This past week, I have been sick with a cold, and this Christmas is one I will never forget. It was just our family of three, all of us wearing masks because of my cold, and then a family Zoom call for dinner. Our holiday Zoom call felt more like a memorial service since we had lost another family member the week before, and we had multiple family members recently diagnosed with Covid, in the hospital because of it, or others living with what is now called Long Covid.
This week I began to feel overwhelmed and guilty about any good fortune i was experiencing right now because so many others that were close to me were suffering. So I went back and forth on whether or not I was going to do a podcast this week, or simply replay and oldie but goodie interview. But then I thought about the interview I did with Abigail a few weeks ago around interior design and self care, and I felt like it was the perfect interview to end 2020.
Photo Credit: VWell Studios
Casa Marcelo, an Interior Design firm, was founded by Abigail Marcelo Horace in 2017. The firm’s mission is to help career women & Moms to alleviate their mental stress by providing home therapy. Abigail provides her clients a personalized design experience and translates her expertise in order to consistently execute high-level, quality design. As a new mother and member of a large family, Abigail realized the need to create design systems and functionality within the homes of her clients. She specializes in shaping beautiful spaces that inspire creativity and expand unused potential. Abigail’s previous clients have described her as organized, thorough and solution-oriented, leaving them impressed with her mindful execution of their projects.
“ A well-designed space promotes peace, clarity, and inspiration in the midst of chaos in the outside world.
-Abigail Marcelo Horace, CEO & Founder of Casa Marcelo
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With a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design and over a decade of experience designing for notable Interior Design Corporate firms, including Dumais ID and Hendricks Churchill, Abigail brings her extensive knowledge, refined eye, and exquisite cultural taste to any space she designs. As a first- generation American and a daughter of Dominican and Panamanian immigrants, Abigail brings a unique perspective and palette to her ideas. The name Casa Marcelo is a nod to her heritage, to her ‘familia’, and to her ‘hogar’ (home).
Casa Marcelo has been previously featured on Dwell, Design*Sponge,Tastemade Video, Mercury Mosaics, and more!
The Interior Design Game this week is, “Love it or Hate it, and why? This week we focus on a piece written by Cait Munro for Refinery 29 around Why Home Care is the New Self Care for 2020. I get Abigail’s opinion on what self care tools for the home she loves or hates. Plus, I picked some self-care gems you can also take home with you to re-create a space like the one Abigail created for her yogi client in Westport, Connecticut.
Abigail is all for crystals in the home to create positive energy in the home (and she can happily refer you to an expert for the task)- Crystal & Stone bookend
Silk pillows are not just good for hair, they’re also quite luxurious and help with a restful night’s sleep- Pillowcase - Light Marble - Standard
Plants are a must in any interior, and help with reducing stress in a space- Mini Money Tree
Abigail is drawn to shades of blue, green, and coral color tones. This new green color from Clare paint will be hit for a calm and serene space in 2021- OMGreen
Every interior needs art to make it feel complete and add a personal touch- VINTAGE GEOMETRY AVE B
Photo inspiration from Casa Marcelo’s portfolio- Pondside Oasis, Westport CT
Abigail is a firm believer that luxury candles are worth every penny, and they set a mood- "Lenox" luxury candle
Meditation pillows are a must in 2021 to carve out some self-care time for you- Meditation Pillows (get on the mailing list to updated on the next drop for the new year)