traditional bulbs.

• Incandescent: The old-school option. They give off a warm, natural light, but they’re not energy-efficient and tend to burn out quickly. I don’t recommend these for most uses anymore.

• CFL (Compact Fluorescent Lamp): More efficient than incandescent but less so than LED. These are the spiral-shaped bulbs you might be familiar with. They’re cheaper than LEDs, but they can take a bit to warm up to full brightness.

In short, LED bulbs are the way to go for most lighting situations. They're versatile, eco-friendly, and will save you money in the long run.

Creating Ambiance with Dimmers

Dimmers are the unsung heroes of lighting design. They allow you to control the intensity of your lighting so you can adjust the atmosphere to your liking. Want to create a romantic dinner vibe? Dim the lights. Looking for a calm space to meditate or unwind? Dim the lights. It’s that simple, and it makes a world of difference.

Adding dimmers to your general and accent lighting is an easy way to bring versatility into your home. It also gives you the freedom to create different "moods" in the same space. You can go from bright and lively to soft and serene in an instant.

“As the lights go down, so does the intensity of your surroundings, signaling to your brain that it’s time to relax.”

And here’s the best part: Lower lighting levels can help quiet your mind. As the lights go down, so does the intensity of your surroundings, signaling to your brain that it’s time to relax.

Lighting Your Home for Calm and Comfort

When done right, lighting not only makes your home look beautiful but also feels good. It has the power to make a space feel calm, warm, and inviting. Whether you're reading a book in the perfect pool of light, prepping dinner with focused task lighting, or setting the mood with soft accent lights, the right lighting can help you create a home that supports your lifestyle and enhances your well-being.

So, next time you're thinking about a room makeover, start by rethinking your lighting. Add layers with general, task, and accent lighting, choose the right bulbs (hint: go for LEDs), and don’t forget the dimmers! With these small tweaks, you can create a space that not only looks stunning but also soothes your mind.

Lighting can be tricky—some people love a bright, well-lit room, while others may not know how to layer their lighting for the best effect. If you're feeling unsure or overwhelmed, don’t worry—you’re not alone!

Every great space starts with the right lighting plan, and I’m here to help guide you. Imagine coming home to a perfectly lit space that suits your mood and enhances every corner of your room. Whether you need to brighten up your kitchen, add cozy warmth to your living room, or create a calm oasis in your bedroom, we can make it happen together.

Let’s design your perfect lighting setup and turn your space into a calming, functional haven. Book a free 15-minute call today, and let’s figure out the perfect lighting layers to match your style and needs. You’re just one step away from transforming your home with light! Click here to schedule your consultation.

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!