Upon reflecting, it’s been a really wonderful year in so many ways. I am filled with gratitude. In the studio we have enjoyed wonderful clients with interesting and beautiful projects.
My Year in Travel
My design colleagues and vendors have been generous to host me at Round Top for a fun-filled designer day, a glorious visit to the Steinway factory in New York and my attendance at my first national American Society of Interior Design (ASID) GATHER convention in Denver. In turn, we have introduced our favorite vendors to our favorite clients and have seen excellent results.
I traveled to Europe four times in eleven months, and realized my dream of visiting the Christmas Markets twice in one year. I went on two river cruises and a glamorous stay in a friend’s private villa in Porto Cervo, Sardinia. The icing on the cake was finishing the family cabin in Alaska over the summer in between trips.
Since travel often tops my wish lists, I have to say I am very fulfilled. A new year is coming though and I’m already thinking of where it will take me while my husband is adding up how many days we can spend on the boat and in the cabin in Meyers Chuck, AK.
Family & Aging
One thing in our lives which is a little more difficult right now is the aging process of many people around us. We lost Jon’s father last year right before Thanksgiving. Our parents have overall enjoyed abundant health but I am starting to see how as time marches on, life gets a little harder for most. My biggest wish would be health and peaceful transitions for anyone struggling with aging or illness, whether their own or that of a loved one.
I understand it’s the circle of life and we are blessed to be here. It’s still hard to lose loved ones and see others struggle. Peace and ease are truly my holiday wishes for all.
I know you probably expected a fun and joyful post so I will move on from that topic. It’s a big part of our lives right now so I felt it was important to put that wish out to the universe.
Memories of Bartholomew
On another note, we had to put down our beloved black cat, Bartholomew in November 2023 as well. November was a hard month for us with three deaths in three days. A long-time design friend of mine also died unexpectedly the same week as Jon’s father.
While the loss of a pet may not equate to the loss of a parent or a close friend for everyone, Bart had been with me since 2003. He was 23 when we put him down so he had been my cat for a long time. Jon adored him too. We were grateful he wasn’t desperately ill and had been very healthy and well. However, old age was taking a toll and we decided the time was right. We were at peace with the decision but we missed him dreadfully.
Rescuing a New Cat
We had planned to get a new cat but needed some time to grieve. Fast forward to now and guess what we want from Santa? I am sure you may have already guessed, a cat! I didn’t say kitten although that sounds very cute. We want to rescue a young adult cat from a local Houston group that fosters pets.
We had some experience with one who helped us capture and place a stray dog who had been living under our neighbor’s car. We were so grateful to them that we donated funds to help care for the dog and my neighbor’s young daughter had a birthday party with a dog theme and requested donations to the shelter rather than gifts.
We plan to look there first. I’ll admit, as a designer, I am pretty picky around the house. I was raised with pets but I always remember my mother running around cleaning up after them. I’ll admit that does not really appeal to me. My thought is that if we contact a group that fosters, we will know a little bit more about the cat. We are interested in a cat who likes people, or at least us, eventually, is litter-trained and easy on the furniture. Let’s see if Santa can lead us to the right feline.
This is the group who helped us with the stray. I really like their approach. We also are scrolling through this website since they are another group we admire.
My Interior Designer’s Wishlist & Donations
Since this is supposed to be an interior designer’s holiday wish list, I suppose I should think up some things I would like around the house. One of our beliefs at Pamela Hope Designs is that you should buy your furnishings thoughtfully and carefully so that they serve you well for many years to come. I have done that at home and I honestly don’t really want a whole lot this year. I like my home and my décor and only make small changes now and then.
However, I did see this little French painting. I love snow scenes because they are somewhat rare in art and nearly non-existent in Houston. I always get such a kick when a client has paintings featuring snow.
I’m actually trying to pare down some of my household items. I donate and consign at The Guild Shop every month. It is run by St. John the Divine Episcopal Church where Jon and I are members. They really know their stuff and the shop is fabulous. Additionally, proceeds go to numerous local charities, including several that serve the elderly, so this works full circle for me.
Jon and I also take things to the Salvation Army several times a year. It’s a joint effort because I do the gathering and packing but Jon always does the drop offs. Sometimes that can be challenging at The Guild Shop so I appreciate his help.
This year I concentrated on getting rid of holiday items that, while cute (vintage Halloween-inspired individual ramekins), I never really used them. Happily, all of my Halloween items sold immediately. When I do my Christmas take-down in January, I will purge fairly rigorously because there are several bins I seldom even open anymore. I’ll start a box of desirable ornaments and Christmas collectibles to give away next season. It just feels good to let go of things sometimes.
Looking Forward to a Clean Slate in 2025!
However, I still have plenty of stuff and I don’t miss a thing I’ve parted with over the years. I am enjoying the decorations that I kept and having the house ready for hosting friends and family all month.
Charitable thoughts and giving are inspirational to me. Holiday wish lists are fun and can include much more than toys, clothes and knickknacks. Until next time, find your own inspiration. Have a safe and joyous holiday season.
-Pamela
Danna’s Holiday Home Wishlist
Once again, the end of the year has come upon us and for some reason it seems like the 100 degree summer temperatures were just yesterday. Of course, the wonderful fluctuation of temperatures in Houston allows us to experience summer one day and fall/winter the next. Because of this, you never really get to switch your closet for a single season, but anyway, welcome to the end of the year everyone!
This time every year we like to close out our blog with our personal Christmas wishlist. This year, the main item on my wishlist is a new rug for my living room and entry. I currently have a rug for my living room with an abstract pattern and neutral colors but I would like one with a little more color. Ideally, I would love a rug with some deeper blue hues and gray tones.
My upholstered furniture is currently all neutral. Colors of oatmeal and a few light gray pillows create the palette in my home. I have always favored various blues in different textures and patterns. A new rug with more intense blues and neutrals would really bring the space to life. The rug for the entry that I am picturing would of course coordinate with the design of the living room with similar colors and textures.
Rugs are a great way to add an additional texture and pattern to your design. One of our favorite outings that we take with our clients is rug shopping. We place so many rugs, both large and small, with our clients it is hard to keep track, but I can estimate that this number is in the hundreds. Stair runners too!
Have you ever noticed a room setting that is complete with furniture but something seems a bit off in the space. Does the furniture seem to be floating in the room? More than likely a perfect rug is what is missing. A rug helps to anchor the furniture in a space.
What is on your wish list this Christmas? A new rug? Perhaps new window treatments or maybe a new piece of furniture? Whatever you have on your wish list this year, I hope it brings you joy and happiness. Merry Christmas to all and have a Happy New Year!
-Danna
