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White Webb

Reducing Holiday Stress

Design Log

18 Dec

The Holidays are a tricky. Expectations are high for everything to be perfect and the list is long for how to get there. Then there is the pressure to be “jolly”. Ugh, talk about a recipe for disappointment and guilt for falling short! So how does one deal with these pressures? The easiest way is to remove them. Edit out what isn’t essential. Here are a few ideas on ways to make life less crazy while still maintaining that festive feeling.

  • Stop sending Christmas Cards. Sending a personal note (email is fine) when one least expects it is far more impactful.
  • Obligation gifts are the death of any holiday. Just stop it, it’s waste of time, energy and money.
  • Give to Charity as a gift for people who lack for nothing. A heartfelt and real donation to a non-profit in the name of a friend is much more meaningful than anything in a box
  • Last minute shopping often leads to overcompensating. Remember, it’s your love and friendship that is most treasured, not something from a store.
  • It’s the little things. Those tiny, personal moments during the holidays are the ones that you’ll remember.
Previous Post: « Frank’s Modern Christmas
Next Post: The Allure of the Library »
To add a touch of drama to a NYC loft, we designed To add a touch of drama to a NYC loft, we designed a folding screen inset with antiqued mirror as a backdrop for a stunning Buddha figure.  Set atop an architectural fragment we repurposed as a console and flanked by gorgeous Klismos chairs, it’s a study in serenity and beautiful forms.  📸 by @artgrayphoto  #whitewebbinteriors #interiordesign #nycloft #foldingscreen #nycinteriors
Marveling in the clipped perfection of these topia Marveling in the clipped perfection of these topiary gardens @chateaudelaballue  #designinspo #landscapedesign #gardendesign
Dog people, cat people and bird people are a breed Dog people, cat people and bird people are a breed among themselves. Matthew recalls the memories of past lives of his beloved dogs from childhood onward, through old photos and other meaningful objects. Not that he needs reminding of their existence or their love. The exhibition catalog of “designers and their dogs” titled BARK, with photos by @andrewfrenchphotographer was produced by @samanthanester 
#dogs #beagles #dachshunds #bassethounds #hounds
For a home we designed in New York’s Hudson Valley For a home we designed in New York’s Hudson Valley, a pair of antique globes set the stage for some serious exploration in the library just beyond.  📸 by @artgrayphoto  #interiordesign #hudsonvalleyhomes #hudsonvalleyinteriordesigner #library
Some juicy color whets the appetite on an outdoor Some juicy color whets the appetite on an outdoor dining patio we designed in New York’s Hudson Valley.  📸 by @artgrayphoto
Repost from @modern.architect. It’s AI, but who’s Repost from @modern.architect.  It’s AI, but who’s up for making it real?  We love the melding of old and new in this visionary seaside design by @matitectura.
Three of these clocks have been in Matthew’s colle Three of these clocks have been in Matthew’s collection for more than twenty years, all have stories. The rooster clock is carved wood, possibly Italian, or perhaps Scandinavian? The most recent addition and most simple in design holds layered meaning that is deeply felt. This English clock from the 1930s gets wound every Sunday and keeps excellent time, each quarter hour heralded by resonate chimes. Matthew loves old clocks so much he wrote a book on the topic! @abbevillepress #antiqueclocks #clocks #clockchimes
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