As the days shorten and temperatures drop, there’s no better time to create a cozy sanctuary within your home. Inspired by the Danish concept of hygge, (pronounced Hooga), this article explores how to transform your space into a haven of warmth and comfort.

Key Elements of Hygge:

• Light: Soft, natural light, especially candlelight, creates a cozy atmosphere.
• Warmth: Embrace the cold weather with layers of blankets, throws, and cozy clothing.
• Nature: Incorporate natural elements like wood, plants, and animal hides to connect with the outdoors.
• Comfort: Create a comfortable reading nook or seating area with plush pillows and soft textures.
• Simplicity: Focus on quality over quantity, choosing items that bring you joy and peace.
• Togetherness: Spend time with loved ones, enjoying shared experiences and conversation.

Creating a Cozy Home:

• Candles: Opt for high-quality, natural candles for a warm glow and soothing scent.
• Furniture: Choose wooden pieces for a natural and inviting feel.
• Textiles: Layer blankets, throws, and pillows for added comfort and texture.
• Decor: Incorporate nature-inspired elements like plants, flowers, and animal hides.
• Reading Nook: Create a cozy relaxing spot with a comfortable chair, soft lighting, and a selection of books.

Hygge in Everyday Life:

• Hot Beverages: Enjoy a warm cup of coffee, tea, or cocoa to combat the cold.
• Cozy Clothing: Wear comfortable, layered clothing to stay warm and stylish.
• Mindfulness: Practice mindfulness and gratitude to appreciate the simple pleasures of life.
• Connection: Spend quality time with loved ones and build strong relationships.

By embracing the principles of hygge, you can create a cozy and inviting home that provides comfort and joy throughout the colder months

With all the different trends, it can be hard to know what style expresses who you are (or what you want to become).

Your style is as unique as you are.  You know it when you see it.  One of my favorite quotes is: “Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away”.

If you have been in my shop, you can see that it reflects an ever-evolving atmosphere of ‘feels’ that resonate with me and that I want to share with you.

 My style journey began with ‘primitive provincial’… French country- the more age-worn & natural, the better.  Toss in a little ‘cottage-core’ – (Whatever holds your heart is key.  Items are meaningful, fun, old, worn, or in perfect condition). Moving up to Belton, it morphed into ‘biophilic’-    everything had to coordinate, blend, and complement with green living plants- or at least the color.  My son & business partner, Jordan brought the ‘rustic-industrial’ vibe which paired well and fit the vintage brick building. 

We have both continued to morph into what I’ve heard described as ‘Quiet luxury’:   Using natural wood tones, neutral furnishings, subtle textures, and rustic finishes, this style feels relaxed, casual, and sophisticated to create a livable, serene atmosphere.  Recently, I came across an old term ‘hygge’ (pronounced hoogla) – comfort, warmth, simplicity…  which you will be hearing more about soon.    Each morph feels like ‘THIS is it!’   but I’ve learned to be open to my ever-evolving senses.  Just a bonus for the season, I came across a new term called ‘decay décor’ – found, unearthed, and placed in positions of honor, adding humility, warmth & wonderment.

My message to you is to find your style and become sensitive to what resonates with your heart.  Where you spend your time matters.   It’s not materialism, it’s a reflection of who you are or who you want to become.   You are always welcome to come source your style at Marcellas on Main- and share your thoughts about it with me personally.  I appreciate every one of you who walks through my door.  

My vision for my shop is more purpose than paycheck.  To use my gifts and talents to inspire, supply and elevate style…  I guess you could say ‘to make money doing what I love with joy, satisfaction, and passion’.  

By ‘elevate’, I mean to transform your home into a place where you experience true delight throughout, as often as possible, even in the most routine of tasks.  Your home needs to work for you, not against you in your day-to-day life.  Your ‘dream’ home has to be the one you’re living in right now, not an imaginary ‘someday’.

Who you are changes over time, and your style can and should reflect that evolution.  Taking stock of what you love, both in terms of objects and experiences, is something that’s done over and over again as you follow your curiosity about the world around you.  And in turn, you’ll use that curiosity to develop a visual autobiography in your home.  It’s not a once-and-done kind of thing, and there’s no race to the finish line.

Home nurtures you when you need care, inspires you when you need motivation, and welcomes others when you need to celebrate.  It is my vision to provide unique items to fill all these needs.  Exceptional pieces of handcraftsmanship create character and personality in a home.  They are the soul and sophistication – just one piece makes a room feel complete. 

Owning a shop has launched me into a pattern of chasing the seasons.  After the fall & winter holidays, I scramble to stow that snugly for the next year, & fill the empty space with all things hopeful for a new year.  

Spring is such a fleeting season, by the time I am pleased with the display, it’s time for the long summer ahead.  As far as home decor, however, most of us direct our attention to the outdoors and activity, so we are less focused on decorating our homes.  We just want our restful retreat to come home to.  This is a model I embrace and practice myself.

Therefore, here on Main Street, I am enjoying my focus on the humans that come through my doors- enjoying each one & offering just a little retail therapy, maybe a cup of coffee or conversation.

The slow and quiet time awakens creativity again, feeling an edge on the seasonal chase.  We have time… those of us on the fall side of summer know all too well, how the passage of time is actually racing along at a faster pace than we realize.  That’s why when my friends come through the shop during a slow time & ask ‘how’s business?’ & I say ‘This is a slow time of year, but not bad’ …it is not with disappointment, but enjoyment.  The bills still need to be paid, but somehow, they continue to be met just fine, if not better.