Holding Space

Creating Environments Where People Truly Feel Held.

Over the last few years, I’ve experienced a lot of change—moving between hemispheres, living in new countries, becoming a parent and welcoming new life, and questioning what “home” really means. Through all of it, one thing has become crystal clear: I deeply miss creating spaces that feel warm, real, and inviting. Spaces that aren’t just pretty, but meaningful. Spaces where people can truly settle in and feel seen.

For me, creating space isn’t just about aesthetics or arrangement. It’s an intention—a way to foster connection, safety, and authenticity. It’s about shaping environments that give others permission to be themselves, to relax, to feel cared for. And honestly, it’s something I want to prioritize again as I step into this next chapter.

So, what does it really mean to create space?

It starts with a feeling — that sense of being genuinely held. And I believe everyone’s version of that is different. Maybe it’s walking into your parents’ house and catching a familiar scent. Or sitting across from a loved one at the market. Or sharing a meal that reminds you of someone special. It’s that mix of familiarity and comfort that’s unpretentious, real, and warm.

We all experience environment differently, but I believe there’s something universal about the grounding power of nature—the seasons, the earth, the outdoors. When environments honor that, they become something more than just a setting; they become a sanctuary. A place where we can reconnect with ourselves and each other.

Creating space isn’t about crowding or cluttering. It’s about intention. It’s about the quiet details—the way the light falls, the small gestures, the atmosphere you cultivate. After a period of not intentionally designing environments outside my home, I realize I want to spend more time doing that again. Not sure exactly how to start, but I know it’s essential.

My favorite spaces are rooted in the seasons and the natural surroundings. I want my environments to feel like a seamless blend of indoors and outdoors—a place where the grounding effects of both worlds meet. Because when you’re most open and connected, it’s often because your environment echoes the rhythm of the season and the natural world outside.

Growing up on Rapa Nui, a remote island in the Pacific, I learned early the importance of understanding where things come from—the roots, the origins, the authenticity. And now, living there again, I’m reminded of that sense of grounding. It influences everything I do, especially when creating spaces that feel genuine and nourishing.

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Here are some of my favorite ways to intentionally craft those environments—whether it’s setting a table, hosting a gathering, or simply making your home more welcoming: