Happiness and joy. Do you use these words interchangeably in conversations? I used to, too. Now, I define them differently, and it’s a change that has made a dramatic impact on my life.

Happiness, I see as fleeting and fickle, an emotional reaction to an external thing or an event. When that thing is gone or the event is over, so is the accompanying happiness. I think many of us feel this societal pressure to be happy all the time, but by this definition, it’s simply impossible to control. I am now comfortable with happiness coming and going.

Joy, on the other hand, feels more like a state of being, an ever-present aspect of my identity. To me, it reflects a deeper, richer, and more lasting level of fulfillment. I may not be happy in a particular moment — in fact, I may be precisely the opposite — but I can still be a joyful person. It’s part of me and not subject to the whims of the outside world.

Naturally, it’s my mission to help my clients design their homes for the latter! Today, I hope to help inspire joy in your home by sharing 3 of the many ways to create joy in the home, along with 5 books that hold a special place in my heart.

Creating Joy in the Home

In my experience, the best interior design isn’t about daily happiness — it’s about creating a space that envelops you in the deepest sense of comfort and joy. One that makes you feel closest to yourself. This is why I always design for the whole self, using your most beloved memories as a springboard to inspire your home’s design. Here are 3 great ways we can do that:

1. Bring in new pieces with sentimental value

As a child, I loved looking at my grandmother’s vast collection of glass art in her living room. The rainbow of colors fascinated me, and I was particularly drawn to an orange and gold crackled glass vase. I still remember wondering how the glass could look broken but still remain whole.
A few years ago, I was out shopping and came across a clear crackled glass lamp. I knew I had to have it, without even understanding why at the moment. The lamp came home with me and now adorns my living room (pictured below), gently reminding me of the wonder and joy I experienced as a child at my grandmother’s home.

2. Incorporate pieces with beloved family history

I recently helped my client, Beth, reframe a collection of original artwork from a prominent local artist. She was proud of the collection and excited to display it.

During our conversations, Beth casually mentioned that one of the other pieces in the room was painted by her father, but she wasn’t sure if it was worth including in her new, redesigned display. As she told me the touching story of her father and how he created the piece, the joy on her face was more than obvious — and that was all I needed to see to encourage Beth to incorporate the meaningful piece into her collection.

3. Give new life to pieces with special stories

I recently upholstered a chair that belonged to my client’s grandfather. He told me about how it had sat in their living room when he was a boy, and he now had it in his own home. He knew it needed some love to be functional and beautiful again.

After I delivered the finished piece, he was so incredibly grateful to see it restored that the happiness on his face was undeniable. More importantly, a week later he came to my office to thank me again. He said, “I just wanted to thank you. Every time I look at that chair it makes me smile.”

In all of these scenarios, the piece may be an external source of happiness, but it’s the memories they represent that are a source of deep joy, embedded in who they are and what they love. And honestly, that’s why I have dedicated my own life to design. It has so much power for good.

5 Books that Have Inspired Joy in My Life

Reading is one of my life’s greatest pleasures! I voraciously gobble up one or two books each week, where I find escape, deep emotional connection, and many other wonders that have inspired joy in my life. Here are 5 of my favorites, running the gamut from fiction to nonfiction:

1. Simple Abundance by Sarah Ban Breathnach

This book is subtitled A Daybook of Comfort and Joy, and I have personally found it to be just that. The author’s short essays encourage reaching for the authentic self day by day. It has helped me learn to celebrate the ordinary in my life, after which I was able to fully understand why the little things matter to me and my friends and family.

Since reading this book, I’ve become more in tune with myself, now paying close attention to my needs, no matter how small. It has made a significant difference in how I feel about myself and my home.

2. The Law of Divine Compensation by Marianne Williamson

Williamson presents spiritual principles that aim to guide us more purposefully through work and financial stresses, and I have personally found her thoughts on success to be inspirational and reassuring. I deeply believe that we all have a distinct purpose in this life, and this book reinforces the variety of emotions that accompany us as we move towards turning our purpose into reality. As Williamson shares, “Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure.” How inspirational and empowering.

3. Every Single Book by Laura Ingalls Wilder

Have you ever read a book or series that you felt completely immersed in? Part of the story? Never wanted it to end? I first read Wilder’s Little House series as a child, and it left me with that exact feeling. I have, of course, had similar feelings about books since then, but I distinctly remember that intense feeling of incredible loss when I finished the last book. I even cried — I felt as though a member of my family had died.

As an adult, I’ll still pick up one of Wilder’s books every so often and travel back in time to her childhood and my own. Her books are the reason I love a long calico skirt, walking barefoot in the grass, and picking wildflowers for my dining table. Talk about joy inspired by the fondest of memories!

4. The Outlander Series by Diana Gabaldon

I’m a sucker for historical fiction. Throw in a good romance, genealogy, and historical events told from interesting perspectives, and I’m all in. I’ll probably cry when I finish reading the final book in this series, as well!

P.S. In my opinion, books are always better than their movies, or in this case, the television series. As binge-worthy as the show is, if you can read the books first, I highly recommend it!

5. Lasagna Gardening by Patricia Lanza

There’s something so peaceful and so grounding about gardening. I’ve always loved learning about the green world around me, but this book really got me playing in the dirt. Lanza’s practical and simple techniques allowed me to revel in the exciting transformation from seed to plant to colorful creation on my dinner table. Through this book, I found a deeper connection to nature, to enjoying a slow, worthwhile process, and to the earth.

Welcoming Joy into Your Life

Joy is a part of us, unique to each person. With the fleeting and impermanent emotion of happiness, how wonderful it is that we have the ability to choose joy in our lives, to surround ourselves with elements that inspire the joy that is rooted in our deepest, fondest memories.

So, what brings you joy? I’d love to help you peel back the layers of your personal story to reach those special memories. If you’re ready for a home designed for joy (and of course, functional and beautiful living), reach out to me here.

I can’t wait to meet you,

Monique

Happiness vs. Joy at Home (& 5 of My Favorite Books)