Interior Design in Seattle & Bellevue | Elegant Simplicity

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Moments To Be Grateful For In Design + Organizing

As John + I have built Elegant Simplicity, we’ve spent so much time in our lives dreaming about the future, setting goals for what we want, and racing to achieve them. All in an effort to dream bigger, set better goals + yep, yet again race to achieve those.

And so I woke up this morning, ironically thinking about a quote by a friend of ours + NY Times Best Selling Author Rory Vaden, who said, “Gratitude is a habit that is cultivated intentionally, not accidentally.” 

In saying that, over the last few years, John + I have worked incredibly hard to focus on what we call “moments to be grateful for.” 

Where we hit pause. Take a breath. Pat ourselves on the back. Tell each other + anyone who has helped us along the way, good job + thank you.

It’s in these moments around our dinner table where we share something together as a family to remind ourselves of all the little blessings we are so grateful to have.

And that’s not some highlight-reel gratitude moment for IG or Facebook. 

Sometimes, that’s highlighting the tough moments we’ve endured — but the key there is… “endured.” Meaning, we’ve pushed through. 

And sometimes it’s finding the good while in the middle of the storm.

But mostly, it’s throwing a spotlight on the things in our lives that deserve attention. 

And it’s with that, that we want to share a few of the lil + big things that we are grateful for when it comes to design + organizing.

Good People

One of the things that makes the multitude of things an interior designer has to consider during a project worth it is Good People. 

And Good People come in many different ways... from great clients who love + invest in themselves as well as in creating a beautiful home for their loved ones. 

To good vendors whom none of what we do would be possible without. 

To the steady + skilled hands of the craftsman who work on our projects and take such pride in what they create for our clients.

All the things that make a great project… come from Good People.

Our Team

In speaking of Good People… over the last several years, we’ve built an incredible team at Elegant Simplicity. When creating beautiful homes for our clients, there’s no truer statement than, “it takes a village.”

But it also shouldn’t go without saying that it takes “the right village” or “the right group of people!”

Our employees are some of the most caring, committed + talented individuals that we could possibly surround ourselves with.

We are truly grateful for every bit of their attention to detail + their “do it right” mentality!

Organized Structure 

Over a decade ago, when we set out to create Elegant Simplicity, I would never have thought that the methods we would teach + instill in our organizing clients or open the eyes of our design clients to would be so prevalent in our actual business. 

The reality is, whether we’re organizing or designing for our clients, or working inside the business, we believe that everything successful in life is systematized. That success comes from having everything you need + nothing more™.

Creating structure in our lives is so important. So paramount to succeeding at what you want.


Strokes Of Serendipity 

Regardless of how structured, how organized, how well thought out our lives are or the method to creating a home with everything you need is… spontaneity is absolutely something you have to marvel at. 

Happenstance is such an integral part of living so likewise, keeping an open mind to new ideas + new routines in the homes we are creating is not only paramount but wonderful when it happens.

Whether that’s by finding inspiration through experiencing new cultures, trying something new, leaning into the unexpected in a project or merely from opening your eyes to the possibilities of “we can do this”(together) a fortunate stroke of serendipity is out there.

Making An Impact

At Elegant Simplicity, we really believe that our purpose is not merely to fill our clients homes with stuff or to recommend products just because. It’s why we don’t charge markup on what we purchase for our clients. 

It’s why you don’t see random affiliate links or spammy advertisements on our blog. 

It’s also why we created a FREE resource library that we continue to lean into by creating more valuable content for anyone to seek out.

Because making an impact is important to us at Elegant Simplicity. 

And we’re incredibly grateful to make an impact in the lives of others by donating 1% of our profits to non-profit organizations. 

Working with awesome clients + awesome vendors who are aligned with our vision to give back + to being active in our community is truly gratitude all year long.

The Art Of Creating Home

We’re filled up EVERYDAY. No, seriously. We not only work with amazing people but we do so with an eye + a passion for creating a unique place for them to call home.

Home is quite a bit different for everyone. And while one might consider us the tastemakers, we view it as an art. 

An art that takes time for us to invest in the relationship with our clients. To discover + to learn what really matters to them. To identify their routines, their habits + their needs (not just their desires). 

Home is about inspiration, not replication. That’s such a rewarding journey to be a part of creating for others everyday!

Seemingly Simple Moments

When you look back at work, friendship + family — what you realize is there are so many tiny moments throughout the year. Moments that make you laugh, fill your heart up + of course, especially if you’re like me, moments that make you shed a tear of joy.

It’s ALL of these seemingly simple moments where so much gratitude is due. They’re the moments where you don’t take life so seriously — the simple moments.

And there you have it… several things that we are counting our blessings for this Thanksgiving! Stay present, friend.

Now don’t be shy, if you’re planning your next project, let’s chat. You can request a one-on-one FREE 30-minute Clarity Call with us :)

Psst… if you loved this, then you absolutely have to check out our FREE Video Course:4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home