Reflections on Home, Comfort, and Design

As the year winds down and the days grow shorter, we tend to notice our homes a little more. We notice how the light moves through a room in the low afternoon sun. We notice where we naturally gather when it’s cold outside. We notice which spaces feel welcoming—and which ones quietly don’t.

This time of year brings clarity. It is a season for slowing down, spending time with family, and taking stock of what is working—not just in our lives, but in our homes and the way they are designed to support everyday comfort.

As a residential architect, I think a lot about home, comfort, and design, and how closely those three ideas are connected. Comfort isn’t just about how a house looks, but how it feels to live in every day. Is it warm when it should be? Is it intuitive to move through? Is it quiet, bright, and supportive of real routines? These are the questions that matter most, and they often come into sharp focus during the holidays.

Many homeowners begin considering renovations this time of year. It isn't necessarily because they are ready to build tomorrow, but because they have spent enough time indoors to pinpoint exactly what could be better. Perhaps it is a kitchen that feels crowded the moment two people try to cook. A main-floor layout that disconnects the family rather than bringing them together. Or simply a home that feels drafty, dark, or harder to navigate than it used to be.

Thoughtful home design isn’t about trends or perfection. It’s about longevity. It is about creating comfortable, well-performing homes that prioritize energy efficiency and ease of use at every stage of life. That might mean improving thermal performance, rethinking circulation for aging-in-place, or planning ahead so a home can adapt over time without major disruption.

As we head into a new year, I’m grateful for the opportunity to help homeowners make thoughtful, intentional changes through comfort-focused design—improving not just how a home looks, but how it functions and feels day to day. If this season has you reflecting on your home—even if you are just starting to ask questions—that awareness is the most important first step.

Wishing you a warm, restful holiday season and a new year filled with comfort, clarity, and homes that truly support the way you live.

Thoughtful projects start with clarity and a clear process. You can learn more about how I work with homeowners here. If you would like to schedule a consultation you can do that here.

—Marissa Webb, CPHD, CAPS, LEED AP

marissa webb architecture + design