Gratitude, Global Inspiration & Looking Ahead
Gratitude and Its Influence on Luxury Home Design
As the year comes to a close and the holiday season settles in, I find myself reflecting on how deeply gratitude is interwoven into the work we do at Glenna Stone Interiors. True luxury is never just about beauty – it is about intention, collaboration, and the relationships that support every thoughtfully designed space.
I am profoundly thankful for our clients, our trusted creative partners, and the wider design community whose insight and inspiration continually elevate our practice. Their dedication and artistry make it possible to create interiors that enrich the way we live, gather, and celebrate – especially during this festive time of year.
Global Design Takeaways from the 2025 Summit in Madrid
I recently returned from the 2025 Design Leadership Summit in Madrid – an unforgettable gathering of leaders in luxury interiors, architecture, and residential design from around the world. Walking through Madrid’s grand boulevards, historic palaces, and contemporary design studios was a reminder of how gracefully the city balances timeless tradition with modern expression.
A particular highlight was the Kravet dinner held at the home of Lorenzo Castillo. His home, saturated with color, pattern, vintage pieces, and an extraordinary array of art, revealed a powerful truth: beauty is often curated over time, shaped by history, memory, and an openness to collecting across styles and eras. It was an evening that celebrated craftsmanship, heritage, and the shared belief that exceptional design is a universal language.
Craftsmanship and Community as Pillars of Meaningful Design
This season also inspires deep gratitude for the extraordinary team of artisans, builders, custom cabinetry experts, and craftspeople who bring our design concepts to life. Their mastery transforms ideas into homes shaped by intention, comfort, and refinement.
One of the insights that stayed with me throughout my time in Europe was the profound appreciation for the old and the lived-in. The homes I visited radiated warmth and welcome, yet beneath that beauty was a depth of story – a respect for pieces that have been touched by time. It reminded me how meaningful layered interiors can be, and how much character is created when we honor what already exists.
And yes, they use real candles – everywhere. Dozens of them. There is something wonderfully unapologetic about embracing real flame, natural materials, and the gentle imperfections that come with authenticity. It underscores a philosophy that resonates deeply with me: that true luxury values what is genuine, tactile, and crafted by hand.
In Madrid, I was struck by how aligned these values are across cultures – particularly the emphasis on craftsmanship, sustainability, accessible design, and innovative material use. Whether expressed through custom millwork, bespoke furniture, or thoughtful lighting, the global design community is united by a commitment to creating spaces that are functional, personal, and enduring.
Design Inspirations Guiding Our 2026 Projects
Returning home as the holidays approached, I felt renewed clarity and creative momentum. The textures, materials, and philosophies I encountered in Madrid will undoubtedly influence our 2026 projects – introducing new layers of richness and global perspective while remaining true to our signature sensibility and devotion to timeless interiors.
Throughout the trip, I found myself paying close attention to the layers of detail that quietly shape a room. The way a furniture leg meets its frame, the intelligent integration of decorative lighting within a bookcase, or the thoughtful marrying of patterns – all of these small, intentional gestures contribute to spaces that feel considered, cohesive, and deeply personal. These nuanced moments of craftsmanship and design will inspire extraordinary details in our upcoming projects, reminding me that refinement often reveals itself in the subtleties.
As we plan for the year ahead, this infusion of inspiration reinforces how important it is to both honor tradition and embrace innovation – two forces that defined 2025 and will continue to guide our work in the months to come.
End-of-Year Reflections on Luxury, Intention, and Home
As I look back on this extraordinary year, I’m filled with gratitude – gratitude for our clients who trust us with their homes; for our collaborators who elevate every project; and for the global design community that continually challenges us to grow, refine, and imagine what’s possible.
How lucky am I to learn and create alongside such extraordinary designers, in such extraordinary places.
This year reaffirmed what I’ve always believed: that luxury interiors are about more than aesthetics. They are about meaning, connection, and perspective. Each project becomes a reflection of these shared experiences – an ongoing dialogue between beauty and intention.
As we close out 2025, my hope is that your home is filled with warmth, joy, and moments of rest. Thank you for being part of our community and for allowing us to do what we love each day. We look forward to a new year filled with creativity, collaboration, and inspired design.
Wishing you a peaceful holiday season and a beautiful start to 2026.
– Glenna