From the Editor-In-Chief

'Tis the season for thankfulness, and even though I'm fairly confident that I've been brought to tears more in the past six months than in the past six years, I still have plenty of reasons to thank my lucky stars. Paramount among these is that, if all goes according to plan, my daughter will be home for Christmas following a full twelve months in France. Since the plane ticket was booked (just $538 round-trip from CDG to SDF!), I've spent an inordinate amount of time imagining our tearful reunion and how my heart will feel whole once again, even if just for ten days.

The world is divided and hurting on multiple levels. Ambient feelings of angst have a way of seeping into my psyche, threatening to upend my half-full glass outlook. Everyone is traveling a unique path through a dark and seemingly never-ending tunnel during this tumultuous time, which can occasionally take the comfort of commiserating out of commission. I am doing my best to transfer the "scary fun" feeling I get while riding an amusement park rollercoaster to the real-life one we're all currently strapped in to, and holding tight to the notion that when the ride finally comes to an end I'm no worse for the wear.

In addition to the welcome diversion that comes with attending to a rambunctious and rapidly growing puppy, and working on a multitude of DIY projects at home (I rue the day I discovered the next generation of removable wallpaper), I am also grateful for the fulfillment provided by producing each issue of Sophisticated Living. As I wrote in a recent Instagram post, it is a joy "to work with talented people who create beautiful things." Because our home as a sanctuary has taken on new meaning in 2020, in this issue, we are pleased to bring you two unique residences that demonstrate the depth and diversity of the interior design community in the Commonwealth.

Combining my affinity for the color orange, early 90s rap, and typography artists like Christopher Wool, a wall decal outside my bedroom door reminds me that any day above ground is a good day.

November and December have always been synonymous with family for me. While our celebrations may look a little different this year, my wish for each of you this holiday season and beyond is that your heart remains as full as your stomach on Turkey Day.

Bridget Williams, Editor-In-Chief, bridget@slmag.net