I am Sabine Guillaume Hayes, interior designer & founder of Georgette Marise Interiors. Someone who has spent over ten years believing that your home should feel like the truest version of you.
I work with homeowners across the Main Line PA, Northern Delaware, and South Jersey who are done living in spaces that almost feel right. This is where I share what I have learned. About design, the homes I have worked in, and about what it actually takes to make a home feel like it belongs to the person inside it.
Love a well-designed room? Start with a signature scent. Explore the Belfong Candle Collection inspired by legacy, created for the senses.
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7 Mothers on What Grounds Them at Home
There's a particular kind of tired only mothers know.
Not the tired of a hard day at work. Not the tired of a bad night's sleep. The tired of having held everyone emotionally, logistically, and lovingly while still trying to hold yourself. The tired that doesn't end at 5 p.m. because motherhood doesn't clock out.
And every Mother's Day, we get told we deserve a spa day, with brunch afterwards, or a beautiful bouquet. Something pretty, wrapped up, with a card.
I love a bouquet. But this year, I wanted to ask a different question.
I wanted to know what holds us when the bouquet is gone. What roots us back into our bodies when the day has pulled us in seventeen directions. What's waiting at home - not as a luxury, not as a reward, but as a quiet, daily reset.
So I asked a small group of mothers I admire one question:
What's one thing in your home that grounds your nervous system at the end of a long day?
The answers came back tender, honest, sometimes funny, always specific. None of them said "a spa day." All of them said something about home. And reading them together, I realized our homes are doing more for us than we give them credit for.
Here's what they said.
"It's not even just the end of the day. It's all of the times."
Nicole Peraino, mortgage broker & advisor, mother of one fun toddler | Philadelphia, PA.
Nicole's answer caught me off guard in the best way. She named what every mother knows but rarely says out loud: the nervous system isn't just frayed at night. It frays all day long.
For her, the things that bring her back are small and specific. Photos of her daughter, her family, her wedding day, her newborn arranged in a collage her husband hung with care. "They look really nice. Beautiful memories," she said.
There's a viral wave-projection light next to her yoga mat on the third floor. She turns it on before bed and lets the soft motion settle her mind.
And then there's the espresso corner in her kitchen with an espresso machine, coffee beans, a little faux plant, a setup for making lattes with steamed milk and latte art.
"It's a cute little coffee station," she said. "That brings me a little bit of joy and happiness."
Reading her answer, I noticed something. None of Nicole's grounding objects are the room everyone admires when guests walk in. They're a wall of photos. A light. A coffee corner. Chosen. Placed. Within reach.
Home grounds us through the small, intentional things we put within reach.
"Having us all together is where I feel most grounded."
Suzette, co-host of Raising Kids, Raising Glasses podcast, mother of two.
Suzette's answer wasn't about an object at all. It was about a moment.
"At the end of a long day, what grounds my nervous system most is simply being present with my boys. The noise slows down, the phones go away, jazz music is usually playing in the background, and it's those little everyday moments together that bring me back to center."
"And when my husband walks through the door, seeing the joy on his face when he sees all of us together — that's my dream come true."
I read this and had to pause.
Because what Suzette is describing isn't really an evening routine. It's a home that has been arranged, intentionally or not, to hold a family's coming-back-together. The jazz playing. The phones away. The kids close. A home that has been quietly designed so that when her husband walks in, the first thing he sees is togetherness.
That's not an accident. That's the work of a woman who knows what her family needs to feel like and has built her home to deliver that feeling, on repeat.
Home grounds us when it has been arranged to hold the moments that matter most.
"Lavender. Eucalyptus. Lemon. Rosemary."
Eureka, physician assistant, mother of two | Havertown, PA.
Eureka's answer was the shortest of the long ones. And maybe the most precise.
"One thing that grounds my nervous system when I get home is turning on my diffuser and using calming essential oils like lavender, eucalyptus, lemon and/or rosemary for a fresh, clean scent."
There's something I love about a woman who works in healthcare choosing scent as her reset. She knows what the body actually needs. Lavender lowers the heart rate. Eucalyptus deepens the breath. Lemon and rosemary lift the fog of a long day.
She walks through the door, turns on the diffuser, and with one small ritual changes the air.
Scent is the fastest sense to reach the nervous system. Faster than sight. Faster than sound. It bypasses the thinking brain entirely and lands in the part of the body that decides whether or not we're safe yet.
A home that smells like calm tells the body: you can put it down now.
The Belfong Candle Collection. Hand-poured scent for the rooms that hold us.
This is one of the reasons I started The Belfong Candle Collection because I came to believe scent isn't a finishing touch in a home. It's a foundation. The way a room smells decides how the room feels, before we ever sit down.
Home grounds us when the air itself has been considered.
My family’s Friday night ritual: homemade popcorn with melted butter and Tajín Clásico Chile Lime Seasoning.
"Lights out, popcorn, no phones."
Sabine, founder of Georgette Marise Interiors, mother of 2.
For me, it's two things and they live in the same room.
The first is my deep-seated sectional in the family room. Deep. The kind of sofa you sink into. The kind of sofa where I take naps I didn't plan. The kind of sofa that has held more of my unwinding than any spa ever could.
The second is what happens on that sectional on Friday nights. Family movie night. Lights out. Homemade popcorn with melted butter and Tajín Clásico Chile Lime Seasoning (try it, it will change your life). The debate of whose turn it is to pick the movie always begins. My phone is put away. We watch as a family.
My son makes sure that if we miss it on a Friday, we have it on Saturday. He guards the ritual the way I guard our home.
Home grounds us when we let ourselves stop performing in it. When we let it be a place of rituals, naps, butter, and the people who know us best.
And then a few more women answered, and the conversation kept going.
Sherine, an attorney and mother of two, came home to her family room couch and a wall of photos:
"That area just decompresses me after a long day at work. I have a gallery wall on each side of the TV and I seriously find myself looking at the photos and feeling relaxed. Seeing all the photo shoots we've done."
The photos again. The faces of the people we love, framed and within reach. Twice now, mothers told me their families' photographs were what brought them back. Maybe the simplest grounding tool we have is being able to look up and see who we love.
Chinemelu, founder of Prodigy Peacebuilders Collab and mother of three, made me laugh out loud:
"It's definitely my back deck… and my front porch too… when the kids are inside"
A mother of three knows. Sometimes the room that grounds you is the one outside the room with all the children in it. I see this as a deeply intelligent act of self-preservation. A porch is a threshold. A deck is a doorway to the part of you that isn't anyone's mom. Every mother needs a square of square footage that's hers.
“A Land Where There is No Worry.”
“A land where there is no worry." Ayinké Hipps-Feit · @itsaaries
Ayinké Hipps-Feit, singer/artist and design enthusiast, mother of one, took me upstairs into a renovated mid-century:
"I love to spend time on the 2nd floor of my home in my reading/music nook. We renovated a beautiful mid-century home. This is where I go to relax and unwind. This nook filled with books and records takes me to a land where there is no worry. Just music or a beautiful story to read."
A nook with books and records. No worry. I think about that phrase a lot. So many of us have homes that are beautifully decorated and yet contain no room where worry isn't allowed. Ayinké has built one. Every mother deserves one.
What I noticed reading all of these answers
Seven different women. Seven different homes. Seven completely different answers.
But underneath, the same thing.
None of these mothers named a showpiece. They didn't name the room everyone admires when guests come over. They named the family collage in the kitchen. The light next to my yoga mat. The jazz playing when the boys are home. The diffuser and the clean scent of a Tuesday. The deep sectional. The popcorn ritual. The gallery wall by the TV. The back deck. The reading nook upstairs.
The objects were specific, but the function was identical: each one was a quiet anchor, placed within reach, that returns the nervous system to center.
Some of these things were investments. Some were small. That's not the point. The point is they were chosen deliberately and placed in the path of a woman's daily life so that her home could meet her where she needed to be met.
That's the difference between a beautifully decorated home and a home that holds you. Decoration fills space. Design holds a person.
That's what I do for a living.
If your home isn't holding you the way you need it to, that's something we can change together.
Start Your Design Path →
A different kind of Mother's Day reflection
This year, instead of a spa day, I'd offer this:
Walk through your home tonight. Notice what already grounds you. The chair, the corner, the photo, the lamp, the smell of the candle, the bowl by the entryway table. Notice how much your home is already doing for you, quietly, without thanks.
And if there's one thing you'd want to add, tweak, soften, or rearrange so that your home holds you a little better. That's the most meaningful Mother's Day gift you can give yourself.
Because the bouquet wilts. The brunch ends.
The home is what stays.
To the mothers reading: I'd love to hear yours. What's one thing in your home that grounds your nervous system at the end of a long day? Comment below. I'm gathering responses, and there may be a part two.
Happy Mother's Day. May your home hold you the way you hold everyone else.
With intention and love,
Sabine
Celebrating Mothers Through Space
Mother’s Day is a time to show appreciation for all the wonderful things moms do. What better way to honor the mothers in our lives than by creating a space just for them? Whether it’s a cozy reading nook, a vibrant craft corner, or a tranquil home spa area, dedicating a part of your home to mom’s relaxation and creativity can be a truly thoughtful gift. Here are some tips on how to transform a small space into a personal retreat for the special mom in your life.
Identify the Perfect Spot: Start by choosing a space in your home that can be dedicated to mom’s activities. It doesn’t have to be large; even a small corner or a window alcove can be perfect. The key is to find a spot that is seldom used and can be converted into a personal sanctuary.
Define the Space Based on Her Interests: Think about what mom loves to do during her downtime. If she’s a book lover, a reading nook with a comfortable chair, good lighting, and a small bookshelf might be ideal. For the crafty mom, consider setting up a crafting station with storage for her tools and materials. If she loves to unwind, a mini home spa with a cozy robe, scented candles, and soothing music could be perfect.
Focus on Comfort: Comfort is key in creating a special space. Invest in a good-quality, ergonomic chair for reading or crafting, or a plush armchair with soft pillows for a relaxation zone. Make sure the flooring is soft underfoot, perhaps with a stylish rug that also adds a touch of warmth and color.
Personalize the Décor: Personal touches can make the space feel even more special. Include framed photos of family memories, artwork that she adores, or items that reflect her interests, such as vintage craft tools or a collection of classic novels. Choose a color scheme that she loves to make the area truly hers.
Add Thoughtful Details: It’s the little details that can make a space feel truly welcoming. For a reading nook, add a small side table for her coffee cup or a stylish lamp. In a craft corner, include ample lighting and a pegboard for organizing supplies. For a spa area, place luxurious bath salts and fluffy towels to enhance the experience.
Keep It Organized and Clutter-Free: Ensure that the space stays relaxing and conducive to enjoyment by keeping it organized. Use smart storage solutions that minimize clutter. Decorative boxes, hidden compartments, and wall shelves can keep supplies out of sight but within easy reach.
Gift Idea: From Chaos to Calm: Master Home Organization like a PRO
Once you've created the perfect space for mom, help her keep it perfect with From Chaos to Calm, an eBook filled with expert advice on home organizing. This comprehensive guide offers practical tips and solutions to keep her sanctuary clutter-free and peaceful, making it an excellent Mother’s Day gift that complements any of these space ideas.
Creating a special space for mom not only gives her a place to enjoy her interests but also shows how much you care about her comfort and happiness. This Mother’s Day, let’s give mom something that keeps on giving—space to breathe, create, and relax.
Happy Mother's Day to all the amazing moms out there!
Why This Artwork is an Inspiration This Mother's Day
Art is an important element to designing a room. A lot of times, art or wall decor are placed on the walls to "fill in" a blank space. The truth is art should be personal and unique, especially if it's in your home. It should draw an emotional response while complimenting the overall style of your room.
This past Mother's Day I was reminded of my mother from an artwork I have hung in my staircase landing. It's a print of Picasso's Mother-Child sketch. My late mother, Suzanne Marise, was not an art collector but she owned this beautiful print and hung it in her room. It wasn't until I was collecting her things I noticed it was a Picasso print from 1904. I knew I had to add this to my home in memory of her. I decided to give it a facelift by adding a custom mat and frame.
P.Picasso Mother-Child print 1904
"The truth is art should be personal and unique, especially if it's in your home." -S.Hayes
This Artwork Is Personal To Me.
Every time I see this Mother-Child sketch I can't help but be reminded of the bond between my mother and me. It's a way of having a little piece of her. Now that I'm a mother myself I understand the precious bond a mother has with her child, it's like no other relationship.
The Layers of the Sketch Remind Me Motherhood Is A Process.
As I look at Picasso's sketch of this mother nursing her child, I notice his multiple sketches of the mother's hand. I love to see the raw sketches of the hand included in the print. It shows the multiple drafts he had to sketch before developing a hand he was proud of. This process Picasso took is similar to the journey of motherhood. As mothers, we make mistakes, try our best but are not perfect. Motherhood is a journey of trial and error driven by love.
This Artwork Blends With Many Pieces.
In addition to the sentimental value this artwork has to me, I love the neutral tones and simplicity of the sketch. When selecting a mat and frame I decided to use a monochromatic palette by using a darker tone for the mat and a medium tone for the distressed wood frame. The neutral tones give me the versatility to use this piece on a gallery wall with a collage of other pieces or as a focal point by itself.
Picasso 1904
No matter what pieces of artwork you use in your home, I hope that this inspires you to get personal with your wall decor. Be sure when you are selecting your artwork to consider the room you are placing it in and how it coordinates with your color palette and decor style. Share in the comments below your favorite artwork in your home and why. I'd love to hear all about it!
To all the Mothers and Grandmothers I hope you had a wonderful Mother's Day!
À la prochaine,
Looking to create a color palette from your artwork? Check out: Using Art to Create a Color Palette.
Gift Guide: Design Picks for Mother's Day
"Being a mother is learning about strengths you didn't know you had, and dealing with fears you didn't know existed." -Linda Wooten
Mother's Day is only once a year but mothers should be appreciated every day for the important jobs they do. Being a mother has been one of the hardest but most rewarding roles I've been blessed with. When I think of my role model or who I aspire to be, I immediately think of my late mother Suzanne Marise and my late grandmother Georgette. I am truly grateful for their love and strength they had, which allowed me to become the woman, wife, mother and designer I am today.
"No language can express the power, and beauty, and heroism, and majesty of a mother's love." -Edwin Hubbell Chapin
Let's lift up our amazing mothers, grandmothers, aunts and/or any motherly figure in our lives by showing our appreciation. Gifts are a great way to show that we care and think of our amazing moms or mom figures. This year I hand-picked some stylish-curated gifts for our everyday, busy moms. Click on the links below to order before Mother's Day and don't foeget to leave mom a special note!
Mother's Day Gift Ideas
1. Crate & Barrel Vintage Tea Kettle 2. Amara Uzes Tuberose Candle 3. Amara Hangit Photo Display 4. West Elm Brass Word Object-Cheers 5. Amara Pearl Tumblers 6.
For more on my story, ready my bio. Drop me a note in the comment of your favorite mother's day gift.
Bonne Fête des Mères! (french. Happy Mother's Day!)
Gift Guide: Stylish Mother's Day Gift Ideas
"A mother is she who can take the place of all others, but whose place no one else can take." -unknown
Happy Mother's Day
There are so many holidays that are celebrated throughout the year, but none of them are as emotional as Mother's Day. A mother's role is to nurture, guide and make sure everyone is united and taken care of in the household. As a mother myself to a 21 month old son and a 5 year old daughter I now appreciate the loving, patient, smart, and beautiful mother I had because it's not an easy role to accomplish. My mother, the late Suzanne Marise, is the reason I am the woman that I am today. Read my bio to find out why.
"There's nothing like showing a token of gratitude and acknowledgement to someone that deserves it."
As we celebrate our mothers, grandmothers, aunts and any other woman that may have filled the shoes of our mothers this Mother's Day lets be grateful for the impact they have been in our lives. There's nothing like showing a token of gratitude and acknowledgement to someone that deserves it.
Take some time and reflect on how you can show the mother in your life that you appreciate her. Your token of appreciation can be words of affirmation, a gift, or quality time. It should be from the heart and whatever you feel would put a smile on her face. If you need some inspiration check out some my Gift Guide for ideas on what to get the mom in your life.
As an extra bonus, here's a gesture that is never under appreciated: breakfast in bed! Dad's...if you have small children you can have them participate or if you're an empty nester this is a small and simple gesture that will let mom know you were thinking of her.
Give mom breakfast in bed
Looking for something to do Mother's Day weekend? Join us Saturday, May 7th at 11am for a Design Workshop on adding Function & Style to your kitchen and dining area. Come with mom, grandmom, auntie, your sister, your daughter or a girl friend. It will be a fun time filled with visual examples, informative tools and lots of design tips from designers! Click here to register today. Hurry, space is limited!
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Have a wonderful and blessed Mother's Day to all the fellow mothers out there!
P.S. Hey moms! Share in the comments below some of your favorite mother's day gifts from previous years. I would love to hear them!