Hello 2026
Hello and happy New Year! I know, I know… we’re already well past the New Year. I recently took a trip to Guatemala with some of my family to visit my sister who lives there, so I haven’t been able to share a New Year update until now.
It’s been a slower start to the year as far as projects go, so I’ve been taking some time to lean into hobbies — you might have seen the ski paintings I worked on over the holidays — and prioritize some self-care to start the year off right. As business owners, it’s easy to forget that slow seasons are an opportunity to invest in the areas of our business and personal life that will strengthen us for the busy seasons ahead. I have multiple friends who own businesses and often feel stuck or stressed during slower seasons because we tend to associate being slow with “not doing enough.” This is a lie that too often traps us in a never-ending cycle of overworking and burnout — which benefits neither ourselves nor our businesses. This is something I’m actively reminding myself of right now.
New Year’s always brings a fresh sense of possibility and inspiration. For Brighten Designs, I’m looking forward to building more long-lasting relationships, expanding beyond the short-term rental design work I was previously doing into the residential space for a more personal and creative experience, and of course, taking on new and exciting projects.
Honoring Story, Preservation, and Thoughtful Change
One thing I’ve learned as I’ve made the switch from STR to residential design is that my story matters. I always knew my grandfather was an architect alongside one of the most prominent mid-century modern architects in Denver at the time. I knew this partly because my grandparents lived in the cutest neighborhood, and that house has always been ingrained in my memory as a beautiful and unique home. As I’ve leaned into this story more and shared my connection with mid-century modern design, it has opened up meaningful conversations and unexpected connections.
Through one of those connections, I recently had the chance to visit the house my grandparents once lived in. The current owner was incredibly warm and welcoming — she gave me a tour of the home and shared the updates she’s made since moving in. It was amazing how familiar it felt compared to my childhood memories and old family photos. It made me appreciate how thoughtfully she has cared for the home and preserved its integrity and character, even with the updates she’s made. That balance of preservation and livability is something I feel especially protective of when working with mid-century homes.
Still, the experience was a reminder of how our stories create connections that lead to moments we wouldn’t otherwise have had. Visiting my grandma’s old house was truly special.
As this year unfolds, my encouragement to you is to embrace the season you’re in — whether it feels full and energized or quiet and slow. There’s value in both. Growth doesn’t always look like momentum; sometimes it looks like rest, reflection, and tending to what matters most so you’re ready for what’s ahead.
I also want to take this moment to remind you that your story matters. Your life matters. And the more you connect with your own story, the more meaning and depth you’ll begin to see — sometimes even in the most unexpected connections and seemingly random moments.
I hope you have a great week, and I’ll be back again next month with more updates, thoughts, and learnings.
