Breegan Jane, Author at Breegan Jane

The Mekuno Project: Ending FGM For Good

If you’ve been following me for any amount of time, you know how passionate I am about philanthropy. And, you undoubtedly know what that means for my precious girls in Kenya, Africa. For years I heard about the atrocities of female genital mutilation (FGM), and I wanted to do my part to put an end to the practice. As today commemorates the International Day of Zero Tolerance for FGM, I am happy to introduce the Mekuno Project, an effort created to further this very important effort.

Why the Mekuno Project is Needed

It is important for me to bring awareness to the practice of FGM because, sadly, many people are still unsure of what it really is. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), FGM includes all procedures that involve partial or total removal of the external female genitalia, or other injury to the female genital organs for non-medical reasons. WHO also deems FGM a violation of human rights of girls and women.

You may wonder why this practice even exists. In many cultures, FGM (also known as “cutting”) is a valued practice that symbolically marks the transition from girlhood to womanhood. Specifically in Kenya, Africa, young girls go through FGM just before or after they hit puberty. The practice is a direct precursor to child marriage. In fact, Kenyan girls are not considered eligible for marriage until they have gone through cutting. Marriage in these societies is crucial for economic survival, as families see marriage as the only way for girls to have a financially stable future. Plus, potential husbands pay the parents of the bride-to-be a dowry for the privilege of marrying her. This payment can mean a great deal for an impoverished family. You can see how the ritual can easily become normalized when considering the positive economic impact it can have.

There has to be a better way, and I believe the Mekuno Project paves the way for it.

Why FGM Needs to End

More than 200 million girls and women alive today have endured FGM throughout Africa, Asia and the Middle East. Though they are survivors, that survival may not come without its issues. FGM can have devastating physical and psychological effects on girls, some short-term and some lifelong. This makes complete sense when you consider the procedure’s result—the removal of part or the whole of the external female genitalia.

What’s more, the mutilation is typically done in extremely unhygienic places, without proper medical supervision or sanitized tools, and with no anesthesia for the girls. If one of them has an infection or disease, it becomes extremely probable that the illness could be transmitted to others because sterile instruments aren’t often used. Many of the girls can suffer severe risks from the procedure, and some actually die. For those that survive, both FGM and child marriage hold them back from an education—reducing enrollment rates and increasing dropout and illiteracy rates. This can prevent them from realizing their dreams and potential and contributing their gifts to improve their families and communities. As you can see, FGM presents dangerous implications for girls’ marriage, health, education, and future work.

The Mekuno Project Is Making a Difference

No girl or woman should ever have to endure FGM. Ever. The Mekuno Project aims to make that a reality by creating a four-pillar approach to address the root causes of FGM. The approach includes: providing quality education to young girls; addressing gender-based violence and strengthening child protection systems at the community level; expanding the sense of self-worth and capability of men, women, girls and boys, to strengthen self-value and self-worth of all in the community; and providing opportunities for economic empowerment, to ultimately decrease dependence on dowries from child marriages.

What impresses me most about the Mekuno Project is the confidence in its strategy. Organizers know the program will work because it has already been tried, tested and proven successful! In the area of West Pokot, rates of FGM and child marriage have fallen from 95% to less than 10%. In 2021 alone, 368 girls were provided school fees to further their education. Further, 308 children went through the Alternative Rites of Passage, and over 5,000 people were trained in the Empowered Worldview program. The Mekuno Project is well on its way to accomplishing the goal of completely ending FGM by 2030.

But they need your help.

You can help us end FGM and provide hope-filled futures to deserving young women in Kenya who need your support. Your generosity, in any amount, will help spur change and impact lives. Visit the Mekuno Project and join our cause to bring freedom and promise to young African lives.

Lessons in Handling Change

Change. Everyone from Bob Dylan to Sam Cooke to Taylor Swift has written songs about the concept of change. Whether you love it or hate it, it’s the one thing we know will always…be. While change is inevitable, there are definitely certain points in our lives that seem to be brimming with it. These transitional moments can be tough on everyone, but they seem to present a challenge especially for children. Let’s talk about what handling change feels like, and why it doesn’t have to be approached like a hurdle to throw ourselves over, barely making it out alive, lol. Let’s dig deeper.

My Early Days

We’re building our dream beach home right now. But, I can’t tell you that I had a ton of experience as a young child with change as it relates to moving. I lived in one house for many years, and we only moved once after that. So I definitely benefited from having a strong core base. But every kid deals with changes and transitions in several aspects of their lives.

We change schools, make new friends, and sometimes it’s as simple as just growing older from one phase to the next. Handling change can be challenging. Everyone feels differently about it. I’ve had conversations with people who view change as an opportunity for a fresh start and reset. Others would prefer to stick with the familiar and tried and true. We all know someone who lives by the old adage: “if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.” Neither of these perspectives is better or worse than the other. However, handling change in a healthy way should be the goal for everyone.

Raising Resilient Kids

I don’t dread change. I accept that it is a part of life, and instead of fighting it, I embrace it. I’ve always thought of myself as a resilient person. The outlook you adopt on life greatly impacts the ease with which you move through it. Think of it like the ocean. It’s much easier to swim with the current than to struggle against it. Regarding life in this way has helped me so much, and I knew I wanted to raise my sons to have those same traits. One of the ways I did that was by preventing them from becoming too attached to one way of doing something. Take nap time for instance. I established a sleep schedule, but not a specific “napping place.” As a result, my sons could sleep anywhere, a friend’s home, their grandparents’ house, a hotel on vacation. I was deliberate about making myself their “north star” as opposed to a physical space.

When Handling Change is Difficult

If you follow me on social media you’ve likely seen our family chronicles. We’re a close-knit bunch, and Kingsley and Kensi are almost always together. That’s not happenstance. I worked to foster a positive and loving relationship between the two of them since my youngest was born. So, when school started and they had to be in different classes, I noticed my youngest had a tough time handling change. Kingsley is the more social one of the two. He makes making friends look effortless, and Kensi, who was always right beside him, never had to navigate those waters. So the first days of independence led to Kensi coming home from school saying things like, “I don’t have any friends.”

I decided to take my youngest out of his comfort zone. When we go to have a pool day, I tell him, “you don’t get to hide behind your brother. Go say hi and make friends. They’re just as shy as you are.” He isn’t comfortable doing it, but I try to give him moments to do it with the safety of mom close. I want my boys to understand that different isn’t bad. I want them to meet change with the confidence to know that they have everything they need to be successful in new situations and environments. Handling change well isn’t always about predicting what will happen. It’s about being resilient enough to adapt and move with what’s happening. That’s a lesson that works well for children and adults alike.

Parental Advice

So, we know change is a constant in life. We know that learning to make peace with that is the first step to handling change well. But children don’t possess the life skills and mental processing that adults have. When people comment on how well-adjusted my sons are, I tell them that my advice may be a bit unconventional. My boys haven’t expressed any anxiety or negative emotions regarding our next move. I think a lot of that is because of the way I frame things. My advice? Don’t hyper-focus on the negative.

Children often take their cues from us. Have you seen those videos where a toddler falls and the first thing they do is look at the parent? Nine times out of ten, if the parent panics, so will the child. If everyone remains calm in the room, the tot is likely to get up and carry on. The same concept applies when you’re helping your children through changes. I didn’t ask my boys if they were feeling nervous about our move. I asked them what they were most excited about. We shifted the mood and switched the focus. This isn’t to say that we don’t make space for their feelings whether upbeat or sad. I just don’t make a habit of associating “new” with adversity.

Stability and Security

I think the best thing parents can do is maintain a sense of stability and security for our kids. Pay attention to the conversations you have with them. You’ll be able to detect how they’re feeling about the changes occurring. Be careful to not overwhelm them with adult emotions that they’re simply not ready for. I spent many moments giving myself time to digest my own feelings and tears privately, before having calm and collected discussions with my kiddos. I want to ensure that no matter the transition, they know and feel that they are safe and taken care of. Handling change isn’t something that comes with an instruction manual. But it doesn’t have to be an insurmountable obstacle. I’m teaching my kids that they are stronger and more resilient than they think. I hope they’ll carry that lesson with them throughout their lives.

What Homebuyers Are Looking For In A New Purchase

I’m getting ready to move into my dream home! I’m so excited about that. Moving has been a bittersweet pill because I absolutely love the home I’m leaving. Don’t get me wrong: my new home is going to be astonishing! As I go through this process of transition, I’m always mindful of all the things I need to focus on from the paradigm of the home buyers. I look to tap into their needs and preferences. But what are those? Here are a few general ideas of what homebuyers are looking for, and how you can achieve them in your home!

Bright Lights, Big Windows

No one wants to buy a home that doesn’t accent the best lighting from the outside! When it comes to what homebuyers are looking for, look no further than windows! Windows are a hot commodity in the home market, particularly because they directly impact energy efficiency. Not only that, but they usher in direct sunlight, and that also has a direct impact on mood, emotions, etc. More light just feels right! Now, you may be one of the lucky homeowners with ceiling-to-floor windows. Most of us don’t, but that’s okay!

Here’s a design trick that is sure to give you that “big window” look: hang your curtains from the floor to the ceiling! Make sure they’re high and wide in the room. Hanging your curtains high and wide will trick the eye and make the room feel taller than it actually may be. And, this simple technique has the added benefit of making the windows feel larger. This happens because our eyes naturally move in the direction of what’s in front of us—in this case, they’ll move up. So if your eye sees a tall, wide curtain, it assumes what’s behind it is the same size (because that’s what we typically do with curtains). This will give your room the semblance of what home buyers are looking for in a home.

But you can even take that suggestion up a notch. If you’re trying to make the windows the star, refrain from hanging dark, heavy drapes at the windows. Go for white, flowy, curtains that reach the floor. You don’t have to spend a fortune on them; just make sure they look nice and are made of decent-quality material. You’ll have clients salivating at the rooms in your home!

Space Is The Place

When it comes to what homebuyers are looking for, another thing they look for is if their new home will have enough space. With the cost of homes today, everyone spending money wants the most bang for their buck. And that makes sense. So, even with a home of modest square footage, maximizing the look of the space in each room isn’t difficult. You can’t add square footage (cheaply), so how would you do it? A simple way is to reconsider the scale and ratio of decor and furniture you use.

What do I mean? When you lived in the house you’re selling, you may have loved a cozy but oversized sectional in a particular room. There’s nothing wrong with that at all! However, now that you are looking to maximize square footage, I would recommend opting for a more streamlined, smaller sofa. This would alleviate the issue of furniture overwhelming and taking up visually necessary space.

Another way to give buyers more of what they want in a home is to get rid of clutter. If you’ve followed along on my IG reels recently, you’ll know I’m all about designing for the life you live. While living in my home, I never went to great lengths to hide items that my family uses regularly, like exercise equipment or things we have on countertops. But, now that I’m selling my home, I again think about what homebuyers are looking for when it comes to space. Any extra items that can be perceived as clutter also have a tendency to dwarf the space. The more you can remove, which includes the yoga mats behind the couch and extra kitchen appliances on the countertop, the more space you can present!

Curb Appeal

As an interior designer, I focus on creating living spaces inside the home. But you want to know what homebuyers are looking for before they walk into their new home? Exterior personality. Curb appeal is extremely vital to many would-be buyers. And that makes sense, too! The first impression of any home is its landscaping and exterior appearance, so you should make it count! If your yard space is amazing, pick out the best features and accent those elements.

This is what I did with my home. I love making an impression with my design, so I had a portion of my exterior home demolished to add something dynamic. I incorporated this wooden Moroccan gate and had it custom painted to one of my favorite colors. I loved how it turned out. Others do, too, based on its popularity on Instagram. My new audience, however, is the host of potential buyers, and I want to ensure that I’m making the right impression on them…so much so that they make me an offer!

This is by no means an exhaustive list of what homebuyers are looking for. Neither is it etched in stone. What I do know from my years of experience is that people looking for homes now want to ensure they’re purchasing a home that was cared for, that is well-built, and that meets their needs in every way. If you want some help with solidifying your home as a catch for people in the market for a new home (hopefully yours!), let’s chat! I’d love to talk more specifically about how I can help make your home a buyer’s magnet!

Staging a Home: Home Selling Tips

Interior design and home buying tend to go hand in hand. That’s no surprise since everyone wants their home to look and feel beautiful and functional. But, what about when you want to sell your home? Have you ever wondered about the role interior design plays in that process? Often, the success in selling a home relies much upon the look of it. This is where staging a home comes into play. Unfamiliar? Don’t worry. I’ll tell you all about what it is and how you can use it to your advantage when selling your home in today’s blog.

Staging a Home

So, what exactly is staging anyway? Dictionary.com defines staging as, “the professional service of preparing homes for sale in such a way as to appeal to potential buyers and generate higher selling prices.” In layman’s terms, staging means beautifying a home in a way that will attract a wide audience. It’s using interior design in a thoughtful manner that goes beyond what you, the homeowner, want. The focus instead shifts to a broader perspective, thereby (hopefully) resulting in home-selling success.

The Role of Color

One of the first things to consider when you are staging is use of color. As an interior designer, I love looking at current and future design trends, and that includes color. However, when you’re attempting to sell your home, the trendiest color could potentially work against you if you aren’t careful. You might be wondering if there are specific colors you should avoid when you’re staging your home.The answer is yes!. Avoid anything that is too bold or could be considered polarizing. Maybe you love polkadots and found a super artistic way to incorporate them into the design on your walls while you were living there. Or, maybe your daughter’s favorite color is neon pink, and you decorated her room with the bright hue everywhere. Even if the motifs were done well and in a sophisticated way, they could still be distracting to buyers visiting your home.

The Case For Neutrals

On most days if you ask Breegan Jane about favorite wall colors you will likely hear some form of neutral as my answer. By now it’s no secret, I love whites, grays, blacks and the like for most large surfaces in a home. But neutrals are particularly useful when you are staging a home. This is because they go with everything and anything. If you choose white, you get the added benefit of a color that reflects light and can make a space look larger. Neutrals aren’t distracting. When you use them on your walls, prospective buyers are more easily able to envision what they would do with the space as opposed to focusing on what your choices have been prior. Ultimately, you present a blank canvas to those looking to purchase the home. That’s precisely the goal!

Furniture and Decor

Most of us spent a good deal of time decorating and designing our spaces, carefully selecting the perfect chairs, artwork, sofas and more. And while your living room might be meticulously decorated, there are a few things to keep in mind. Set your aim on a stylish and well-designed space that doesn’t take away from the wonderful features people may see when they enter. I swapped my purple sectional for a white streamlined couch. But perhaps you are unable to secure a new couch in time for showings. Or maybe you spent a lot of money on a gorgeous royal blue velvet sofa that works well in your space. There’s nothing wrong with pops of color. Just be sure you don’t overwhelm your space with bold hues everywhere.

The same advice goes for patterns or colors on pieces like rugs, art or other decor. The safest bet is to keep it simple. Incorporate art that matches the style of your home (modern, farmhouse, mid-century modern, etc). Rugs with simple patterns or bold pops of color work well against an otherwise neutral color palette in the home. All furniture should be in great condition, but this is especially important if the furniture features a vibrant color. Bold colors will inevitably draw the eye, so if you choose to keep your brightly-colored chair or funky-patterned rug, ensure these items are in good condition with no sagging cushions, rips or stains.

Casting a Wide Net With Interior Design

While it would be wonderfully convenient to hire a staging team to come prepare your home for sale, that’s not something that’s realistic for most people. It’s also not the most realistic to tell people they need to swap everything in their homes for rented, barely used items that work together perfectly. So if you’re wondering where to begin, start by imagining frequently, highly-trafficked spaces like a hotel. Aside from the themed, boutique hotels, most of them stick to basic interior design. Neutral carpet or flooring, white bed linen and standard furniture are all characteristics we find in those spaces. Even if the furniture is in their signature branded colors, or if they incorporate patterns, there’s not a lot of clashing patterns and nothing is offensive.

It’s all designed in a way that considers the needs and tastes of a wide array of people. Commercial design excels at this, whether it’s a doctor’s waiting room or restaurant. It masters the art of designing a space that is perceived as pleasant by most. The same idea works in staging a home.

What Goes and What Stays?

So how do you know what to keep and what to toss when you’re ready to sell? A good rule of thumb is, if it is an item that is personal to you such as a photo or artwork you designed, it should go. Things with sentimental meaning are special while you live in the space, but these items should be removed when you’re doing open houses.

This is also a great time to remove that junk we all have lying around the house. Exercise equipment, yoga mats, tools, board games and other items that obstruct the view of the space? Toss. We want buyers to see the space and dream about all the possibilities of what life could be like if they purchase the home. That’s much easier when the space is free of visual obstacles.

Have you seen my moving reels on Instagram? I’m currently in the middle of the staging and selling process now. It’s hard to let go of a space I poured my heart into. But it’s also an awesome reminder of the power of interior design. If you are getting ready to sell your house, reference these tips to impress buyers and move into the next phase of your beautiful life!

The Definition of Success

As I embark on a new year and reflect on this past year, I can’t help but think about all that I’ve accomplished. At the same time, I also consider the things I’ve yet to do. With everyone creating resolutions for their lives and making grandiose commitments, I feel very settled in my own definition of success, and how to achieve it based on my own life’s trajectory.

A Mantra For Success

We’ve all heard the saying, “fake it ‘til you make it.” Growing up in Hollywood, I’ve heard it most of my life. But it has occurred to me that it means different things to different people. For some, it’s a reference to pretending to be something you are not. To others, it’s about hope for what’s to come. I fall into an entirely different category. I’m not sure the phrase has to be about faking it at all. Maybe it’s more about overcoming imposter syndrome in order to “make it,” or reach your full potential. I share that from a very vulnerable but honest place deep within myself. Accepting people’s definition of success—or even my own definition—is an extraordinary struggle for me. Throughout my life, I knew I wasn’t given a dream that I wouldn’t be able to bring to fruition. I also knew and learned from experience that success wouldn’t come without obstacles. I simply had no idea how large the obstacles would appear.

Realization hit when I found myself alone with a six-month-old and a two-and-a-half-year-old, watching my life fall apart in front of my eyes. I felt empty, defeated and beaten down. The only thing I could do to get through the night was cry. It was only a lioness instinct within me that pushed me to figure out what to do to protect my two kids and build a world for them. Without words the world told me I was destined for a sad life as a single mom. My sons would suffer, according to the world’s projection. Imposter syndrome became very real for me. My circumstances didn’t align with the world’s definition of success. But I refused to be or bow to its definition of failure.

A Blueprint For Preparation

I’ve always had a plan for what I thought my life would be. Getting divorced abruptly changed some significant parts of that dream. Life turned upside down very suddenly, and society didn’t exactly roll out the red carpet of encouragement and optimism for me. I was told I could no longer achieve much of what I wanted.

However, I thought about J. Lo, whose career blossomed despite her being a single mother. I remembered Oprah’s amazing life and thriving career that far superseded her past of abuse and sexual violence. Martha Stewart’s self-made journey came to mind and made me realize something about myself: if they could manifest their dreams, so could I! I didn’t have all the pieces figured out, but I knew how and where to start: at the finish line.

Beginning with the end in mind allowed me to reverse-engineer my goals, see where I wanted to be, and back up to figure out how to achieve them. I encourage everyone to do the same for their own goals. If your definition of success is to be like Lebron, study what he did to get where he is. Do you want star status like Beyonce? Use her career as a case study and find out what she did. Maybe you want to be a famous entrepreneur like Richard Branson. Research his story and glean nuggets from his experience. Then follow those footsteps, apply them to your life and work towards the end goal. Again, they did it, and you can, too, in your own way.

Leading With Purpose

Having a reverse-engineered plan was a great first step for me. Sustaining that fervor to push myself took much more than that, though. There has to be a personal investment in what you want to pursue, a passion, a cause. That will help answer the “why” that inevitably comes with the nagging imposter syndrome that rears its ugly head. I constantly found myself asking, “out of all the people who should be at this place in life, why am *I* here? How did I get here?” I experienced this so strongly when I first traveled to Kenya, Africa. The questions flooded my soul: who am I to be standing here in Kenya wanting to help these kids? What right do I have to stand here and say, ‘I’m going to help you,’ as if I have it all figured out?

Who was I?? I was the person who had a heart for giving as a little girl. The child who bought toys with her own money and traveled with her grandmother to present them to little kids in Mexico? That was me! The person who would give you the shirt off her back if you needed it, the one who took the time to learn about FGM and get involved with nonprofit philanthropy organizations. This is who Breegan was–and still is. The purpose and passion I have for giving and helping catapulted me past “imposter” thoughts and helped me realize I set myself up to be exactly where I was supposed to be. I reached the point that I worked and asked for because I led with my heart, opened myself up to my purpose and calling, and reverse-engineered my goal. I haven’t reached my mountaintop, but I know I’m on my way.

Create YOUR Definition of Success

I’m so proud of the steps I’ve taken toward my personal definition of success, and I’m happy with where I am. Yet, I know there’s still more to do, to show, and to give to the world. Am I “faking it?” I guess it depends on who you ask. I simply say I’ve decided what I want and who I ultimately want to be, and I’m working my heart out with passion and living it out every single day. You can do the same. Consider the suggested steps above, and let your heart and openness to impact the world be your guide. However that turns out, I believe, will be the ultimate and truest definition of success.

Interior Design for Entertaining During the Holidays

Well, we’ve reached the end of 2022! This year has been full of surprises, both personally and professionally. I’m so ready to embrace all that the new year has to offer in every way. If you’re gearing up to bring in the new year like most of the world, you’re probably going to celebrate with friends and family. New Year’s Eve parties are always a fun way to both reflect on all the great memories of the past year, as well as bring in all the newness that comes on January 1. But, entertaining during the holidays is no small feat. I’m your resident interior designer, here to help you stress-proof your parties and prepare your interior design for all the fun to come!

Take Advantage of Performance Fabrics

I don’t know about you, but when I think about hosting any type of event, one of the first things that comes to mind is the potential for spills and messes in the space. If you’re new here, you might not know that I love to entertain. We do a great deal of that in the Breegan Jane household. I’m lucky to have so many friends who all live in all four corners of the world. When they come to visit, I often throw small but festive soirees so that LA friends can gather with them, as well. I also have two young children who regularly host their friends in my home, so I know a thing or two about the common mishaps that can occur when many people are in one space. Hands down, one of the best things anyone can do when they’re preparing for a gathering is invest in performance fabrics.

You might be wondering what performance fabric is in the first place. These fabrics are designed to withstand all the realities of daily life. As an interior designer, my job is to ensure your space brings you joy each time you walk into the room. I want the look of the space to proverbially “knock your socks off.” That ‘wow’ factor means you love the work that was done. But that’s not the only job I have when you hire me. My goal is to provide you with functionality that makes your life easier, more productive, and more inspired than what you previously had. That means giving a great deal of attention to how the space will be used, and making that a priority. Incorporating performance fabrics in the furniture in a space is just one way of accomplishing this goal.

No Mess, No Stress – Furniture

Performance fabrics are designed to be cleaned over and over again without ruining the pattern, color or material. This is an advantage whether you are throwing a huge shindig or if you have active little ones running around each day. New Year’s Eve parties usually feature some sort of themed beverage. If red wine or any other dark-colored juice is present, stains might follow. When that happens, I easily wipe away the mess without a care in the world. That piece of mind is priceless.

Performance fabrics are also usually treated to avoid bleaching from UV rays. This is an added bonus if you live in a climate that makes entertaining outdoors possible during this time of year. Do yourself a favor and select furniture pieces with performance fabrics if you’re entertaining during the holidays. You’ll thank me when your space looks good as new January 1, and all the days after.

A Seat For Everyone

Being a gracious host when I’m entertaining during the holidays requires great thought regarding the details of how the night will go. Will there be a sit-down dinner or food stations? Can people expect to spend their time mostly seated, or will there be more dancing and mingling? These party elements are crucial in determining how your space will need to be arranged. Seating is an essential part of planning a social gathering. You’ll want every guest to feel comfortable and have a place to sit, should they so please. But let’s face it: most of our homes weren’t built with large celebrations in mind. If you’re worried about having enough chairs for everyone, don’t be afraid to think outside the box and get creative.

Maximizing the seating in your interior design is easier than you might think. Of course, you’ll have the use of your existing sofas and chairs. However, don’t negate the power of your kitchen island. Bar stools make this space a perfect gathering spot for parties, and they provide easy access to refreshments for your guests. Ottomans, oversized floor cushions and poufs are easy to incorporate in a space. Also, they lend the perfect, relaxed vibe for a fun New Year’s Eve party.

Think Outside the Box

I am all about using interior design to not only live the best lives we can, but also to live life honestly. If you’ve seen any of my reels on Instagram, you know exactly what I mean. When utility is the focus, never be afraid to “break the rules” of design. If you’re expecting a lot of people over for your gathering, consider bringing good-quality outdoor furniture inside.

While this might sound crazy to many of you, I’ve actually used a patio set as my family dining room table for several months now. With two wiggly bear boys, it made for easy clean-up after dinnertime nightly, and I haven’t regretted it since. You may not be expecting kids at your party, but using furniture you already own in a pinch is always a great idea. Entertaining during the holidays doesn’t always mean breaking the bank to buy new decor for the occasion. Take advantage of what is readily available and often right in front of your face. Besides, your friends and family are there to celebrate the New Year with you, not to critique your interior design choices, after all.

Keep It Simple

People think entertaining during the holidays has to be a lot of work. But there’s no rule that states the host can’t have as much fun as the guests! Take the stress away by tossing out your expectations of perfection. There’s no need to go buy themed plateware and cups; this is actually the perfect opportunity to break out that fancy china you never use, even if it doesn’t all match. When are you ever going to use it if not for an occasion like this, anyway?

Consider using your credenzas as stations for beverages, food or even craft stations for kids (if they’re invited). Most of us have credenzas that we use for storage or decoration. They are ideal for use at parties, as well. So by all means, do! When you’re running short on time for decorations, forget about a color palette and stick to the metallics. Silver and gold will always add all the sparkle you need and won’t clash with your design and decor.

It’s the most festive time of the year, and you deserve to enjoy it, even if you’re the party organizer. Don’t get bogged down with planning woes and difficulties. Use these tips to make your celebration a success—and your life a little easier, too! Happy New Year, everyone!

The Power of Social Media

Recently on my social media channels I let you all in on a little secret. The interesting thing is, it wasn’t really a “secret” at all. I announced on my two-year anniversary that I was in a relationship with my amazing partner. I’m sure that shocked some, and probably evoked feelings in others, too. The question is…why? As an influencer, I understand the value and power of social media. But that power doesn’t lie within the masses. It is inherent to each of us. Let’s talk about it.

Rewards and Consequences of Sharing

“Pics or it didn’t happen.” That’s a phrase used years ago to convince audiences of the validity of an experience. In other words, if it REALLY happened, someone needs to present visual proof before it is to be believed. Today, we may as well replace “pics” with “IG” or any other social media platform where people keep up with the goings-on of celebrities or their favorite follows. Social media has become an all-knowing affirmation machine that determines what people should trust. And, if the internet doesn’t know of something, it is either irrelevant or false. How did it get this way? Honestly, we fed and created it.

Social media allows us all a platform to display or grandstand aspects of our lives. As a society, we are quick to show off the shiny new product, experience, or happening that we’re excited about. The problem is, we generally don’t allow those things to grow roots within our real lives before presenting them to friends and strangers alike on the internet. I learned early on that there are rewards and consequences associated with oversharing and not sharing at all. Taking people along on a fitness journey? That can be rewarding when others encourage and root you on. Sharing a new relationship? That’s a little trickier.

Years ago, I made a point not to share about a new relationship, and I’m glad I did. It only lasted several months. I didn’t have to go through a public breakup or deal with questions and comments from strangers. I got through it privately with friends, family and therapists. And, I was able to move on to what I now have: a stronger, tested, deeply-rooted connection with my present partner. He, my family and I are much better because of it.

Is Validation Valuable?

When it comes to sharing, I completely get why some people have the urge to share what’s going on in their lives. Maybe they’re extremely proud of whatever it is. It may very well be exciting! And let’s be honest: it’s so easy to get FOMO when you’re not a part of the social sharing machine. Even the most private people sometimes feel compelled to share a part of themselves without realizing they’re sharing information with familiars and strangers. And, people rarely consider the fact that whoever has the information will always have access.

I had to consider two things for myself–and you will, also. First, never forget that the internet is forever. What you put online, for better or worse, you can never get back. You will never be able to control who sees and knows; neither will you be able to control what they do with it. When you post on social media, you give strangers access to personal and private business. Next, I had to decide if I was willing to deal with any fallout from what I shared online. You should ask yourself: is validation from known and unknown followers valuable, even if it doesn’t turn out well or could be harmful emotionally or mentally?

For me, I made a choice to invest in my relationship privately. I wanted to test all waters, learn and grow with him and our families outside of the public eye. It was important that we were both sure what we developed was healthy for the lives we live outside of the internet. Our families met, our children got to know each other, and we cultivated our feelings for each other. It was all amazing. We have roots in each other and the people that I consider my support. THAT validation is always worth it, much more than anything on social media. Our relationships, and the ones that nurture us, will always stand the test of time.

Put Power Into Life Experiences

I will never be able to tell you what you should or shouldn’t share on social media. What I can tell you, though, is there’s danger in having a strong desire to seek absolute validation from external (unknown) sources when sharing personal things online. Learn to live your life for yourself, not for others. Finding joy, peace and contentment in your everyday life should never be contingent on how many people “like” what’s going on in your world.

When you learn to appreciate being fully present and in the moment, I believe the desire to share so much on the internet for validation from others will decrease. Know this: your life experiences are special because they happened, not because someone responds to them. They will never be less precious because you didn’t share them with the internet. Likewise, they won’t be more valuable if you do. Who you are and what you value are so much more priceless than any person’s opinion or witness.

So no, I didn’t share a “secret” about my relationship. I simply chose to open up about a facet of my life that was my prerogative to share with the world. Every similar decision I make moving forward will be solely for me to decide. That’s the power I’ve taken back for myself.

And you can, too!

Inspired Interior Design: The Iconic Home

It’s such a privilege to love what you do. That’s something I will never take for granted. Interior design allows me to tap into the most creative parts of myself in tangible ways that aren’t only aesthetically pleasing, but also practical. Once I discovered my passion for “home making,” I welcomed all opportunities to use my craft in new and innovative ways. When I was asked to be a part of the Iconic Home virtual showhouse presented by Architectural Digest in partnership with Black Interior Designer Network, I felt so incredibly honored. I was thrilled to use my skills to create a bedroom for a little girl in this imagined space without the physical limits or boundaries of the real world design process. The result was nothing short of magical. I’ll show you how you can use some of the same principles to infuse your spaces with inspired interior design.

Drawing From Your Experience

Interior designers typically have the job of bringing clients’ wishes to fruition. When someone books a consultation with me, we go over all of their concerns and desires for their space. Then we discuss how best to tackle that within their budget. The entire experience is client-focused and driven, because my goal is to ensure you get exactly what you’re after when you work with me. With customer service held as a priority, it can be easy for interior designers to get into the mindset of suppressing personal opinions and preferences when designing for others. But, designing for The Iconic Home required me to create a bedroom for a little girl who was theoretical. That freed me to make decisions based on my own inclinations. Doing so reminded me of how valuable our own experiences and perspectives can be even when we design for others.

Throughout the process of designing this bedroom I never lost sight of how I wanted the space to feel. Interior design has the ability to stimulate many of the senses, and I wanted to wield that power in very deliberate ways. I’ve designed more bedrooms than I can count, and with each I considered factors like emotional appeal, personality and longevity. While the interior design for The Iconic Home was no different, I was able to tap into the mind of my eight-year-old self and incorporate the things of dreams! Those extra special touches are what made this room so extraordinary. Don’t be afraid to dig deeply into your own experiences to influence the design of a room. While those experiences may be singular in nature, not every element of your space needs to have mass appeal. Sometimes beauty is quirky and unique. I definitely leaned into that with this bedroom.

A Nod to the Unconventional Interior Design

The daughter’s bedroom in The Iconic Home needed to be everything a little girl could ever ask for. To do that, I considered ways to bring a heavy dose of whimsical design and decor into the space. The bedroom features an over-the-top fairytale theme presented in a luxurious fashion. The challenge was determining how to maintain a child-centric focus that would effortlessly merge with the undeniable extravagance of the space. I dubbed my styling of this bedroom “opulent approachability.” That meant combining elements with an elevated flair, like a custom tree art piece and tufted ottoman, with imaginative items like a ballet barre and swing. Is your interest piqued yet?

More Than Just a Bedroom

As you probably already realize, this bedroom was anything but ordinary. Without the confines of supply chain issues, contractor deadlines or scheduling conflicts that interior designers regularly run into in real life, the world was my oyster! I took full advantage of that with my limitless imagination. My favorite parts of this room are the ballet barre and swings. When I thought about what a little girl might enjoy in her room, I could almost hear the squeal of delight little eight-year-old Breegan would make if she had a place to practice being a ballerina in her room. And, the fairytale treehouse theme was ideal for the swings that flanked the custom tree in the space.

When most people think of a bedroom, they picture all the usual suspects: a bed, dresser and nightstand. And, while those furnishings are important, I wanted to show that bedrooms can be so much more than just places for kids to sleep. I’m a mom of two energetic boys whom I affectionately refer to as my wiggly bears. Trust me, I know how important it is for kids to have a place to release all that seemingly boundless energy. I’m designing my beach home now, and I’ve even decided on a sort of rock climbing wall in my boys’ playroom for this exact reason. I think it doesn’t occur to people that bedrooms can be places that facilitate and encourage movement as well as rest. I wanted to show that with unique additions to this space in The Iconic Home that any child could enjoy.

Interior Design That Inspires

I talk a lot about the power interior design has to influence mood. When I set out to design this bedroom, I wanted to capitalize on the fact that there were no limitations. I chose special pieces with meaning and I selected colors with intention. I went with a neutral palette with a bit of blush pink and a light teal texture on the walls. This was important because I wanted elements of nature to really take center stage against a more muted backdrop. The tree (a custom piece) features seashells as leaves, and they sparkle like stars in the sky when you’re looking up at them. My goal was to design a space that would inspire the little girl to dream boldly and never put a ceiling on what’s possible in life. The daydream-worthy space felt perfect for that!

Each part of this space was designed with wonder and whimsy at the forefront. I desired to create a fully immersive and majestic feeling space that would speak to the senses in the best way possible. I think we did exactly that! Design should do that in your spaces, too. Never be afraid to reach for the stars with your home design. You spend so much time there; it’s only right that it be your favorite place to be, afterall. If you’re wondering how to begin, reach out and let’s figure it out together!

Bentley Motors: Being Different is the Difference

Sting sings a classic line that says, “Be yourself, no matter what they say.” Throughout my life, I’ve been accustomed to being different. From my upbringing to my career choices and personal experiences, my life has taken a series of unusual trajectories. The thing is, “different” has never been synonymous with bad or wrong in my dictionary. Quite the opposite. It has allowed me to see some of the best things in life that many rarely get to witness. It’s also why working with Bentley Motors was a perfect fit for me. Bentley epitomizes a standard of excellence in a way no other auto company does, and the connection couldn’t have been more perfect.

Pushing Boundaries, Challenging Norms

My origin story isn’t one that is heard every day. I am a biracial person who was transracially adopted as a newborn. My birth certificate labeled me as Caucasian. Imagine my adopted parents’ surprise when their little baby with fair skin and sparse hair developed a caramel complexion and tight curls. With such an unconventional entrance into this world, it’s no wonder that I’ve been pushing the limits on what the standard is ever since. That’s been my life’s signature, from parenting to personal choices. I’ve always believed in staying true to myself and living on my own terms, no matter how different—as long as my beliefs were rooted in having a positive impact on myself and/or others.

This philosophy has also been the tenet that defines my design style, which focuses on creating “modern approachable luxury.” The concept makes perfect sense to me. Yet, others hear “approachable” and “luxury” and have a hard time believing those two belong in the same sentence. Luxury is often considered as something afforded only to the top one percent. It feels untouchable, rare, unobtainable. But, I believe luxury can and should be available to everyone at every price point. That’s caused me to raise the standard when it comes to design and push past what I see as the norm in interior design. Rather than making one particular demographic a focus, I want to challenge typical thinking and come up with innovative and inclusive designs. This is how I reset expectations with clients and ultimately give them more than they expect. That’s been a hallmark since birth.

Poised for Performance

I believe good interior design ensures that a particular space works for you, not vice versa. If one of my clients comes to me with a design problem, my goal is to come up with a solution that exceeds their expectations in both form and function. At the heart of all I do professionally is a desire to ensure everything in the space is stunning in presentation. What’s more, I want my creations to live on and perform exceptionally well for the clients long after I’m gone. This is also the beauty of the Bentley Motors Flying Spur, the brand’s iconic luxury model that offers an upscale, limousine-like experience with unparalleled comfort.

The Bentley Motors brand has always been interchangeable with class and sophistication. It has an heirloom reputation that has lasted generations. That type of legacy has to be earned, and they have certainly done so. Bentley Motors continues to be recognized as a distinguished and preeminent brand. Young and old consumers know Bentley stands for excellence, and the Flying Spur hails as the quintessential brand ambassador. Whether you’re the driver or passenger, peak comfort is the only acceptable experience. Seemingly limitless customization makes it impossible to not create the ultimate drive and ride, which only complements and completes the absolutely gorgeous details of the vehicle. Rest assured no expectation goes unaddressed when it comes to the Bentley Motors brand.

Craftsmanship You Can Experience

As a creative, I wholeheartedly believe distinction is in the details. Years of work in my industry have proven people know when careful attention has been dedicated to them. So, I waste no time going above and beyond to find the best for interior home projects. When designing a bathroom in a recent Bel Air project, it was important to me to provide the ultimate, spa-like opulence for the owners. Because I envisioned the owners enjoying the most luxurious bath ever, I traveled to Italy to source and hand-select the finest marble for the soaking tub. The natural stone was absolutely gorgeous, but I wanted more for the future homeowners. I wanted them to feel incomparably pampered. The appearance was secondary to the bliss I wanted them to enjoy whenever they stepped into their bath. I’m proud to say I accomplished my mission.

This is the euphoria I anticipated when I got behind the wheel of the Flying Spur. I felt the meticulous attention Bentley Motors dedicated to the perceptive driver. The spacious front cabin provided comfort never experienced in a vehicle. The handcrafted surfaces, intricate embroidery and sustainable Dinamica fabric—which made me very happy—enveloped and indulged my senses with sheer delight. The ease with which the Flying Spur handled any and all road conditions further exemplified refined optimization unavailable in any other car on the road. These details put Bentley Motors in a class by itself, far surpassing any other brand that calls itself a competitor.

Best of the Best

I’ve learned throughout my life and professional journey that singularity, being different or unique, is an asset. It’s something I value in myself and in the products I use. I’ve found an alignment of that philosophy with Bentley Motors and their Flying Spur model. We both recognize the importance of pushing the boundaries and providing the best of the best for our patrons. Are we peculiar in that way? Perhaps. But make no mistake: we both pride ourselves on creating experiences that are truly special.

Prepare Your Home For Thanksgiving

Thanksgiving is next week! Are you as shocked about that as I am? I know we say it every time, but this year flew by! It feels like we were just lounging by the pool and basking in the heat from the sun rays. Now there are holiday tunes in the air and gift guides in our inboxes! Thanksgiving begins the season for gathering, and gathering means guests! If you’re expecting friends and family over the next several weeks, I’m your resident interior designer ready to help you prepare your spaces for Thanksgiving and holiday visitors! Believe it or not, it’s easier than you might think!

Get Your Guest Bedroom Ready

One of the first places many people think about when friends and family are coming over is where they are going to sleep. We all want our guests to feel as comfortable as possible during their stay with us, right? If you have a spare bedroom, now is the time to refresh those bed linens, clean the dust from the guest bathroom, and make sure everything is aesthetically pleasing. I always suggest making things as easy on yourself as possible. One way to do that? Keep it simple and uniform! Stick to white sheets and duvets. They always match your room design, and they’re easily bleached to remove tough stains.

Uniform glass bottles make for a polished presentation.

I like white bath towels for the same reason. They have the added benefit of making the space feel spa-like and serene. Also, you’ll likely need to replenish home essentials like hand soaps, body wash and lotions for your guest quarters. Don’t get caught with tacky labels on plastic bottles. After all, why go through the trouble of designing a stunning bathroom with beautiful lighting and metallic accents only to ruin it with poorly designed and kitschy graphics on your toiletries? Invest in matching plain glass bottles with pumps. You can decant your liquids into these and place them anywhere in your home for a polished look. Your guests will be impressed when they’re met with such an elegant presentation. The best part is that none of this takes a ton of money or effort! You can spend your time on more important things…like the turkey!

Invest in a Murphy Bed

What’s most important to you when you’re visiting somewhere new overnight? For many, it’s the bed! Makes sense, considering you spend a great deal of time there. But, what do you do when you’re preparing your home for guests and you don’t have space for a dedicated guest room? An easy solution is to use the existing space you do have to place a bed for your visitors. You’re probably envisioning an air mattress or maybe a sleeper sofa. Those will work in a pinch. But a Murphy Bed is even better! A Murphy Bed is a multi-functional bed that folds into the wall vertically when not in use. I love this option because it means you can keep your extra space as a home office or study for the 90% of the time you don’t house guests, and then easily convert it to a guest room when you do! Look at the photo below. Can you tell my desk is actually a bed? Clever interior design excels in form and function!

Murphy Bed functions as a desk when not in use.

Convenience and Comfort in Your Interior Design

Whether I’m entertaining or hosting friends for an extended visit, I try my very best to accommodate their needs and maximize their comfort with little custom touches in my design. Some of these methods involve pricier options like my beverage fridge for easy access for my guests. And while it is definitely one of my favorite items, I know it isn’t an option for everyone. Don’t fret though, because you can modify your design in several other ways to ensure your home is ready for Thanksgiving and holiday guests. The first thing to consider is where they’ll be spending most of their time. If that space is the living room, think about ditching your coffee table in favor of smaller occasional tables. You can group them in interesting ways, and your guests (and you too!) can pull them up when they want to place a drink, enjoy a snack, or even use their laptop without any fuss.

Another aspect of interior design that many don’t think about when inviting guests over is lighting! Lighting plays such a big part in setting the mood and shifting the atmosphere in a space. I recommend investing in smart bulbs that allow you to change the color and temperature of your lighting. That way, your guests can change to a bluer white light when they’re working or waking up, and opt for a softer warmer light as they prepare for bed at night. I also love placing lights on dimmers, and even using hands-free options like some of my favorites from Legrand!

Feeling Stumped? Let’s Video Chat!

‘Tis the season to be merry! Remember, the number one goal is to enjoy the time you get to spend with your loved ones. Perfection doesn’t exist, so don’t stress about getting everything just right. Your guests are coming to see YOU, not your home. Do the little things to prepare in advance so you can simply have fun when your people arrive. If you’re feeling a little stuck on how to get started, contact me here. I’m available even for simple questions, or to help you with a shopping list for your space. Let’s all have a happy Thanksgiving!