Our brand champions authentic design, sustainable living, women's issues, and creativity.

Journal main page.jpg
Posts in Home Decor
Celebrating Valentine's Day with Cocktails, Chocolate, and Roses

A Valentine’s celebration centered around cocktails, chocolate, and roses, designed to create a romantic, indulgent atmosphere with thoughtful detail.

Read More
Love in Bloom: Designing an Intimate Valentine’s Day Table

An intimate Valentine’s Day table layered with roses, candlelight, and French-inspired details, designed to feel warm, personal, and quietly romantic.

Read More
Entertaining, Home DecorMary Madore-Hickeyinterior design beyond trends, young women in corporate america, Generation Change: What Our Daughters Are Now Seeking in the Corporate World, What Our Daughters Are Now Seeking in the Corporate World, women's empowerment, empowerment, women in corporate america, what do women want in business, women in business, The power of listening in interior design, why collaboration beats pride every time, The need for better communication in interior design, pride vs collaboration in interior design, competition in interior design, Ego doesn’t belong in interior design, Mastering client psychology and commutation in interior design, mastering the art of communication in interior design, Interior designers need to learn better communication skills, the art of communication in interior design, the art of listening in interior design, stop the competition in interior design, Empowered excellence: women shaping Fortune 500 consulting, women in 500 consulting, so you want to be a consultant, words from an experienced consultant, What it takes to be a female consultant, consulting, women in the consulting world, careers as a consultant, Love in Bloom: Designing an Intimate Valentine’s Day Table with Merze Lifestyle, Designing an Intimate Valentine’s Day Table with Merze Lifestyle, Love in Bloom, Valentine’s Table design, Expert ideas for designing a valentines table, intimate valentines table design, Valentines table decor, ideas on how to design a valentines tableComment
A Christmas Table Designed to Linger
Entertaining, Home DecorMary Madore-HickeyBeauty in imperfection, French-inspired lifestyle, Living with imagination, Living with grace, Everyday beauty, Storytelling through design, Women and balance, Rest and comfort at home, French inspired lifestyle, tartan, Christmas Tablescape, Ralph Lauren Christmas, Ralph Lauren Christmas style, Tartan holiday tablescape, Elegant Christmas table decor, Classic holiday design, Traditional Christmas inspiration, Red and gold holiday table, Romantic pink and gold Christmas, Moody tartan tablescape, Holiday design ideas 2025, Heritage-inspired Christmas, How to style a tartan table, Christmas table setting ideas, DIY holiday napkin ideas, Holiday entertaining inspiration, Cozy Christmas home decor, Warm holiday color palette, Reimagined traditional decor, Holiday centerpiece inspiration, Vintage Lenox table setting, Layered holiday table design, Merze Lifestyle holiday styling, Elegant Christmas inspiration 2025, Connecticut Travel, Fall in New England, Litchfield Hills, Scenic Drive, Autumn Inspiration, Merze Lifestyle, scenic fall drive, Connecticut fall foliage, Litchfield Hills Connecticut, Farmington River Trail, New Preston Falls, autumn in New England, Connecticut travel, New England foliage, french lavender soap, organic soap from provence, natural french skincare, handmade soap provence, artisanal lavender soap, sustainable french beauty, luxury organic soap, pure lavender cleansing bar, french country lifestyle, slow living inspiration, curated living with french soul, bath and body essentials, natural beauty from france, wellness through simplicity, french artisan gifts, french holiday gifts, luxury holiday gifts, organic christmas gifts, spa inspired holiday gifts, holiday hostess gifts, elegant hostess gift ideas, handmade gifts from Provence, luxury holiday gifts for her, sustainable hostess gifts, thoughtful hostess gifts, French café Connecticut, Galette au sarrasin, Café au lait, French onion soup, Le Gamin Sharon CT, French heritage cuisine, Buckwheat crêpes ployes, Litchfield Hills dining, French inspired food travel, New England countryside café, Travel through flavor, Cozy café Connecticut, Heritage and food story, Simple French meals, quiet luxury tablescape, cream tablescape, traditional table setting, layered table design, sterling silver flatware, sterling silver flatware waterford crystal, modern classic table, heirloom table decor, neutral holiday tablescape, pantone color of the year 2026, subtle color tablescape, luxury table styling, timeless entertaining, textured table linens, floral centerpiece design, christmas table, christmas table design, holiday table settings, traditional table settings, christmas entertaining ideas, holiday entertaining, heirloom tableware, holiday tablescape ideas, white linen tablecloth, classic holiday decor, christmas table inspiration, elegant holiday entertaining, seasonal entertaining, refined entertaining, classic home decorComment
Quiet Grandeur Traditional Design
Entertaining, Home DecorMary Madore-HickeyBeauty in imperfection, French-inspired lifestyle, Living with imagination, Living with grace, Everyday beauty, Storytelling through design, Women and balance, Rest and comfort at home, French inspired lifestyle, tartan, Christmas Tablescape, Ralph Lauren Christmas, Ralph Lauren Christmas style, Tartan holiday tablescape, Elegant Christmas table decor, Classic holiday design, Traditional Christmas inspiration, Red and gold holiday table, Romantic pink and gold Christmas, Moody tartan tablescape, Holiday design ideas 2025, Heritage-inspired Christmas, How to style a tartan table, Christmas table setting ideas, DIY holiday napkin ideas, Holiday entertaining inspiration, Cozy Christmas home decor, Warm holiday color palette, Reimagined traditional decor, Holiday centerpiece inspiration, Vintage Lenox table setting, Layered holiday table design, Merze Lifestyle holiday styling, Elegant Christmas inspiration 2025, Connecticut Travel, Fall in New England, Litchfield Hills, Scenic Drive, Autumn Inspiration, Merze Lifestyle, scenic fall drive, Connecticut fall foliage, Litchfield Hills Connecticut, Farmington River Trail, New Preston Falls, autumn in New England, Connecticut travel, New England foliage, french lavender soap, organic soap from provence, natural french skincare, handmade soap provence, artisanal lavender soap, sustainable french beauty, luxury organic soap, pure lavender cleansing bar, french country lifestyle, slow living inspiration, curated living with french soul, bath and body essentials, natural beauty from france, wellness through simplicity, french artisan gifts, french holiday gifts, luxury holiday gifts, organic christmas gifts, spa inspired holiday gifts, holiday hostess gifts, elegant hostess gift ideas, handmade gifts from Provence, luxury holiday gifts for her, sustainable hostess gifts, thoughtful hostess gifts, French café Connecticut, Galette au sarrasin, Café au lait, French onion soup, Le Gamin Sharon CT, French heritage cuisine, Buckwheat crêpes ployes, Litchfield Hills dining, French inspired food travel, New England countryside café, Travel through flavor, Cozy café Connecticut, Heritage and food story, Simple French meals, quiet luxury tablescape, cream tablescape, traditional table setting, layered table design, sterling silver flatware, sterling silver flatware waterford crystal, modern classic table, heirloom table decor, neutral holiday tablescape, pantone color of the year 2026, subtle color tablescape, luxury table styling, timeless entertaining, textured table linens, floral centerpiece designComment
Litchfield Hills Fall Foliage Drive: A Season of Stillness and Color
A Ralph Lauren–Inspired Christmas: Three Tartan Tablescapes of Heritage, Joy, and Romance

Three tartan Christmas tablescapes, inspired by Ralph Lauren, celebrate holiday tradition through candlelight, heritage patterns, and layered details that feel elegant, personal, and lived in.

Read More
Moody Fall Tablescape Ideas for Elegant Autumn Gatherings
Home Decor, EntertainingMary Madore-Hickeyclassic red gold and tartan holiday table, tartan holiday table, tartan holiday design, using tartan for the holidays, red gold and tartan, a classic red gold and tartan holiday table: an invitation to celebrate, christmas table, christmas table decor, christmas tablescape, design edti, how to edit a design, what is a design edit, old and new table design, using old with new, vintage with modern decor, Holiday Decor Trends: Bows, Holiday Decor Trends for 2024, Holiday Decor Trends: Bows Nostalgia, and personal touches, Bow Trends 2024, Holiday Trends Bows., Holiday Decor using bows, Holiday Decor Trends nostalfgia, Work life balance:, rethinking work life balance: finding harmony within, finding the true work life balance, what is work life balance, how to find work life balance, how to find harmony within, calming yourself, rethinking Life, How to Bring French Elegance to Your Valentine's Day Celebration, Valentine's Day Celebration, Valentine's Day Birthday Celebration, Valentine's Day table design, Valentine's Day French Elegance, How to design an elegant Valentine's Day Tablescape, How to build a tablescape, How to design a table, Spring Table Decor, Spring Table Design, Galentine's Table Decor, Coastal Fusion, French Coastal Style, Coastal French Decor, Blending Coastal and French Design, French Coastal Living, Coastal Chic, Coastal Elegance, Curated Coastal Design Relaxed Coastal Style, Sophisticated Coastal Living, Embroidered Linens, Coastal Floral Centerpiece, Coastal Inspiration, Interior Design, Home Decor, Coastal French Tablescape, tablescape inspiration, dining table styling, seasonal table ideas, elegant entertaining, table setting design, intentional living, curated living with soul, French-inspired design, heritage home style, meaningful gatherings, candlelit table, autumn tablescape, cozy dining inspiration
The Story Behind Merze Lifestyle

Merze Lifestyle began with a child’s imagination and grew through heritage, memory, and a deep sense of belonging. This is the story behind the name, the philosophy, and the heart that continues to shape everything Merze represents.

Read More
Designing for the Senses: A Home That Speaks Without Words
Hosting a 4th of July Celebration
A Second Life for Danish Design: Our Hans Wegner Chair Restoration
Returning to the Ocean House: A Watch Hill Tradition Steeped in Nostalgia
Bicoastal Elegance: A Fusion of East Coast and West Coast Design

Bicoastal design brings together East Coast refinement, West Coast ease, and the lived-in warmth of Provence. Through natural materials, layered textures, and thoughtful use of color, interiors become spaces that feel grounded, personal, and deeply connected to how we live.

Read More
Home Decor, TravelMary Madore-Hickeyclassic red gold and tartan holiday table, tartan holiday table, tartan holiday design, using tartan for the holidays, red gold and tartan, a classic red gold and tartan holiday table: an invitation to celebrate, christmas table, christmas table decor, christmas tablescape, design edti, how to edit a design, what is a design edit, old and new table design, using old with new, vintage with modern decor, Holiday Decor Trends: Bows, Holiday Decor Trends for 2024, Holiday Decor Trends: Bows Nostalgia, and personal touches, Bow Trends 2024, Holiday Trends Bows., Holiday Decor using bows, Holiday Decor Trends nostalfgia, Work life balance:, rethinking work life balance: finding harmony within, finding the true work life balance, what is work life balance, how to find work life balance, how to find harmony within, calming yourself, rethinking Life, How to Bring French Elegance to Your Valentine's Day Celebration, Valentine's Day Celebration, Valentine's Day Birthday Celebration, Valentine's Day table design, Valentine's Day French Elegance, How to design an elegant Valentine's Day Tablescape, How to build a tablescape, How to design a table, Spring Table Decor, Spring Table Design, Galentine's Table Decor, Coastal Fusion, French Coastal Style, Coastal French Decor, Blending Coastal and French Design, French Coastal Living, Coastal Chic, Coastal Elegance, Curated Coastal Design Relaxed Coastal Style, Sophisticated Coastal Living, Embroidered Linens, Coastal Floral Centerpiece, Coastal Inspiration, Interior Design, Home Decor, Coastal French Tablescape, confit pot, french confit pot, bringing provence home: the biophilic beautify of antique confit pots, antique confit pots, bringing Provence into your home, biophilic design, biophilic decor, biophilic Interior Design, biophilic design aethetics, Antique Green Glaze Confit Pot, antique confit pot blue, Rare confit pots for sale, bringing warmth into your home, homedecor, timelessdesign, coastal living, french country, Design inspiration, antique decor, natural interiors, organic design, slow living, earth tones, collected home, Self care, self care and lavender, cultivating Calm, Cultivating Calm: The Art of Self-Care with Provence Lavender & Slow Living, Slow Living, Provence lavender, the art of self care, lavender soup, lavender soap imported from Provence, Provence Lavender soup, Authentic Lavender soap from Provence, Soap from Provence, Imported from France, Soap imported from France, Lavender from France, Color Psychology in Interior Design, Pantone color of the year: Mocha Mousse, How to incorporate Pantone's Color of the year, Mocha Mousse, How to incoporate Pantone's 2025 color of the year in your home, Bi-Coastal Interior Design with a hint of Provence, How to incorporate Provence in your home., Mocha Mousse interior design, Pantone 2025 interior design, Bicoastal interior design, Provençal interior design, Coastal Provence design, Blending coastal and Provence style, Warm brown interior design, Lavender interior design, Organic modern interior design, Natural materials in home decor, Serene interior design, Designing for wellness at home, Color psychology for home, Bicoastal style guide, Coastal decorating ideas, How to use Mocha Mousse in home decor, Combining coastal and French country style, Mood Boards for Coastal Decor, Mood Boards for Bi-Coastal Design, Color Palettes for Interior Design, Color Palette for Mocha Mousse, Color combinations for Mocha Mousse, Pantone Color Palettes for the Coastal regions, Beyond Trends: The Timeless Blend of East Coast Elegance, West Coast Calm, and Provençal Soul, bicoastal interior design, Bi-coastal Design, Adding a little provence in your home, Interior design, Interior design ideas living on the coast, coastal design, mixing coastal design, coastal lifestyle, Interior design trends 2025, interior design tips, French Provincial decor, Luxury home design, West Coast style, East Coast Style, Home decor ideas, east coast west coast design, french inspired interiors, natural materials in interior design, layered textures in home design, color psychology in interiors, timeless interior design, wellness driven design, lived in beauty, design with intention, heritage inspired interiorsComment
Cultivating Calm: The Art of Self-Care with Provence Lavender & Slow Living
Home Decor, TravelMary Madore-Hickeyclassic red gold and tartan holiday table, tartan holiday table, tartan holiday design, using tartan for the holidays, red gold and tartan, a classic red gold and tartan holiday table: an invitation to celebrate, christmas table, christmas table decor, christmas tablescape, design edti, how to edit a design, what is a design edit, old and new table design, using old with new, vintage with modern decor, Holiday Decor Trends: Bows, Holiday Decor Trends for 2024, Holiday Decor Trends: Bows Nostalgia, and personal touches, Bow Trends 2024, Holiday Trends Bows., Holiday Decor using bows, Holiday Decor Trends nostalfgia, Work life balance:, rethinking work life balance: finding harmony within, finding the true work life balance, what is work life balance, how to find work life balance, how to find harmony within, calming yourself, rethinking Life, How to Bring French Elegance to Your Valentine's Day Celebration, Valentine's Day Celebration, Valentine's Day Birthday Celebration, Valentine's Day table design, Valentine's Day French Elegance, How to design an elegant Valentine's Day Tablescape, How to build a tablescape, How to design a table, Spring Table Decor, Spring Table Design, Galentine's Table Decor, Coastal Fusion, French Coastal Style, Coastal French Decor, Blending Coastal and French Design, French Coastal Living, Coastal Chic, Coastal Elegance, Curated Coastal Design Relaxed Coastal Style, Sophisticated Coastal Living, Embroidered Linens, Coastal Floral Centerpiece, Coastal Inspiration, Interior Design, Home Decor, Coastal French Tablescape, confit pot, french confit pot, bringing provence home: the biophilic beautify of antique confit pots, antique confit pots, bringing Provence into your home, biophilic design, biophilic decor, biophilic Interior Design, biophilic design aethetics, Antique Green Glaze Confit Pot, antique confit pot blue, Rare confit pots for sale, bringing warmth into your home, homedecor, timelessdesign, coastal living, french country, Design inspiration, antique decor, natural interiors, organic design, slow living, earth tones, collected home, Self care, self care and lavender, cultivating Calm, Cultivating Calm: The Art of Self-Care with Provence Lavender & Slow Living, Slow Living, Provence lavender, the art of self care, lavender soup, lavender soap imported from Provence, Provence Lavender soup, Authentic Lavender soap from Provence, Soap from Provence, Imported from France, Soap imported from France, Lavender from FranceComment