December Notes: Reflections, Colour, and New Beginnings
On nostalgia, layered spaces, and what November taught me…
The Month That Slipped Away
I’ll be the first to admit it — November came and went, and I didn’t manage to get a blog post up. Between travel, project deadlines, and life moving at its usual pace, the month slipped away quietly. But in many ways, December feels like the right moment to pause, reflect, and gather all the threads of the past year.
Turning Another Year Older
This past season has been full in the best possible way. I celebrated another birthday in November, and entering a new year in my 40s has brought a shift in what I value most. Ease, intention, meaningful connections, and spaces that feel grounded rather than rushed — those are the themes that keep coming up, both personally and professionally.
Travel, Craftsmanship, and a Renewed Appreciation for Detail
I also had the chance to travel again this year, including a visit to Madina and a trip to Pakistan in November. Madina offered a sense of calm I carry with me daily, and Pakistan was a vivid reminder of how much history and craftsmanship can shape a place. The layered architecture, intricate rugs, carved woodwork, and centuries-old design details were everywhere — not precious or overly preserved, just part of everyday life. There’s a richness in those materials and patterns that feels lived-in and timeless, and it made me think about how meaningful it is when our own homes carry even a small sense of that depth.
Walking through markets, cafés, and old neighborhoods sparked something I’ve been leaning into more recently: nostalgia. Not as a trend, but as a way of designing and living. A desire for colour that means something, objects with history, and spaces that feel collected rather than curated for the camera.
Pantone’s “White” Moment
Perhaps that’s why Pantone’s Colour of the Year — white — felt like a missed opportunity. While white is timeless in the right context, it doesn’t represent the depth, richness, or emotional warmth so many of us are craving right now. Design, especially in 2026, is moving toward layered neutrals, soulful palettes, and colours with presence. The world is full of white; what we often need is character.
Project Closings and New Work Ahead
December is always a transitional month in my work as well. I’ve just wrapped up two full projects, each with its own story and style, and I’m looking forward to sharing photos soon. There’s something incredibly rewarding about seeing months of planning, selections, and collaboration come together just before the start of a new year.
A Season of Slower Living
With Christmas approaching and so many people settling into the holiday season, December naturally brings a slower rhythm. This time of year often inspires us to soften our homes — richer textures, warmer palettes, thoughtful lighting — and reflect on how we want to live in the year ahead. It’s a season that blends stillness with intention, both in life and in design.
Even small changes make a difference this time of year — adding a textured throw, a warmer-toned lamp, or a deeper rug can shift the mood of a room instantly. Winter really is the season where layers do the heavy lifting.
Looking Toward 2026
As we close out 2025 and look ahead to 2026, I’m focusing on more intentional design, more storytelling within the spaces I create, and bringing colour and nostalgia back in meaningful ways. Homes evolve just as we do, and I’m looking forward to continuing this direction in the projects to come. There’s something exciting about refining a design philosophy year after year, and I’m eager to explore how these ideas will shape the homes I work on in the months ahead.
A Final Note
Thank you, as always, for reading and for being part of this journey. There’s much more to share in the new year.
If this season has you thinking differently about your home, I’d love to help you shape a space that feels intentional and supportive of the year ahead.