Winter exposes every weakness in a home. Drafts appear. Cold floors become unavoidable. Heating bills spike. Real comfort is not about cranking the thermostat. It is about how a home performs. Thermal comfort sits at the center of sustainability, durability, and human well-being. When a house is designed and built to perform in winter, it works better all year long.

Thermal comfort refers to how consistently warm, stable, and draft-free a home feels throughout the year. In the Pacific Northwest, where winters are long, damp, and low-light rather than extreme, thermal comfort depends less on high-output heating and more on thoughtful design.

Material warmth in interior design uses natural materials, light, and biophilic principles to improve comfort, wellness, and long-term performance. In the Pacific Northwest, where darker seasons and damp conditions shape how homes are experienced, material choices play a critical role in supporting both physical comfort and mental health.

The winter solstice is the shortest day and the longest night of the year. It is also when residential design is tested the hardest. When daylight fades early, and interiors carry more of the emotional load, a home either supports comfort or quietly works against it.

Who doesn't love a good holiday movie? Beyond the heartwarming stories and quirky characters, these films often feature iconic homes that capture the spirit of the season. Let’s dive into some of the most memorable holiday homes from the silver screen.

Hi everyone! It's Rachel here, back again to talk about those pesky winter blues. In 2014, I wrote a post called "Living with the Blooz" where I shared some tips on using interior design to combat the seasonal slump. (You can check it out here)

Since then, there's been a lot of new research and understanding around Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD). So, I thought it would be helpful to revisit the topic with a fresh perspective and some updated strategies.

As the chilly winds sweep through the Pacific Northwest, it's the perfect time to snuggle up and make our homes a warm haven. Today, we're diving into the art of embracing the colder season with a touch of Hygge – that delightful Danish concept that celebrates coziness, warmth, and well-being. So grab a cup of your favorite warm beverage and let's chat about how to bring some Hygge magic into your living spaces!