By Rachel Schemmerling|Timeless Living Designs

Have you ever walked into a room that once brought you joy—maybe your living room, or even your bedroom—and felt a strange disconnect? Like something had shifted, but you couldn’t quite put your finger on it? This is how my client, Marianne, described her home when she first reached out to me.

She had just entered a new season of life. Her youngest had gone off to college, the house had quieted, and for the first time in years, she had space to hear her own thoughts. But what she heard wasn’t peace—it was noise. Visual noise. Emotional noise. Clutter that had built up over years of busyness and caretaking. She looked around and said, “This place doesn’t feel like me anymore.”

When I met Marianne, she was in yoga pants and a soft linen tunic, barefoot in her kitchen, which was filled with afternoon sun but somehow still felt dim. She laughed nervously and said, “I think I’m ready to come back to myself.” That was the beginning.

We didn’t start with a paint color or a new rug. We started with tea. We sat down, just the two of us, and talked. About who she was before life got so full, what she loved but hadn’t made space for, what she dreamed of for this next chapter. She told me about her love for quiet mornings, antique markets, the way the light dances on the lake when she visits her sister in Vermont. She spoke like someone remembering a language she used to be fluent in.

From there, we slowly began to clear the noise. Not by tossing everything out, but by listening. To what needed to go, what could stay, and what beauty was waiting to be invited back in. A forgotten vase from her grandmother became the centerpiece on her dining table. We swapped out bulky furniture for softer lines, added textures that felt like exhaling, brought in pieces that told her story.

The transformation wasn’t overnight. It was a quiet, unfolding process. But the day I returned for the final walkthrough, something was different. Marianne greeted me but this time with a glow that matched the softened light in her now-tranquil living room.

She said, “I feel like I can breathe again. I didn’t know how much I needed this. Not just a new space—but a new way of being in it.”

That’s what this work is really about.

It’s not just design. It’s remembering. Reclaiming. Returning.

And if you’ve ever looked around and felt like your space doesn’t reflect you anymore, I want you to know: you’re not alone. Your home can hold you in the same way you hold everyone else. And sometimes, with a little care, it can lead you back to yourself.

By Rachel Schemmerling| Timeless Living Designs

As the blooms begin to unfold and spring sunshine peeks through our windows, we find ourselves in a sacred season of reflection, renewal, and reconnection. Whether you’re celebrating Easter, the conclusion of Passover, or simply the arrival of spring, this week invites us to gather—around the table, in spirit, and within our homes.

In my work, I often speak about creating spaces that nourish—not just our bodies, but our hearts, our memories, and our well-being. This week is a beautiful opportunity to do just that.

A Table with Intention

Whether it’s matzah and wine or hot cross buns and spring greens, our tables become the heart of the home during this time. My favorite tip? Begin with intention before aesthetics. Ask yourself: What feeling do I want to evoke? Calm? Celebration? Reverence?

A few easy ways to elevate your table design with heart:

• Layer meaningful textures. Think linen napkins, a natural woven runner, or vintage china handed down through generations. These little tactile elements tell a story.
• Bring the outdoors in. Fresh flowers, budding branches, or a simple bowl of citrus can center the table and celebrate new life.
• Use soft, grounding tones. Think blush, soft green, ivory, and wheat. These hues not only reflect the season but promote a sense of calm.

Sacred Simplicity: A Healthy Home Tip

A healthy home isn’t just about what we remove—it’s about what we welcome. Open the windows this week. Let the light in. Swap out heavy scents for something clean and botanical like lavender, rosemary, or citrus.

One of my favorite rituals this time of year is smudging or diffusing essential oils before a gathering—it helps clear stagnant energy and brings a sacred warmth into the space.

A Place to Pause

If your home doesn’t have a formal dining room, that’s okay. Gather wherever you can. Wellness design is less about perfection and more about presence. Even a small tea corner or a coffee table set with care can become a gathering place of love.

Offer guests (or yourself!) a small moment of mindfulness—a handwritten quote at their seat, a few deep breaths before the meal, or a blessing that reflects your values. These small moments create lasting connection.

Honoring the Past, Welcoming the Future

Both Easter and Passover hold deep themes of liberation, rebirth, and hope. As we decorate and prepare our spaces, we’re also making room for healing and intention. Our homes become sacred spaces where transformation can unfold—through conversation, through celebration, and through beauty.

So whether you’re setting the Seder table or prepping a brunch spread, remember: you are designing more than a moment—you are crafting a memory, a feeling, a sanctuary.

Wishing you a week filled with meaning, beauty, and joy.

By Rachel Schemmerling, Timeless Living Designs

Embracing Slow Living: Creating a Sanctuary in a World That Moves Too Fast

Is life moving faster? Or just it does feel sometimes unbearably so. We’ve seen disasters shake our sense of security: the destruction nature can unleash, the horrors of 9/11, the isolation of a global pandemic, the weight of civil unrest, and the recklessness of rogue leaders. And beyond the collective struggles, there are our deeply personal ones—divorce, loss, illness, and the quiet ache of time slipping through our fingers. We’ve all been through so much.

And yet, despite it all, the world is still breathtakingly beautiful. If anything, these hardships sharpen our awareness of life’s fleeting nature, making us crave something deeper, something more intentional. We long to slow down—to truly taste life. To feel the soft linens beneath our fingertips. To bite into a ripe summer peach and let the juice run down our chin. To breathe deeply, inhaling the crisp morning air.

This is the essence of slow living. It’s about being present in your own life, creating spaces that nurture you, and surrounding yourself with beauty that feeds your soul.

Designing Your Sanctuary: A Home That Holds You

Your home should be a reflection of this way of living—a sanctuary, a retreat, a place where the outside noise fades and you are met with comfort, peace, and beauty. But creating that kind of space takes intention. It takes an understanding of how design supports well-being, how texture, color, and light can influence our emotions, and how the objects we surround ourselves with can either drain or uplift us.

That’s why I’m developing DIY design plans for one room at a time that are easy to implement on your own for one flat fee—to help you effortlessly transform your home into a place that nurtures and restores you. Whether it’s a cozy reading nook bathed in natural light, a bedroom that feels like a luxury retreat, or a dining space that encourages long, lingering conversations over candlelight, I design with the rhythms of slow living in mind. Every detail matters—because every detail shapes how you feel in your space.

A New Community for Women: A Place to Heal, Connect, and Learn

But slow living isn’t just about the physical spaces we create—it’s also about the relationships we cultivate, the wisdom we seek, and the way we show up for ourselves. That’s why I’m launching a new community for women who, like you, crave more than just a beautifully designed home. This is a space to heal from life’s struggles, to connect with like-minded women who understand the value of slowing down, and to learn how to infuse more meaning, beauty, and well-being into everyday life. I call it, The Ginger Jar Society. Why the Ginger Jar?

The Meaning Behind the Ginger Jar Society

For centuries, the ginger jar has been a symbol of beauty, history, and connection. Originally crafted in ancient China to store and transport valuable spices, these jars were later treasured as decorative pieces—passed down through generations, blending cultures, and telling stories of timeless elegance.

Much like the women in our community, the ginger jar holds both strength and grace. It represents the richness of life, the wisdom of shared experiences, and the beauty that comes from honoring tradition while embracing new possibilities.

That is the heart of The Ginger Jar Society—a space for women to:

Heal – Just as a ginger jar once held precious contents, we hold our own stories, triumphs, and struggles. This community is a place to restore, reflect, and find balance.

Connect – A ginger jar is meant to be displayed, shared, and admired. The same is true for the connections we build—deep, meaningful relationships with like-minded women who support and inspire each other.

Learn – Every ginger jar carries history, artistry, and tradition. Here, we embrace lifelong learning—exploring wellness, slow living, interior design, and the art of creating a beautiful and intentional life.

The Ginger Jar Society is more than just a community—it’s a gathering of women who appreciate the beauty of life, the value of meaningful connection, and the power of creating a life well-lived.

Are you ready to slow down, connect, and cultivate a sanctuary in both your home and your heart?

Through curated experiences, conversations, and shared moments of inspiration, this community will help you step fully into the life you deserve—one filled with intention, grace, and joy.

If you’re feeling the pull to slow down, to embrace a life rich with meaning, and to create a home and lifestyle that truly nourish you, I invite you to join me on this journey.

Because life moves fast—but we have the power to shape how we experience it.

Are you ready to create your sanctuary and embrace the art of slow living? Let’s begin.

Email or message me to connect. I look forward to hearing from you.

By Rachel Schemmerling Timeless Living Designs

Living Well
Your Home Environment Matters

When it comes to living a healthy lifestyle, we often focus on diet and exercise. While these are certainly important factors, they’re not the only ones that contribute to our overall well-being. The truth is, the environment in which we live can also have a significant impact on our health and well-being.

Research has shown that the home environment can affect everything from our mood and energy levels to our immune system and sleep patterns. Factors such as air quality, natural lighting, and green spaces can all have a positive impact on our health. On the other hand, exposure to environmental hazards such as chemicals and mold can have negative effects.

Creating a healthy home environment can involve a range of actions, from selecting wellness-focused design elements to making modifications to existing spaces. This might include investing in energy-efficient appliances, improving air quality with proper ventilation, and minimizing exposure to environmental toxins through mindful material choices.

How a Wellness-Focused Interior Designer Can Help

If you’re experiencing discomfort, stress, or fatigue in your home, we can help. As wellness-focused interior designers, we specialize in transforming spaces into sanctuaries that support both physical and emotional well-being. We provide thoughtful design solutions tailored to your unique needs—whether it’s enhancing air quality, optimizing lighting, or curating spaces that promote relaxation and mindfulness.

Our clients experience a profound shift in how they feel at home—more balanced, rejuvenated, and deeply connected to their space. By working with us, you’ll achieve a home that not only looks beautiful but actively contributes to your health and happiness.

Let’s create a home that nurtures your well-being. Schedule today—your body and mind will thank you for it!

By Rachel Schemmerling- Timeless Living Designs

The tree is down, the gifts are tucked away, and the buzz of December 31 has faded into the promise of a fresh year. Welcome to January 2025, friends.

There’s something magical about January—it sweeps in with a sense of renewal and quiet beauty. Perhaps we’ll even get that first snow before February. Pristine and peaceful, the season’s initial snowfall is always a delight. But as much as I love a winter wonderland, the real joy comes from retreating indoors to warmth and comfort.

This time of year naturally brings to mind Hygge (pronounced “hoo-gah”), the beloved Danish concept of coziness and contentment. Born from Scandinavia’s long, dark winters, Hygge has gained global recognition, even earning a spot in the Merriam-Webster Dictionary, where it’s defined as “a quality of coziness that makes a person feel content and comfortable.”

Hygge isn’t about following strict design rules; it’s about creating a deeply personal sense of comfort in your home. For me, it’s a mix of soft blankets, a mug of hot tea, and a cozy reading nook. For you, it could be candlelight, a favorite playlist, and a stack of novels. While everyone’s idea of Hygge may differ, the shared goal is the same—cultivating warmth and contentment in our spaces.

As we step into 2025, it’s also the perfect time to reflect on our overall wellness. Beyond physical and emotional health, consider the wellness of your home. Does your environment bring you peace, comfort, and joy? If not, let this be the year to prioritize your space.

Simple changes, like adding natural textures, decluttering for a sense of calm, or enhancing air quality, can transform your home into a sanctuary. Whether you’re embracing Hygge or exploring other elements of wellness design, January is the ideal time to reimagine your surroundings to support your health and happiness.

Here’s to a cozy, inspired start to 2025!