Thanksgiving entertaining begins with a warm welcome. Designer Michelle Olsen advises an open-concept foundation for conversation flow between the kitchen and gathering rooms. Arrange furniture into cozy 'conversation zones,' ensure clear pathways for guests, and provide flexible seating. Complete the experience with a tidy entryway and thoughtful details, such as mulling spices for an instantly welcoming holiday scent.
Inspiration

Your private retreat
November 17, 2025
The importance of a home sanctuary during the holidays.
The aroma of thyme and sage, the chime of the doorbell, the echo of laughter down the hallway—the holidays are here! This week and next, our homes transform into bustling hubs of warmth, connection, and celebration. We open our doors (and our kitchens) to family and friends, creating the cherished moments that last a lifetime.

It’s a wonderful, vibrant time.
And let’s be honest, it can also be beautifully hectic. Between coordinating dishes, hosting guests, and managing the joyful chaos, it’s easy to feel your battery draining. The secret to being truly present for every cherished moment isn’t just managing your time; it’s managing your energy.
This is why your home needs a sanctuary.
We don’t just mean the “public” spaces like the gathering room or kitchen, which are designed for gathering. We mean a truly private retreat designed just for you. The value of a well-designed primary suite, a space where you can close the door, take a deep breath, and recharge is immeasurable.
The serene bedroom, your private oasis.
When the rest of the house is buzzing with activity, your bedroom should be the one place that is unequivocally, peacefully yours. This isn’t just a room; it’s an oasis.
Intentional design makes this possible. It’s about more than just a comfortable mattress; it’s about creating an atmosphere of total serenity:
- Clutter-free calm. Smart storage solutions, like built-in wardrobes and organized closets, mean surfaces stay clear. A cluttered space leads to a cluttered mind, and a serene bedroom is, above all, an organized one.
- Soft lighting. Dimmers or soft-lit bedside sconces allow you to transition from the bright, festive lights of the main house to a calmer, quieter environment.
- A quiet corner. Even a small, dedicated sitting area; a single armchair by a window; gives you a place to “press pause” for 15 minutes, gather your thoughts, or enjoy a moment of silence before rejoining the festivities.
This space is your “off-duty” zone, allowing you to get a restorative night’s sleep or a quick moment of peace, so you can wake up refreshed and ready.
Your rejuvenation station, a spa-like bathroom.
The second part of the private retreat is the primary bathroom. A well-designed bathroom functions as more than just a utility; it’s a personal spa, a place to actively rejuvenate. When you’re tired from a long day of cooking, shopping, or hosting, this is where you go to wash away the stress.
- The soaking tub. Sinking into a deep, free-standing tub with a handful of bath salts isn’t an indulgence; it’s a recovery tool. It’s a quiet, tech-free zone where you can let your muscles and your mind unwind.
- The restorative shower. A spacious, walk-in shower with high-quality fixtures can feel just as luxurious. It’s a place to start your morning with intention before the house wakes up, or to reset at the end of the night.
These features, combined with clean lines and calming materials, transform a simple bathroom into a sanctuary that provides a tangible sense of relief and escape.
A home sanctuary is your filling station.
We’ve all heard the saying, “You can’t pour from an empty cup.” During the holidays, our cups tend to empty quickly. When you have a dedicated space to relax and recharge, you’re not just surviving the holidays. You’re able to truly savor them. You can be a more patient, joyful, and gracious host. You can be fully present for the toast, the board game, and the late-night conversations.
Intentional design is about creating a home that supports your well-being in every season. As you dive into this wonderful, bustling week, we hope you find those peaceful moments to recharge.
From all of us at Robert Thomas Homes, we wish you a holiday filled with joy, gratitude, and the perfect balance of celebration and serenity.





































