Nothing says the new year like a little restart. After the crazy year that we just had, it is essential to step back and slow down. Our minds have been going a million miles per hour, and that can take a toll on our spirits. As this year comes to an end, and the new one starts, we need to ask ourselves what brings us joy or comfort? Is that sitting by a roaring fire with a hot mug of hot chocolate wrapped in your favorite blanket? Maybe all the smells of homemade cooking? Whatever your special happy place is, we often return to what makes of feel comfort and happiness. That does not need only to be a mental place of comfort and joy. Why not live in that happy place every? Pull the colors, textures, lines, and smells from your favorite things and place them into your home. We have all day to be stressed at the office; when you come home, come home to your happy place.

If the thing that brings you the most happiness is walking through the snow, use the crisp blues, greys, and whites of the winter snow as paint colors or pillows. High gloss paint is also a great way to bring that reflection the snow gives off. Maybe it is the roar of a fire in a cabin that makes you feel at home. You can pull the fire-like glow into your rooms with warm lighting and mirrors. Christmas Trees and ornaments might be strictly Christmas; however, that inviting greens, golds, and silvers can be in your home all year round as wallpapers and patterns for different parts of your home. Candles are a great way to imitate those specific smells that you love throughout your home.

Your home is your sanctuary. If your mind cannot catch that mental break, it needs with everything going on, at least you will be able to come home to a space made of things pulled from your happy place. The best part of it all is that it makes you happy, so there is no wrong way to make your house your sanctuary, so have fun with the colors and textures.   

 Happy New Year from the Allen and James Team