FINDING YOURSELF AT HOME – CREATING A SANCTUARY IN DIFFICULT TIMES
Life has a way of surprising us. There are the moments we celebrate, and then there are the ones that stop us in our tracks. It’s in those trickier times—separation, loss, or simply feeling adrift—that the role of our home becomes more than functional. It becomes essential. Our homes aren’t just places where we live; they are spaces that reflect us, hold us, and can even help us heal. This is something I experienced first-hand during my own separation—a time when I had to find my way again, both in life and within my surroundings.
Check out Forbes
HOW MY HOME SUPPORTED ME
After my separation, I stayed in the family home. It was a space full of memories but also an empty canvas. I needed it to feel like mine, somewhere I could begin to heal. Without realising it at the time, I started to rebuild through design. I leaned into colours that felt nurturing—rich autumnal tones that brought warmth and grounding. These weren’t aesthetic choices for anyone else; they were deeply personal. They offered me the comfort I craved and the energy I lacked. It’s incredible how our environments can mirror our emotions. A client once told me: “When my space feels off, so do I.” That resonated deeply. Sometimes, taking control of our surroundings can be the first step in finding balance during chaotic times.
WHY CREATING A SANCTUARY MATTERS
Big life changes—divorce, bereavement, or even an empty nest—are often seen as endings. But they’re also beginnings. They’re opportunities to rediscover who you are and what you need. For me, designing my space wasn’t about perfection. It was about creating a home that met me where I was: a bit messy, a bit tired, and very much in need of comfort. Each choice I made—from bold walls to tactile textures—was an act of self-care. Small, but meaningful. One client, hesitant to start, confessed: “I worried it would end up looking like a mix of styles I couldn’t pull together.” That fear is common, but with the right guidance, it’s possible to move past it and create something cohesive, personal, and deeply yours.
MOVING FORWARD TOGETHER
As life moved on, so did my home. When my partner moved in, I was faced with another challenge: blending two very different styles. My warm, layered space had to make room for his minimalist aesthetic. It wasn’t always easy, even as a designer, but the outcome became a reflection of us. Our homes are living, evolving spaces. They grow and shift with us, telling the story of where we’ve been and where we’re heading.
YOUR HOME, YOUR STORY
If you’re navigating a life change, remember this: your home can be your anchor. It can provide solace, strength, and a sense of belonging. Whether you’re starting fresh or reworking a familiar space, it’s an opportunity to create something that supports and reflects you. As one client simply put it: “Having guidance gave me confidence my home would look good and feel right.” That’s what I strive to offer—confidence, clarity, and a space that becomes a sanctuary.
LET’S BEGIN CREATING A SANCTUARY TOGETHER
If you’re ready to turn your space into a reflection of your next chapter, we’d love to help. Whether it’s through our Furniture and Styling Action Plan or a one-to-one Design Consultation, we’re here to guide you. Your home deserves to feel like you. Let’s make that happen, together. Get in touch—we can’t wait to hear your story.
