58 Candles, 10,000 Roomies, and a Whole Lot of Gratitude
Hey Roomies!
Today's blog feels a little different.
Not because we're talking about design (don't worry, we'll get there), but because we're talking about something that matters even more:
growth.
This year, I celebrated my 58th birthday, and at nearly the same time, this incredible community reached 10,000 subscribers on YouTube.
Ten thousand.
Even typing that feels surreal.
And while birthdays naturally make us reflect on where we've been, this one has me thinking even more about where we're going.
Watch the full birthday video here: https://youtu.be/gmclMx1dncQ?si=lIWzhOwkpeZ1JNJz
Another Birthday, Another Chapter
Birthdays have a funny way of making you pause.
Not in a sad way.
Not in a "where did the time go?" kind of way.
But in a grateful way.
A reflective way.
A "wow, look at everything life has taught me" kind of way.
As I celebrated turning 58, I found myself thinking about the many versions of myself that have existed over the years.
The younger version who thought he had everything figured out.
The designer who chased trends.
The parent trying to navigate life one day at a time.
The dreamer.
The builder.
The creator.
And now?
I feel like I'm finally becoming the person all of those versions were trying to grow into.
The Greatest Gift Has Always Been People
This birthday wasn't about gifts.
It wasn't about parties.
It wasn't about candles or cake.
It was about gratitude.
Spending time with Alexa.
Laughing together.
Making memories.
And realizing how quickly life changes.
One minute you're teaching your child how to tie their shoes.
The next minute you're standing in a new house, building new memories, and wondering how they grew up so quickly.
If there's one thing I've learned over the years, it's this:
The people in your life will always matter more than the things in your life.
Always.
What I Thought Good Design Was 10 Years Ago
Now let's talk design.
Because this birthday gave me a chance to reflect on something else:
How much my understanding of good design has changed.
Ten years ago, I thought good design was about creating beautiful spaces.
And while beauty is certainly part of it, today I know it's so much more than that.
Good design isn't about following trends.
It's not about buying the most expensive furniture.
It's not about making your home look like someone else's Pinterest board.
Good design is personal.
It's intentional.
It's emotional.
It's creating a home that reflects who you are and supports the life you're living.
And honestly?
That's a lesson that took me years to learn.
Your Style Is More Than What You Buy
One of the biggest misconceptions I see in interior design is the belief that style comes from shopping.
It doesn't.
Your style comes from:
your experiences
your memories
your personality
your values
your story
The furniture is just the translation.
The paint color is just the translation.
The artwork is just the translation.
The real design starts with you.
And the older I get, the more I appreciate that.
Giving Yourself Grace
I think one of the greatest gifts that comes with age is grace.
Grace for the mistakes.
Grace for the things you didn't know yet.
Grace for the seasons that were harder than expected.
Grace for the person you're still becoming.
At 58, I don't have all the answers.
But I have perspective.
I know that growth doesn't happen overnight.
I know that healing isn't always linear.
I know that success looks different than I once thought it did.
And I know that becoming the best version of yourself is a lifelong process.
10,000 Roomies Later...
Can we just take a moment?
Ten thousand roomies.
Ten thousand people who have watched, subscribed, commented, supported, encouraged, and joined this journey.
When I started sharing my design ideas, I hoped I could inspire people.
What I didn't expect was how much all of you would inspire me.
You've been here through:
home tours
moves
redesigns
life changes
celebrations
challenges
and everything in between
And for that, I am incredibly grateful.
Final Thoughts From a 58-Year-Old Designer
If there's one thing I want to leave you with today, it's this:
Don't measure your life only by accomplishments.
Measure it by growth.
Measure it by relationships.
Measure it by the person you're becoming.
The truth is, we're all still learning.
We're all still evolving.
We're all still creating.
Whether you're redesigning a room, starting over in a new home, raising children, chasing dreams, or simply trying to become a better version of yourself...
Give yourself grace.
Celebrate your progress.
And don't forget to look back occasionally and appreciate how far you've come.
Because sometimes the greatest design project you'll ever work on...
is yourself.
Thank you for celebrating this birthday with me.
Thank you for helping us reach 10,000 subscribers.
Thank you for being part of this incredible community.
And as always, roomies...
I look forward to creating with you
Watch the full video here: https://youtu.be/gmclMx1dncQ?si=lIWzhOwkpeZ1JNJz
Visit Rooms By Roma: www.roomsbyroma.com
