Your Guide to Refreshing Your Home’s Vibe and Aesthetic Before the Holidays
We made it, Lake Nona. The kids are back in school, the carpool lane is buzzing, and your home has officially survived another Florida summer. The pool floats are stored (until the weekend), the snack cabinet isn’t under hourly attack, and finally, you can hear yourself think.
September isn’t just the start of a new season; it’s the perfect time to hit reset. With
routines falling back into place and the weather almost starting to cool down, your home is ready for a little intentional love. This month is about refining the vibe, layering in a touch of luxe, and creating an aesthetic that feels effortless yet elevated.
1. Elevate Your Sleep Sanctuary
If your pillows look like they’ve been through summer camp or your duvet insert has lost its fluff, it’s time for an upgrade. Think hotel-level bedding: crisp percale or linen sheets, a plush but breathable duvet, and pillows that actually support your neck. High-quality bedding isn’t just a luxury – it transforms your rest, your mood, and the entire feel of your bedroom.
2. Refresh Your Walls for a Luxe Aesthetic
Between sticky hands, soccer balls and Florida humidity, your walls deserve a little TLC. This is the month to clean baseboards, touch up paint, and even repaint high-traffic areas. If you’ve been craving a change, try a deep, rich accent wall in a living space or bedroom. Not only does it elevate your home’s aesthetic, but it also sets a mood that feels fresh and intentional.
3. Declutter With Designer Purpose
Summer leaves its mark. Beach bags, school projects, and that pile of “I’ll get to it” mail
from June. Clear out your hotspots and re-home what you actually use. Bring in beautiful woven baskets, lacquered bins or custom built-ins to keep the space looking styled and intentional. Because a clutter-free home isn’t just functional. And it’s part of the luxe, curated vibe you’re creating.
4. Infuse Quiet Luxury Into Everyday Spaces
Quiet luxury is all about subtle, timeless details that make a room feel elevated without trying too hard. A sculptural lamp on your entry console, a hand-thrown ceramic vase for your dining table, or textured throw pillows in warm, earthy tones can transform the feel of a space instantly. It’s about layering in pieces that look and feel bespoke, even if they’re not.
5. Reimagine Your Layout Before the Holiday Rush
Before the entertaining season hits, walk through your home and think about flow. Could your living room use an extra seating option? Would your dining table work better with a
bench on one side? Could your bar area use a chic tray for glassware? Small changes now make hosting feel seamless later. Your guests will feel that elevated, thought-out aesthetic the moment they walk in.
6. Layer Your Lake Nona Welcome
Your front door is your home’s first impression; make it unforgettable. Start with a clean,
stylish doormat, then layer a patterned outdoor rug underneath for a designer look. Add
tall, modern planters flanking the door, filled with lush greenery or seasonal blooms that
tie into your wreath. This three-step formula – rug, mat, plants – instantly sets the tone. Warm, polished and ready to welcome friends and neighbors in style.
7. Scent Your Home Like a Five-Star Hotel
If you’ve ever walked into a luxury hotel and instantly felt calmer (and maybe a little
fancier) because of how amazing it smelled, you can bring that same experience home and not just with candles. One of my favorite upgrades is installing a whole-home scent
diffuser directly through the air conditioning system. The fragrance circulates evenly
through every room, creating a subtle, consistent scent that greets you (and your guests) the moment the door opens.
It’s not overpowering. It’s that whisper of “something special” that makes people linger
and ask, “What is that? Your house smells incredible.” Friends who visit always tell me it
feels like stepping into a resort. Whether you choose crisp citrus, calming sandalwood or a custom blend, this little touch adds a major layer of quiet luxury to your home’s vibe and aesthetic.
The September Takeaway
This month isn’t about gut renovations or major overhauls; it’s about small, intentional
updates that elevate your home’s vibe, bring in a touch of luxe, and create an aesthetic you love living in. Do it now, and by the time the holidays roll around, your home will feel
polished, welcoming and completely you. Here’s to a September full of cozy mornings, clear countertops and the sweet satisfaction of knowing your throw pillows will probably stay in place until at least dinner.
