The Blissful Life: Cheers to Design, Creativity, and the Power of Community

As the crisp air and vibrant colors of fall start to settle in, it's hard to believe how quickly the seasons have turned—and what an exciting whirlwind it’s been for us at Team Bliss! This past spring was especially memorable as we celebrated a major milestone: our feature in Northshore Home Magazine. The spotlight was on our family’s kitchen remodel, a project that truly became a labor of love. If you've been following us on Instagram, you already know how much heart and soul went into this transformation, and seeing it captured in the pages of such a beautiful publication was a dream come true.

We were also deeply honored to attend the launch party for Northshore Magazine’s spring issue, where we celebrated alongside other inspiring design professionals. A special thank you to the incredibly talented Marni Elyse Katz for her thoughtfully written piece—it’s one we will hold dear for years to come. If you haven’t had a chance to read it yet, be sure to click through and check out the full feature on Northshore Magazine’s website!

As luck would have it, Blissful’s talented officemate, Justine Sterling, was also honored with a feature in the same issue of Northshore Homes. We wholeheartedly believe in the balance of hard work and celebration, and this recognition was the perfect reason to take a moment and enjoy the journey.

We were thrilled to host an intimate gathering at our shared office space, bringing together clients, friends, and collaborators from both of our businesses. The event was a wonderful opportunity to reconnect with familiar faces, reflect on past projects, and, most importantly, raise a glass to our shared successes. We are deeply grateful for the unwavering support of our community here in Melrose—it’s what continues to inspire us!

Balancing a growing business with raising my three children is never easy, but it’s always an adventure—and I wouldn’t trade it for the world! Having my youngest join the festivities was an absolute delight. She thoroughly enjoyed getting dressed up and, of course, basking in the spotlight!

While champagne toasts and celebrations are always a joy, a core value of Team Bliss is giving back to the local community that has supported our growth and success. Volunteering is a deeply rewarding experience, and despite the demands of our busy lives and never-ending to-do lists, we make it a priority to contribute to causes that uplift our community.

We were thrilled to wrap up an eventful summer by cooking and delivering meals to homeless families through Heading Home, a fantastic local organization that provides emergency shelter, transitional, and permanent housing to individuals and families experiencing homelessness. Their mission to set clients on a path toward self-sufficiency is truly inspiring. If you’re able to cook and deliver a meal through Heading Home, I highly encourage you to get involved—it's a meaningful way to make a difference.

To top off an incredible spring and summer, we were thrilled to be featured in Boston Globe Magazine in early September for a mudroom design we created for a client. Seeing Blissful Interiors’ work in print is always an exciting moment, and we hope it sparks inspiration for others in designing their own homes.

As we look ahead to new projects and possibilities, we’re filled with gratitude for the support of our clients, friends, and community. Thank you for being part of this incredible journey with us! We can’t wait to continue creating beautiful, inspired spaces together. Here’s to more creativity, collaboration, and, of course, celebration in the seasons to come!

Let’s work together to make your home your favorite place to be!

Design Beyond the Trends: Crafting Personalized Spaces That Feel Like Home

When you think of the word “trend,” what comes to mind? Is it the regrettable fashion choices of yesteryear, fleeting musical sensations, or the transient allure of silly social media challenges?  Here at Blissful Interiors, we see home trends come and go more quickly than you can DIY your own bathroom tiles. It’s tempting to succumb to the latest fads endorsed by design magazines and social media influencers, but will you really love that style a year from now? 10 years from now?

Undoubtedly, the Modern Farmhouse style with its rustic accents and open floor plans currently reigns supreme, but does it align with your personality and lifestyle? We absolutely enjoy indulging in HGTV binge sessions for inspiration every now and then, but the Blissful way of doing things is a bit different. Embracing a trend without considering its long-term resonance can lead to regret down the road, so our mission is to curate meaningful spaces with timeless appeal.

What characterizes our client-centered approach? We start with a two-hour in-home consultation, during which we’ll take a deep dive into your vision. We’ll ask questions like:

What functionality do you need from the space?

Who will be using the space? 

What colors do you love? What colors are not your cup of tea?

How do you want to FEEL when you walk into the space?

The consultation is a critical part of our design process, so we urge you to reflect on these questions prior to your visit so we can truly capture the essence of what you would like to achieve through design. 

Once we’ve completed the consultation, we’ll take the reins! Our design philosophy revolves around three core principles:

1. Customization is key

We reject the notion of one-size-fits-all design! Instead, we meticulously curate custom furniture and accessories, incorporating patterns, colors, and textures that are tailored to your lifestyle.

2. Embrace your home’s character

Every home has a unique personality and we want to showcase that—not turn it into a cookie cutter version of the current trends.  For example, a project in Melrose saw us infusing contemporary flare into Tudor-style home while preserving its inherent charm. The client’s wish list included living room seating that placed the focus on the fireplace and piano rather than a TV.

3. Balance Timelessness with Freshness

Unlike fashion, where trends can be easily swapped out each season, quality interior pieces demand a more considered approach. For a timeless design that lasts for years, we strive to incorporate a mix of both contemporary and vintage-inspired pieces. A blend of multiple styles allows your living space to achieve a feel that is curated and authentic.

Blissful Interiors is more than just a name; it’s a promise of tranquility and contentment within your home, your sanctuary, your personal haven. If your space falls short of embodying bliss, we are here to bridge the gap. Reach out to us at carolyn@blissfulinteriordesign.com to get started–let’s make your home your favorite place to be!

Blissful Project Spotlight

Welcome back to The Blissful Life! It's been a while, but the Team Bliss headquarters has been buzzing with activity. If you've been keeping up with us on Instagram, you're already in the loop about our major home renovation, our move to a stunning new office space in Stoneham MA, and the addition of the youngest (and cutest member) of the Blissful Team! Beyond all that, we’ve completed some major projects that we can’t wait to share with you.

After residing in their home for over a decade while raising young children, our clients were ready to focus on interior design. With their kids now in high school, the timing was ideal to introduce high-quality furnishings that would elevate the value of their home. They expressed a desire for a contemporary but still comfortable aesthetic.

We prioritized a color scheme update to breathe new life into the home, infusing the first floor with a timeless blend of blues, grays, and natural tones. To enhance the overall ambiance, we opted for a darker stain on the floors to eliminate any yellowish hues, and the dining room ceiling was treated to a subtle, light gray hue to make it pop.

We relocated the TV from above the fireplace to a discreet cabinet, shifting the room's focal point. In its place, we adorned the space with a stunning piece of art. The talented Tisha Mark, a beloved artist among Team Bliss, was entrusted with creating a painting depicting a cherished location close to the hearts of our clients. To amplify the impact, we revamped the fireplace by adding a new wooden mantle and updating the surrounding tile and woodwork.

The original sectional was swapped out for a diverse array of seating options: a plush sofa, sleek leather chairs, and a comfortable chaise lounge offering a picturesque view of the stunning wooded scenery. To add visual intrigue, we opted for rugs in a neutral color palette with interesting textures.

The breakfast nook had a hightop table in place, so we added a lower table, a cozy rug, and an eye-catching chandelier to define its character and charm.

In the dining room, our goal was to blend an industrial aesthetic with a hint of glamour. We traded the formal hutch for a chic bar cart (providing a delightful opportunity to experiment with new cocktails!), and spruced up the walls with a textured grasscloth vinyl wallpaper.

The exquisite live edge table is meticulously crafted from a hand-picked wood slab, complemented by dining chairs tailored with a carefully chosen fabric.

The client's home initially featured a formal living room, which we reimagined and transformed into a functional study space.

We incorporated a game table, a love seat, and two plush upholstered chairs, complemented by a rich, moody gray paint color to infuse the space with an air of elegance.

Our client adored the chosen bookcase so much that we decided to incorporate three of them along the back wall. This provided ample room to showcase all of the family's most special pieces.

Given the spaciousness of the home's entryway, we opted for larger-scale furnishings and adorned the walls with a creamy white hue to create an airy and open ambiance.

To introduce some visual contrast amidst the abundance of white, we incorporated pieces rich in texture, such as this stunning seagrass and cloth bench.

Even the basement got a remarkable transformation in this redesign, with Buffalo-check carpet tiles beneath the air hockey table providing a grounding element for the room. Additionally, a beverage station was introduced to enhance the space.

Thanks for taking some time to catch up with us! We're thrilled to relaunch the blog and keep you in the loop about all things Blissful. If you're feeling inspired and looking to rejuvenate your own space, don't hesitate to reach out at carolyn@blissfulinteriordesign.com. We can’t wait to hear from you!

-Team Bliss

Color story: Not-so-mellow yellow

Now that spring is officially here after the longest winter in recent memory, we are ready to celebrate the sunshine and all things bright and cheerful! In our humble option, there’s no better way to do that than to spotlight the happiest hue on the color spectrum—yellow!

We positively adore yellow in home design: not only does it lift your spirits and brighten any space, it also is the perfect complement to each and every neutral! Gray, navy, beige, white….all get a serious style upgrade when paired with a sunny shade of yellow.

IMG-0171+%281%29.jpg

Team Bliss recently wrapped up a redesign of Aviva Psychology Services’ office in downtown Boston. We wanted to brighten up the space with pops of color and went for a bold statement with this couch in a gorgeous marigold shade.

IMG-0190 (1).JPG

You don’t need to commit to major piece of furniture, though, to make an impact! Even small touches—like this yellow planter—are enough to instantly punch up a neutral decor scheme.

IMG-0172.JPG

Finding a piece of vibrant art that speaks to you is another excellent way to bring a bit of sunshine into your life!

And of course, the most noncommittal way to add a splash of yellow to your home….flowers!

If you’re sold on yellow’s smile-inducing abilities, read on to check out a few of our favorites to purchase now!

If your design mantra tends to veer into the “go big or go home” territory, we’ve got the perfect chair for you!

Meridian Furniture Jester Velvet Accent Chair, $290 at Houzz

Also not for the faint of heart: a bold printed wallpaper for an accent wall that’s anything but boring.

Folklore Print Wallpaper in Marigold, $175/roll at Hygge & West

These adorable little succulent planters would brighten up any drab work-from-home space!

Set of 2 Sunburst Ceramic Flower Pots, $23 at Etsy

Yellow+candle.jpg

Splurge on a fancy candle that will never fail to lift your spirits.

Acqua Di Parma Profumi Dell’Orto Candle, $75 at Bloomingdales

yellow wreath.jpg

Set the right tone with a cheerful wreath to greet guests at your doorstep.

Faux Magnolia & Lemon Wreath, $199 at Pottery Barn

Yellow doormat.jpg

Pair the wreath with an inviting doormat for the warmest of welcomes!

Sunflower Welcome Doormat, $35 at Pottery Barn

Yellow painting.jpg

The perfect piece of art for brightening dark spaces or dark moods.

Fluid Craspedia Art Print, $38+ at Minted

Yellow+Rug.jpg

Have you ever seen a rug as charming as this one?

Cherry Yellow Rug, $229 at Ruggable

Yellow basket.jpg

Cleaning up is so much more fun when you can store your clutter in basket as cute as this one.

Small Yellow Basket with Lid, $50 at Etsy

Yellow pillow.jpg

If your couch is begging for a fresh look for spring, look no further than these adorable pillow covers.

Set of 2 Yellow Dandelion Print Pillow Covers, $24+ at Etsy

Yellow tea kettle.jpg

The perfect accent piece to bring some cheer into your kitchen.

Chantal Yellow Tea Kettle, $50 at Crate & Barrel

Yellow Stool.jpg

Don’t forget to give your outdoor spaces the sunshine treatment!

Yellow Soleil Outdoor Accent Stool, $70 at World Market

Yellow flowers.jpg

Here’s an absolutely lovely faux floral option.

Faux Yellow Forsythia Branches Composed Arrangement, $399

Yellow sheets.jpg

These bee-print sheets would be precious in a child’s bedroom!

Organic Bee’s Knees Full Sheet Set, $99 at Crate & Kids

Yelllow vase .jpg

A modern vessel in a bold shade is just the thing to give a fresh look to any room in your home.

MoMA Raawii Strom Vase in Freesia Yellow, $68 at West Elm

We hope that now you’re feeling inspired to add a splash of yellow to your own home this spring! Whether you go all out with a piece of furniture or simply test the waters with a floral arrangement or accent piece, we’re sure you’ll agree that yellow’s mood-boosting powers are undeniable. Wishing you all a spring filled with sunshine!

~Team Bliss

Small changes, big impact

So here we are in February and even though winter doesn’t seem to want to loosen its icy grip, Team Bliss is setting its sights on spring! Last month we talked all about home renovations but maybe something major isn’t in the cards for you at the moment. Does that mean you need to spend the foreseeable future staring at the same space day after day? Absolutely not! Restyling some of the surfaces in your home is a quick, easy, and inexpensive way to change things up with very little commitment.

IMG_8385 final v2.jpg

Coffee or entryway tables, mantels, kitchen islands, ottomans…these are all prime spaces on which you can focus your efforts! Because any change you make won’t be permanent, this is most definitely the time to experiment and have fun with trends or colors you’ve been wanting to try.

If you’re styling a larger surface, you’ll need to decide if you prefer a symmetrical appearance or a less structured effect. After putting away her holiday decorations this year, Katie wanted a fresh look for her mantel and we decided to go for an eclectic style tied together with gold accents

IMG-4931-2.jpg

We selected pieces with varying heights to create interest and made sure to incorporate diverse textures. Soft feathered plume reed, a vase with intricate carvings, and a beaded gold frame come together to create a richly layered appearance. If we’ve got you motivated to update some of your own surfaces, read on for our pro tips!

Pro Tip #1: First and foremost, keep in mind that a green is always a good idea! Any space can quickly be upgraded with a splash of green—real OR faux! If you’re not confident in your ability to keep real plants alive (no judgment!), you could invest in a high-quality silk option or keep it budget-friendly with beautiful dried bunches (We love the selection at Afloral!) An important thing to keep in mind when styling surfaces: always measure your space and note the dimensions of anything purchased online! It is easy to overlook but if you aren’t careful you’ll end up with a vessel that hangs over the edge of a mantel or a tray that’s too large for your tiny end table!

Pro Tip #2: Your surfaces are the perfect place to take a chance and let your personality shine! Why not incorporate a favorite accent color that might be a bit much for for, say, a wall color or furniture upholstery? Bring on the bold fuchsias, vibrant yellows, and brilliant blues!

Pro Tip #3: Surfaces are also a wonderful place to incorporate meaningful objects like family heirlooms or pieces collected during travels. Don’t have anything that fits the bill? Go shopping for cute, quirky items that catch your eye. (We simply couldn’t resist the adorable sulky bird that reminds us perhaps a bit too much of our own moody toddlers!) These pieces don’t have to be expensive to make an impact….World Market, Target, and At Home have plenty of fun options!

Pro Tip #4: Don’t forget to add in art that makes you smile! Team Bliss has been enchanted by the adorable miniature oil paintings all over Etsy, and it is there that we stumbled upon a wonderful local artist, Tisha Marks. Katie selected one of Tisha’s pieces for her mantel, and we used another—a seascape of a beach in Cape Cod—for the living area of a client whose family often vacations there. With so many artists and styles to browse, you’re certain to find something that speaks to you.

We hope these tips inspire you to restyle some of your own surfaces and give your home a fresh look for the coming season! Don’t forget that we absolutely love hearing from you and seeing how you use our tips to bring a little bliss into your own homes. Hang in there, everyone—spring is surely on its way!

~Team Bliss