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!

By Rachel Schemmerling, Founder & Principal Designer Timeless Living Designs

Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that aligns with seasonal changes, typically beginning in late fall or early winter and easing during the brighter spring and summer months. This condition is often triggered by reduced sunlight, which can disrupt your body’s internal clock and lead to feelings of depression. Spending prolonged periods indoors, especially during shorter daylight hours, can amplify these effects.

With more people working and living at home post-pandemic, rethinking the lighting in your environment isn’t just practical—it’s a health imperative. Natural light is a simple yet powerful way to combat SAD and improve well-being. Exposure to natural light offers numerous benefits:

• Provides essential Vitamin D
• Elevates mood and energy levels
• Enhances sleep quality
• Reduces signs of dementia
• Supports overall health

Our bodies are deeply attuned to the daily cycle of natural light, which helps regulate circadian rhythms. Even doctors prescribe light therapies like phototherapy for treating conditions like SAD. But there are practical steps you can take right now to bring more natural light into your home or workplace. Here are five tips to increase natural light and boost wellness in your space:

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1. Optimize Window Treatments

The window treatments you choose depend on the room, the type of windows, their placement, and your budget. Wherever possible, select treatments that maximize the flow of natural light.

• Living Rooms: Use sheers or blinds that can be easily adjusted. Blinds that allow partial light and privacy are ideal, as you can control them based on your needs.
• Bedrooms: Consider treatments that balance natural light during the day with the ability to block it out at night for restful sleep. Blackout curtains or dual-layer shades (light-filtering by day, blackout by night) are excellent options.

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2. Remove Screens During Winter

In colder months, remove window screens that won’t be needed. This simple step increases the amount of light entering your home while providing an opportunity to clean the windows thoroughly.

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3. Upgrade Outdated Windows

Replacing old windows can improve natural light while also enhancing energy efficiency. Opt for larger windows or styles like picture windows, bay windows, or floor-to-ceiling designs to flood your space with daylight. Consider double-pane glass for insulation without compromising light flow.

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4. Update Light Bulbs and Fixtures

Modern light bulbs offer incredible innovations, including LED bulbs with circadian technology that mimic natural light’s spectrum. Use dimmable bulbs to adjust the lighting intensity throughout the day.

• Bedrooms: Choose warmer-spectrum bulbs that emit less blue light, helping your body produce melatonin for better sleep.
• Living and Work Spaces: Use brighter, cooler-spectrum bulbs to create an energizing environment during the day.

Adding fixtures like skylights or solar tubes can also dramatically increase natural light in dim areas.

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5. Spend Time Outdoors

No amount of indoor lighting can fully replicate the benefits of spending time outdoors. Daily exposure to natural light improves mood, boosts energy, and supports overall health.

• When outdoor activities aren’t possible, bring nature inside. Incorporate plants, nature-inspired artwork, or even a small indoor fountain to create a calming, natural atmosphere that helps your mind and body relax.

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Final Thoughts Lighting plays a crucial role in our physical and emotional well-being. By increasing natural light in your home or business, you can create a space that fosters health, happiness, and productivity year-round.

Have more tips or success stories about how you’ve brightened your space? Share them in the comments! Let’s create environments that help us thrive. 🌞

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