January 2025 Embracing Change and Inner Wisdom

Date: February 5, 2025Author: joanneriley0 Comments

Embracing Change and Inner Wisdom for 2025

Stepping into 2025, I find myself reflecting on the themes of balance, harmony, and inner wisdom. These elements resonate deeply with me, not only personally but also in the work I do with each of you. In spiritual practices, the number 25 symbolizes trust in the divine and the importance of making decisions that align with our true selves. This guiding principle has shaped my journey and inspired me to explore how trusting our intuition can enhance both our lives and the spaces we inhabit.

Reflecting on 2024: A Year of Growth, Travel, and Connection

Last year was a time of profound growth, marked by enriching experiences and meaningful connections. Starting in January, one of the most transformative moments for me was attending an advanced meditation session with Dr. Joe in Florida. As most of you know I have been studying meditation and spiritual practices for quite a few years now. This experience allowed me to reconnect with my spiritual self and brought a new depth to the way I approach my work and daily life.

January also saw me traveling to Paris with the NY Metro Chapter of ASID, a professional organization that has been instrumental in my growth as a designer since the beginning of the company  in 1990. While Paris has always been a source of inspiration, this trip was unique. It offered a perfect blend of culture, design, and exposure to cutting-edge materials and trends that only Paris can provide. While there, another highlight was the party at  Tim Harrigan’s apartment where we all had custom hats made for us. This apartment was one of the most widely celebrated and published works of last year.

Personal Milestones and New Beginnings

2024 also brought personal milestones that I’m thrilled to share. One of the most exciting developments was the purchase of my own place in West Palm Beach, Florida. This move marks a new chapter in my life and the establishment of an additional office space in the area. My mom and youngest sister live just a mile from my new home. An added bonus for sure!

As life often does, the year brought moments of loss alongside its joys. I want to honor the memory of Karen Hay and Dave Chase. Karen, my cousin’s wife, was a shining example of love and resilience, while Dave, a long-time client, left a legacy of kindness and positivity. Both will be deeply missed and fondly remembered.

Another personal achievement was earning an NCS and Heartmath Certification, a significant milestone in my spiritual journey. This accomplishment reflects my commitment to continuous learning and growth, which informs both my personal life and professional practice.

Professional Achievements and Expanding Horizons

2024 was also a year of professional growth. One of the most rewarding projects was for one of my lifetime best friends in Raleigh, North Carolina, where we collaborated with a fantastic contractor and builder team. This partnership has opened doors to new opportunities in the region, and I now have a full team ready for renovations or new builds in that area.

We had the opportunity to redo a long time client’s best friend’s home in Woodbridge, CT. The client and her three children took this as an opportunity to redesign their entire second floor. It was a time for letting go of what was no longer needed and ushering in a whole new future.

Another wonderful project was to guide clients to a  next stage living facility. What an honor to be involved with clients as their lives change. We all loved their existing home that we designed more than 20 years ago, but the size and layout made it difficult to age in place. The process of pairing down and redesigning into a significantly smaller space is always challenging but we all made it the process easier and more palatable by adding laughter and memories and we designed the next new part of their lives. Quite an honor for a designer to be a part of!

We are working on an innovative commercial aviation parts company that is creating a world class facility in Connecticut.

In Florida we are working on a custom residential project in West Palm Beach and combining my first college degree with my design work, an equestrian residence in Wellington, Florida.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I look forward to the months ahead, I’m filled with excitement for what’s to come. From innovative design projects to personal growth, I’m eager to explore fresh perspectives on color, materials, and collaborations with artisans and designers I’ve encountered on my travels. My goal is to help you create spaces that reflect your unique style and needs, whether that’s a sanctuary at home, a reimagined workspace, or an environment infused with new inspiration.

Also, I have just returned from a conference where we learned to voice our “Signature speech” . Mine is about taking care of the energy in your space and how we make that magic happen. I hope to post it when we get the edited video back.

Thank you for trusting me with your spaces and stories. Here’s to a year of beauty, harmony, and meaningful design. Let’s make 2025 unforgettable!

In Love and Light!
– Joanne & Everyone at The Interior Edge