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Happy Halloween 2022

October 31, 2022•4 min read

Happy Halloween 2022

Date: October 31, 2022Author: joanneriley 0 Comments

Happy Halloween, all souls day, all saints day, day of the dead, and Samhain!! This is my first newsletter for Halloween and I’m very excited about it. The Inspiration was from my sister, Donna, who has a great Podcast (you can listen to it here!) about joy and she interviewed a fellow in Mexico about how they find joy in celebrating their loved ones who have passed on.

In Mexico it’s a 3 day celebration and they have parties at the grave site, make beautiful bright colored art and have rituals around the celebration of the dead.

“In Guatemala, people fly kites at the Barriletes Gigantes Festival, or Giant Kites Festival. These kites can take months to build and may be as big as 65 feet across! You can write a note to your ancestor and tie it to the kite’s tail for your ancestor to read in heaven.

In the Philippines, people cook their deceased loved one’s favorite foods for a feast with friends and relatives. Many visit their ancestors’ tombs, light candles, and even spend the night there.

In Hungary, many people keep the lights on in their homes for the duration of the night and leave food on the table in memory of their loved ones.

In Poland, traveling home for All Souls’ Day can be a must—similar to Easter and Christmas. Families visit the cemeteries where their ancestors are buried and set the night aglow with a veritable bonfire of candles.

In Peru, people share a loaf of t’anta wawa with a friend or relative. T’anta wawa is a sweet bread baked into the shape of a doll or small child.”

In Ireland, “there are many rituals associated with Samhain today. These include dancing, feasting, taking nature walks, and building altars to honor their ancestors. There are many parts to the altars Wiccans build. To symbolize the end of the harvest, they include apples, pumpkins, or other fall crops”.

I love all the rituals and traditions! Enjoy thinking of your loved ones who have passed over and what they brought to your world. Maybe even share that with your kids or grandkids….

Speaking of energetics, souls and deaths, many more people are dying either in their own homes or homes of their loved ones instead of in the hospitals. In my belief this shows a really good sign for our society. It’s not easy to take care of your loved ones at that time, a lot of help is required. Luckily this is available by many avenues. To come home and then go home, as they say, seems just like a natural process.

My father died in his own home surrounded by all his children and his wife. Although it was a little sad it was really the most beautiful way it could have happened. Also, my friend had her father die in her dining room because he needed a bigger space than his own home. He was hospiced and her home could afford that. It was really so lovely. He had a beautiful view out the window from the hospital bed. She got private help to assist her and it was a really lovely transition, that I got to be a small witness to. I had an amazing client who had a fatal disease and we were lucky enough to decorate that type of room for her as she dreamed her way off the planet. We had hand-applied authors’ names and leaders written on the walls so she could think of their work as she could no longer read but had them in her head. It was one of the most honoring projects I have done in my many year career. Although it’s a little heart wrenching, it’s also such a wonderful way to serve. It’s an energetic effort that we can do for the people we love if possible.

This process begs the question: How do our homes, processes and rituals need to accommodate this trend? How does that affect those still living in the space after the transition? These are the things that fill my thoughts, here are some things others have done…

*Space and energy clearing either by a practitioner, IE Feng Shui or other energetic healers

*Clearing with crystals

*Invite a religious practice in IE a blessing of the space

*Redecorate the spaces, sometimes it’s the best time to change things you wanted to anyway

*Change nothing until you are ready,

*Make thoughtful changes incorporating plants and animals to bring new energy

As always, if you are inviting changes into your home or getting a new one we would be delighted to be a part of the process.

Enjoy the season!!

Joanne and All of us at The Interior Edge

Joanne Riley

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The Story Behind The Style

The Interior Edge (TIE), founded in 1990 by Joanne Riley, A.S.I.D., delivers luxury interiors that combine heart and precision. For over three decades, TIE has transformed homes and spaces into timeless expressions of beauty, balance, and comfort. Our promise: to take you from concept to completion with professionalism, creativity, and a touch of magic.

What sets us apart? “Love lives here,” as Joanne Riley puts it. That belief fuels everything we do. At TIE, design isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about creating environments that nurture growth, provide security, and bring joy every single day.

Our process is thoughtful, collaborative, and detail-obsessed. From architecture, lighting, and space planning to the finishing touches of color, texture, and style, we design with intention. No detail is too small—whether it’s the placement of a window or the fresh flowers that welcome you home.

We stay ahead of the curve with ongoing education, partnerships with industry leaders, and cutting-edge technology that allows clients to visualize their dream space before it becomes reality.

Every project is unique, just like the people we serve. While our portfolio spans the globe, we frequently work in the Berkshires, New York City, Connecticut, and Greater Boston. Wherever the project, our mission is simple: to design interiors that exceed expectation, inspire joy, and feel like home.

FAQS

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens when I hire you to design my home?

First, we talk about what you like and what you need. Then we make a plan to help your space look better and work better for your life. We show you ideas, help pick things like colors and furniture, and take care of the little details so you don’t have to worry.

Do I need to redesign my whole house, or can we do just one room?

You can start with just one room if you want! Many people begin with a room that needs the most help, like the living room or bedroom. Later, we can work on more areas when you’re ready. We make each space feel fresh and connected to the rest of your home.

How do you decide what styles and colors to use?

We learn about your taste, what colors make you happy, and how you want your home to feel. Then we create a design that fits you perfectly. You get to see pictures and ideas before anything is bought, so everything feels just right.

Can you work with what I already have in my home?

Yes! We love using your favorite pieces and making them shine. We can mix your old things with new ones to give your space a fresh look without starting from scratch.

How much does it cost to work with you?

We have different packages depending on what you need. Some people just want help picking colors or arranging furniture, while others want a full makeover. We’ll talk about your budget and help you get the most value out of every dollar.

How long does the design process take?

It depends on the project. A simple room update can take a few days or weeks, while a full-home design takes longer. Don’t worry—we’ll give you a clear timeline and keep you updated every step of the way.

Do I need to be involved in every decision?

Only if you want to be! We’re happy to guide you and handle the hard parts. You’ll get to see choices and give feedback, but we’ll take care of the heavy lifting so you can relax and enjoy the results.

What if I’m not sure I’ll like the final design?

That’s okay! We show you ideas, colors, and layouts before we start, so you can feel confident. If something doesn’t feel right, we’ll adjust it. Our goal is to make sure you’re 100% happy with your space.