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 I’ve heard it all from my clients: the weight of coming home to a cluttered space, the frustration of unfinished or outdated rooms, the overwhelming task of creating functional spaces, and the longing for a cozy nook to unwind after a demanding day.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Refresh Outdated Areas in Simple Ways

Tackling an outdated room can feel daunting, but it doesn’t have to mean a full remodel.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 This small change allowed her to control the lighting and reduce eye strain, transforming an outdated space into one that truly supports her well-being.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

When it comes to designing a home, we often focus on the visual elements – the colors, the furniture, the layout. But one aspect that is often overlooked yet incredibly powerful is the sense of smell. Scent has the unique ability to evoke memories, create atmosphere, and tell a story. As an interior designer and a candle lover, I’ve always believed that a well-designed room engages all five senses. Here’s why adding scent to your home is so important and how it can transform your living space.

Scent has the unique ability to evoke memories, create an atmosphere, and tell a story.
— Sabine Hayes

Our scent experience during our Candle Launch Party

Scent: The Unseen Storyteller

For me, scent is more than just a fragrance; it’s a part of a home’s story. Growing up, the smell of flowers, spices, and herbs filled our house, creating a sense of warmth and belonging. These scents became a part of my daily life, tying together moments and memories that defined our home.

As I began my journey as an interior designer, I realized how deeply scents could impact our perception of a space. A well-chosen scent can instantly transport you to another place or time, invoking nostalgia, comfort, and happiness. For instance, a candle's fresh, citrusy aroma might remind you of a relaxing vacation by the beach, while a soothing lavender scent can bring a sense of calm and clarity after a long day.

customer experiencing our luxe noir candle

Creating a Unique Home Experience

Incorporating scent into your home design is about more than just choosing a pleasant fragrance; it’s about curating an experience that resonates with you and your family. Here are a few tips on how to do this:

  1. Choose Scents with Personal Significance: Consider the scents that bring you joy and comfort. Maybe it’s the smell of fresh pine that reminds you of childhood holidays, or the aroma of jasmine that evokes summer evenings.

  2. Use Scent to Enhance Your Mood: Different scents can influence your mood and energy levels. For relaxation and a sense of grounding, opt for lavender, chamomile, or sandalwood. For a burst of energy, try citrus or peppermint. For an increase sense of positivity try jasmine. To help with a sense of focus or clarity try peppermint.

  3. Layer Scents Throughout Your Home: Don’t limit yourself to just one fragrance. Different rooms can have different scents that complement their purpose – a calming scent in the bedroom, a refreshing aroma in the kitchen, and an inviting fragrance in the living room.

Introducing The Belfong Candle Collection

With this philosophy in mind, I’m thrilled to introduce The Belfong Candle Collection. This limited edition line of luxury candles has been crafted to enhance your home’s story with scents that evoke relaxation, clarity, and nostalgia. Each candle is designed to be a piece of the puzzle that makes your home uniquely yours.

Luxe noir scented candle

The Belfong Candle Collection is now available for sale exclusively through Georgette Marise Interiors. Our official launch party at Expect Lace on June 27th was a huge success. Your overwhelming support has truly warmed my heart.

Now, here's the exciting (and slightly urgent) news: I only have 10 candles left for sale! Once these are sold out, you’ll have to wait for another three months before I release more. These limited edition candles, with their luxurious scent notes of bergamot and matcha or vetiver and vanilla, are designed to elevate your mood and transform your space.

So, if you haven't secured your Belfong Candle yet, now is the time! I don’t want you to miss out on this chance to bring a touch of elegance and tranquility into your home.

Our candles Élégant and Luxe Noir candle

Your home should be a sanctuary that reflects your essence, and scent is a vital part of that experience. Let The Belfong Candle Collection help you create a space that is not only beautiful to look at but also a delight to your senses. Head over to The Belfong Candle Collection to place your order before they’re all gone. Trust me, you don’t want to wait three months to experience the magic of The Belfong Candle Collection.

Light up your home with a story that’s uniquely yours.