SOMA Living September 2025

INTERIOR DESIGN After a month in the hospital, I’m home… and as you know, there’s no place like it. My body is tired, my spirit is tender, but being surrounded by beauty… real, personal, intentional beauty…makes all the difference. While I’ve been going through leukemia treatment I’ve found that I’ve really needed more symbols of strength and resilience around me. We all know that design inspiration can come from ANYWHERE... but the best designs come from the heart. When you’re choosing pieces for your home, don’t just ask “Is this beautiful?” Ask, “Does this stir something inside me? Does this remind me of who I am, or who I’m becoming?” For example, the timing of my bone marrow transplant felt cosmically aligned. It happened on

August 8th… Lions Gate Portal Day… a moment said to open energy for transformation and power. I decided to let this inspire the design in my hospital room. I added lion heads throughout my space, not to be loud or roaring… but to be there quietly strong and mighty. Another source of inner fire for me? Frida Kahlo. I’ve always had portraits of her in my home, but she represents more than just art now - she represents a ferocity to create, be herself, and live wildly - even with physical limitations. Her portraits are now more than just art to me. They represent a deep fierceness that lives inside us all, just waiting to be awakened. So remember, design isn’t just about how a space looks—it’s about how it wraps around you, when you need it most.

For more pics and tips… check out my IG: @KateTheDecorWhore

Kate@decorwhore.com • www.decorwhore.com

GREG’S CROSSWORD PUZZLE

ANSWERS ON PAGE 20

Greg Snitkin is a dad with 3 small kids and a resident of South Orange. His puzzles have appeared in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, Andrews McMeel Universal, and various indie outlets.

SEPTEMBER 2025 | SOMA LIVING 17

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