Over the past two years, our homes have become multipurpose spaces. They’ve had to serve as classrooms in ways they never did before March 2020 — as offices, gyms, and beyond. Because of our homes’ new roles, it’s understandable that home might not feel as relaxing as it once did.
In celebration of Mother’s Day, we reached out to some of our favorite moms for their take on their home, the importance of carving out spaces dedicated to unwinding, and tips on creating sanctuaries within your own space. If anyone deserves to relax at home, it’s mom.
Keep reading to learn more about mom and interior designer Ajai Guyot.
Q: Tell us a little about yourself, for those who don't know you.
A: Hey there, Ajai here! I believe that design evokes feeling and plays a major role in mental health and emotion. Everyone should come home to a space that makes them feel happy, comfortable, and special. I also believe the best designs are the spaces that truly reflect the people who live in them. I’m an interior designer, and I share decor tips, DIYs, and room transformations via my blog and social media platforms; I encourage all to live in a space that truly reflects who you are.
Q: How long have you been a mom?
A: I’ve been a mom for a little over a year now. My little one has just turned 17-months-old. I still can’t believe how fast he’s grown!
Q: When the pandemic started, our homes had to turn into classrooms, offices, gyms, etc., overnight. Because of that shift, has your view of your home changed?
A: A few months before the pandemic, I’d just launched my design firm. A few weeks before the pandemic, I took on my first project - working on a lake house out in Peachtree, Georgia. The stay-at-home order caused me to take my design services virtually. A month into the pandemic, my husband and I learned that we were pregnant. This led to both of us working from home full time while learning to parent from home full time. We’ve had to develop creative ways to make at-home offices and an at-home daycare for our little one.
Stella Chandelier | @truehome_
Q: Because of your home’s new roles, did you make any significant changes to yours?
A: Because of the major changes in the way we use our home, we’ve had to get rid of our fully operating home office and turn it into a nursery/baby playroom. We’ve created a nook in our bedroom that now acts as an office space for my husband. I work from the dining table.
Q: What was the most challenging part of staying at home?
A: The most challenging part about staying at home for me was learning to create in an introverted environment. I’m very social, and I enjoy meeting new people and seeing new places - I draw much inspiration from that sort of thing.
Q: Was there a specific room in your home that you gravitated toward during lockdown?
A: I found myself gravitating towards the dining table. It became the place where I spent the most time with my family - eating meals three times a day, laughing, playing, and learning with my little one, and working from my laptop and taking virtual meetings.
Q: What about that space do you find relaxing?
A: This might be a little odd to some, but I’ve taken a few naps in my dining area. The banquette is huge and extremely comfy. When the light pours in just right during the evenings, I drift off, close my eyes, and the rest is history.
Q: What does self-care look like for you? Do you make it a priority in your schedule?
A: For me, self-care is a good nap, trying out a new recipe, a soak in the bathtub, a yoga session, or a visit to the gym. I also love a monthly visit to the nail spa. I try to do all of the above regularly.
Q: How can other moms create sanctuaries in their own homes?
A: I whole-heartedly believe that if you can create a safe/fun/productive/learning/restful space for your child, you can find peace in almost any other part of your home. When I’ve played with my little one, read him stories, and put him down for a nap in his space, I get so much satisfaction knowing he’s safe and comfortable that I can find sanctuary just about anywhere in our home - this gives me peace of mind.
Q: What is something unexpected that the pandemic has taught you?
A: The pandemic has taught me the value of functional space and furniture. Raising a little one consists of many milestones (i.e., growing in and out of clothing, going from nursing to solids, learning to navigate and get around on their own, etc.). This means constant transitions as it pertains to items. Having furniture that doubles as storage and having spaces that can efficiently store and organize all of these things is so important. I don’t style and/or put things that don’t serve a purpose now. Everything must not only be aesthetically pleasing, but it MUST serve a purpose.
Q: Looking ahead, what are some new design elements that you want to add to your home?
A: I’d love to move toward making my home extremely comfortable. Having a little one has further brought the idea of comfort to the top of my list. When I get the chance to lay down and relax, I REALLY want to enjoy that time, so having comfortable bedding and a beautifully lit space is now a must. I don’t mind giving up a few visits to coffee shops to save a bit and splurge on a few luxe items every now and again.
To learn more about Ajai, click here.