What Makes a Home a Haven: My Six Essentials

After more than a decade of designing interiors—and living—here in Paris, I've come to believe that creating a truly personal space is as much about emotion as it is about aesthetics.

When I first arrived in the city, with just a few suitcases and a handful of treasured objects, I began assembling what I called my "home haven list"—a personal inventory of small, soulful comforts that made even a temporary space feel entirely my own. That list has evolved with me over the years, refined by experience, shaped by countless moves, and influenced by the countless homes I've had the privilege to design for others.

Today, as the founder of an English-speaking interior design studio in Paris, I find myself continually returning to the essence of what makes a home not just beautiful, but deeply restorative. A haven. Whether it's a pied-à-terre in Saint-Germain or a family apartment in the 16th arrondissement, I believe a truly well-designed home engages all the senses and reflects the quiet joy of a life well lived.

Here are the elements I always return to—both in my personal spaces and in those I create for clients.

1. Objects That Tell Your Story

Fortunately, many of my most beloved pieces fit neatly into a few small boxes.

There's a baby vest from the Ottoman Empire, embroidered in silver thread, discovered in a dusty antique shop in southern Turkey. A delicately carved shell, purchased by my parents in Italy long before I was born, which has followed me through every home and every country. There are small silver ashtrays from Istanbul, snakeskin boxes and trays, framed photographs of family and friends, and a beloved tabletop I never travel without.

These aren't just decorative pieces—they're fragments of a personal narrative. Surrounding myself with these objects instantly anchored me in my new Parisian flat. And now, years later, they continue to add soul and texture to every room.

Design reflection: Curate with intention. Your home should feel like a visual autobiography, layered with objects that hold meaning—not just those that match your color palette.

2. Layered, Lived-In Textiles

Exceptional bedding has long topped my essentials list. For years, I've collected linens, but none compare to the timeless appeal of heavy European flax. I adore how it crinkles, how it softens over time, and the crisp sensation of freshly ironed sheets. There's an imperfect beauty to it—an ease that feels both tactile and grounding.

Cashmere follows closely behind. Robes, blankets, slippers. Layering soft materials throughout the home is more than a design gesture—it's a sensory experience. The feel of quality textiles against the skin invites comfort, rest, and a certain quiet indulgence.

Design reflection: Choose fewer, better pieces. Let your home wrap you in softness. In Paris, where space is often at a premium, every touchpoint matters.

3. A Signature Home Scent

The scent of a home is its invisible calling card—just as evocative as a favorite perfume. The fragrance that greets you at the door, lingers on linens, or warms in the air during morning rituals becomes part of how we emotionally register our space.

Whether it's a rich amber candle, the subtle sharpness of orange blossom, or the clean scent of freshly laundered sheets, home fragrance sets the tone for how we live, rest, and remember. At home, I reach for Cire Trudon and Officine Universelle Buly.

Design reflection: Think of scent as a layer in your design palette. Choose fragrances for specific zones—welcoming, calming, uplifting.

4. Fresh Blooms

No room is fully alive without something living in it. For me, that means fresh flowers. I'm drawn to single-variety bouquets—blush roses, lush peonies, or the timeless elegance of orchids. Even the smallest arrangement brings vitality, color, and grace to a space.

Far from being a luxury, fresh flowers are a daily reminder of nature's artistry—and of the importance of beauty in our everyday routines.

Design reflection: Keep blooms simple. A few stems in a graceful vessel can transform the energy of a room.

5. Meaningful Pleasures: The Goodies

Coffee and cars—I leave to the Italians.

When I first moved to Paris, my dear friend Anna gifted me a beautiful espresso machine that was waiting for me before I even unpacked. I cannot overstate the luxury of waking up that first morning, wrapped in a robe, cup in hand, the city just beginning to stir around me. That small act grounded me.

Today, my pantry always holds a few favorite indulgences: salted butter caramels, rose petal jam, creamy Normandy butter, rich chocolates, and a chilled bottle of champagne. These aren't extravagances—they're rituals. Small luxuries that make a home feel gracious and full.

Design reflection: Create a space that's ready to delight you. Little pleasures, readily available, elevate the ordinary into something extraordinary.

6. The Sounds of Home

I cherish silence—but I also recognize the power of sound to influence mood. At home, I'm increasingly attuned to what I allow into my ears. Whether it's the gentle hum of Paris outside the window or a carefully curated playlist, the sounds of home shape the atmosphere just as much as furnishings.

I've created playlists for every mood: mornings, Sunday afternoons, road trips, dinners with friends. They evolve, just as I do—but they remain a vital part of how I experience my space.

Design reflection: Sound is part of your sensory design. Choose it consciously. Eliminate noise that jars, and welcome sounds that soothe or inspire.

In the End: A Home of Joie de Vivre

My home haven list hasn't changed all that much over the years. But today, I approach it with more clarity, more softness, and a deeper desire to live with lightness and grace.

My home is layered, but never heavy. It's a blend of quality, memory, and intention.

It celebrates rituals, indulges the senses, and reflects a certain joie de vivre that I strive to carry through my life—and through the homes I design.

Wherever you live, and whatever your square footage, your home can become your haven. All it takes is a bit of awareness, a few meaningful pieces, and a desire to live beautifully, every day.

About the Author

Lichelle Silvestry

Lichelle Silvestry is the founder and creative director of Lichelle Silvestry Interiors, an English-speaking interior design studio based in Paris. Known for creating timeless interiors with warmth, elegance, and a deep understanding of her clients’ lives, she blends Parisian refinement with modern comfort for a truly lived-in luxury.