What Is Enough? Designing Homes That Cultivate Contentment, Pride, and Connection

And just like that, we meet again in 2026.

As I sat down to prepare my annual design outlook, I had an unexpected realization: this year feels less about what’s new—and far more about what lasts. At least for us at Adina Hall Design.

I find myself asking different questions. What truly makes a difference? What is enough—enough to shift behavior, to bring contentment, to support our daily rituals, to feel proud? And how do our environments support who we are today—while carrying us into who we’re becoming tomorrow?

In a world that has grown increasingly private and hurried, I believe our homes can quietly do the opposite.

This year, my design resolution is clear: to harvest the power of design to cultivate a sense of contentment and create environments that recharge and connect.

Beyond beauty or trends, I believe our homes should give something back—daily. A sense of satisfaction. A feeling of pride. Spaces that quietly support our well-being and encourage us to connect at a deeper level.

A moment from our recent trip stayed with me…

We recently returned from our annual trip to England to visit family. My in-laws downsized from a two-story home they had lovingly expanded over the years into a bungalow that is just right for this stage of life. They embraced the transition wholeheartedly—undertaking a full renovation that included a new kitchen, flooring, lighting, wall finishes, furnishings, a fireplace, and a sun-drenched three-season room. Outside, they added a small patio with an elegant two-top and beautiful landscaping. Inside, custom drapery was designed to complement bedding, wallcoverings, and lampshades—quiet, enchanting English details throughout.

Even for a smaller home, it was a significant undertaking. But once their forever home was complete, they did what felt natural to them: they invited their next-door neighbors over for a visit.

After some deliberation, the neighbors politely declined—not because they weren’t interested, but because they felt their own home wasn’t in a state where they could reciprocate the invitation.

My in-laws were genuinely surprised by the response. And as I shared the story with others, I realized how common this feeling has become.

Our homes, unintentionally, can begin to isolate us—when they could just as easily connect us.

What if your home could be both a quiet sanctuary—and a place always ready to welcome friends and loved ones at a moment’s notice?

When I think about contentment, pride, and well-being, three principles guide my work more than ever:

Quality & Craftsmanship

There is a profound sense of satisfaction that comes from living with well-made things. Pieces crafted with care—solid, tactile, and enduring—bring a quiet confidence to a home. They age gracefully, earn their place, and create pride not because they impress, but because they last.

AHD designed a custom Dining Room nook anchored by a unique solid oak banquette, custom-made by our talented local millworker. The indigo Oushak wool rug grounds the space, adding richness to the modern white oak tambour surround, the grass cloth wallcovering and sculptural leather chairs. It brings a sense of history and handcrafted tradition that complements the clean, modern forms perfectly.

Story & Meaning

The most meaningful homes are layered with stories. Knowing where a piece comes from, who made it, or why it matters gives it emotional weight. These are the objects that deserve real estate in your home—not because they fill space, but because they hold memory, intention, or personal significance.

“The Water Gipsy” by Irina Negulescu was originally painted for our bachelor client’s home in Wauconda, Illinois. Over time, the piece came to symbolize a chapter of openness and transformation—and when he later met his wife, the artwork found a new home with them. Today, she hangs above a live-edge console, hand-painted by a local artist, in their Clearwater, Florida retreat—carrying her story forward into a new season of life.

Embodied Energy

Our environments affect us on a level deeper than aesthetics. Natural materials—stone, wood, clay, linen, living plants—carry an energy that supports and recharges us. They ground us, connect us to nature, and create healthier spaces by reducing exposure to synthetic materials and VOCs that quietly deplete us over time.

For our Enchanted Forest Maisnonette project - a townhome located downtown Chicago, we custom designed Smokey Quartz nightstands that promote a sense of calm and are backlit for a soft soothing evening glow.

Designing with contentment, pride, and well-being in mind isn’t about excess or perfection. It’s about discernment—choosing fewer things, made better. Creating homes that feel calm, restorative, and genuinely inviting.

Throughout the year ahead, I’ll be sharing reflections and projects from our work at Adina Hall Design—spaces shaped by craftsmanship, meaning, and materials that truly support the lives lived within them.

For now, you’re welcome to explore our featured transformations and see these principles brought to life—homes thoughtfully designed for busy professionals, moms, and empty nesters alike.

OUR WORK

If 2026 feels like a year to refine not just how your home looks, but how it feels, I look forward to continuing the conversation.