A Season of Stillness:
Why Rest Is the Ultimate Holiday Strategy

The holiday season has a way of sweeping us up in a flurry of activity—client projects wrapping up before year-end, family gatherings, travel plans, social commitments and an ever-growing list of “shoulds.” Interior designers know this pace all too well, but the truth is that everyone, no matter their profession, feels the weight of expectations this time of year.

Amid the rush, one of the most powerful strategies we have is also the simplest: rest.
Not the “collapse at the end of the night” kind of rest, but meaningful, intentional rest that invites tranquility, clarity and a renewed sense of joy.

At Nicole Arnold Interiors, we believe that your home should not only reflect your lifestyle—it should actively support your well-being throughout every season. And there’s no better time to lean into that philosophy than during the holidays.

Our environments influence how we feel more than we often realize. When your home includes places purpose-built for unwinding, you naturally ease into a healthier pace. Here are a few ways thoughtfully designed spaces can support rest and rejuvenation:

Soft textiles, warm lighting and a comfortable chair create a personal retreat that embraces calm and quiet.

Luxurious bedding, layered lighting, restful color palettes and clutter-free surroundings set the stage for deep, reparative sleep.

Soothing materials, generous showers or soaking tubs and calming scents turn daily routines into grounding rituals.

When seating encourages conversation and connection, you create space not only for stillness, but for meaningful moments.

A meditation corner, yoga area, craft space or even a quiet coffee bar can support the unique ways you recharge.

The holidays often come with a propensity to over-commit, over-extend and over-do. It’s easy to feel obligated to say yes to everything: every event, every request, every tradition. But the cost can be high. When we slow down, we become more aware of the beauty around us—our relationships, our homes, our communities, our health, our opportunities. The holidays become less about performance and more about presence.

This year, I encourage you to join me in embracing tranquility as part of your holiday strategy. Rest is not just restorative—it’s transformational. And your home can play a central role in making that possible.

And, if you’re ready to create spaces that align with the ways you want to unwind and replenish, my team and I would love to help design environments that support your tranquil lifestyle year-round.