Author: Jenna Jones

Sundays are not just a day of rest; they are an invitation to slow down, reconnect, and savour life’s finest moments.

For those who navigate a high-performance lifestyle, Sundays are an opportunity to recalibrate—an intentional pause to focus on quality, meaning, and fulfillment. It’s time to embrace slow living, a philosophy that prioritises mindfulness and deliberate enjoyment over the hurried pace of everyday life. Here’s how you can transform your Sundays into a luxurious ritual that fuels your passions, purpose, and wellbeing

Begin with Ritual

True luxury lies in the ritual, not the routine. Begin your Sunday with intention, grounding yourself in the small moments that set the tone for the day. Perhaps it’s savouring a hand-brewed coffee in your favourite china while the morning sun filters through the windows, or a peaceful walk in the garden as the world wakes. Make these moments sacred by disconnecting from digital distractions. Instead of scrolling through emails or newsfeeds, light a candle, journal your gratitude, or let the calming notes of a piano playlist fill your space. Rituals like these are more than indulgences—they’re anchors of meaning and mindfulness.

Elevate the Ordinary

Slow living is not about extravagance; it’s about elevating the everyday. Transform your Sunday into an experience of joyful simplicity. Prepare fresh-squeezed juices for breakfast, flip through a cherished art book, or arrange seasonal flowers to refresh your home. Tend to your passions, whether it’s experimenting with a new culinary technique or nurturing a bespoke garden. The details matter—fine linens, artisanal ingredients, and thoughtful arrangements. These small, intentional acts weave luxury into your day while reminding you to savour each moment.

The Sunday Reset

Sunday is the perfect day to create clarity for the week ahead. A reset is about more than decluttering—it’s about setting intentions. Clear your workspace, review your schedule, and organise your surroundings with care. Consider a reset for the mind and body as well. A restorative spa treatment, a private Pilates session, or a soothing sauna can prepare you for the week ahead. By dedicating time to align your environment and energy, you create space for focus, productivity, and calm in the days to come.

Dine as an Experience

Make dining the centrepiece of your Sunday. Host a small brunch for close friends catered by a chef or prepare a slow-roasted meal using farm-to-table ingredients. Dining alone? Let the experience still be indulgent—pair a nourishing meal with a rare wine from your cellar. Set your table thoughtfully, with your best flatware, linen napkins, and fresh flowers. Dining slowly isn’t just about the food; it’s about the deliberate enjoyment of every flavour, every detail, and every moment shared.

Immerse in Culture

Sundays are a canvas for creativity and curiosity. Visit an art gallery, attend a private recital, or lose yourself in a novel you’ve been meaning to read. Let the day inspire you with a blend of leisure and learning. Alternatively, use the quiet to plan a future adventure. Whether it’s an exclusive retreat, a luxury safari, or a bespoke culinary journey, Sundays are the time to dream big and plan experiences that enrich your life and broaden your horizons.

Disconnect to Reconnect

Step away from the constant buzz of notifications and dedicate your time to meaningful connections. Organise a family gathering on your estate grounds, play with your children or pets, or simply enjoy a long walk with someone who matters to you. Connection, not just rest, is at the heart of slow living. By prioritising relationships, you create moments that money cannot buy but are priceless in their significance.

End with Reflection

As the day winds down, take time for gratitude. Brew a cup of tea, pour a glass of wine, and journal your thoughts on the week that’s passed and the one ahead. Celebrate your wins, acknowledge your progress, and set your intentions. A calming bedtime ritual—luxurious sheets, soft lighting, and a book or music—prepares you for a restful sleep. This final act of mindfulness ensures you greet Monday with clarity and energy.

Living with Intention

The art of slow living isn’t about doing less—it’s about doing better. It’s about choosing depth over breadth, intention over urgency, and meaning over monotony. For those who value the richness of life, Sundays are not an escape but a practice of purpose.

By dedicating one day each week to intentional living, you create a life that’s not just luxurious but profoundly fulfilling. Embrace slow living and transform your Sundays into an art form—one meaningful moment at a time.

As the year begins, there’s an urge to fill our calendars with plans—exclusive restaurants, luxury destinations, and the latest must-visit spots. But amidst the rush, how often do we stop to ask: What makes an experience truly meaningful? For those who value quality over quantity, the pursuit of meaningful experiences is more than just a trend—it’s a way of life.

Luxury, at its most authentic, isn’t about ticking off the next exclusive experience or rushing through the latest destination. It’s about indulging with intention—finding depth in every moment, and making space for experiences that resonate personally.

Meaningful experiences aren’t bound by extravagance but by the thoughtfulness behind them. It’s the quiet luxury of an art gallery visited with a knowledgeable guide, offering insight that stays with you. It’s walking through a vineyard at sunrise, hearing stories of heritage and sustainability from those who have tended the vines for generations. These moments don’t just enrich—they connect.

Embrace Cultural and Ethical Journeys

True meaning is found in experiences that reflect your values. As you explore the world, consider the stories behind the places you visit and the people you meet. Support destinations that champion sustainability, engage with artisans whose craftsmanship preserves heritage, and discover cultures with respect and curiosity.

A meaningful experience might be dining at a restaurant that prioritises local and ethical ingredients, or attending a performance where the art tells a story of the human condition. It’s about choosing experiences that not only delight but also educate, inspire, and leave a lasting impact.

Indulge in Slow Moments

To start the year with meaning is also to slow down and allow yourself to savour the present. In a world of constant motion, it’s easy to overlook the joy in stillness. Indulge in the pleasure of a morning spent without an agenda—curl up with a book that challenges your perspective or linger over a meal prepared with care.

This isn’t about abstaining from luxury but elevating it. The finest linen napkins at your table or the softest cashmere throw by the fire—these aren’t merely items, but tools that heighten your experience, allowing you to feel the fullness of the moment.

Create Connections

Meaningful experiences also come from the connections we build along the way. Invite trusted friends or family to join you for a private wine tasting or a guided journey through a historic landmark. Share in the discovery, conversation, and reflection. True luxury isn’t isolating—it’s about creating memories that deepen your bonds with the people who matter most.

Living Intentionally

Starting the year with meaningful experiences isn’t just a resolution—it’s a philosophy. It’s a commitment to live with intention, to elevate your every moment, and to align your choices with your values. For the discerning individual, the most rewarding experiences are those that enrich the mind, feed the soul, and leave you feeling connected to something greater.

This year, embrace the art of meaningful living.

Seek out cultural richness, support ethical practices, and take the time to slow down and savour each moment. It’s not about doing more—it’s about doing it better.

By Nick Phillis, Mentor & Truster Advisor

I was recently asked to give some marriage advice. Given my speciality is working with 18–30 year olds:

I asked, why me?

They said they had heard that the work I do with young people improves their self knowledge, which in turn (amongst other things) has a positive impact on their relationships within the family.

I guess this applies regardless of age. The marriage advice I offered, therefore, was, “never assume that the first thing your partner says is what they really mean or is all they want to say. Always give them an opportunity to say more.”

Three months later, we bumped into each other. A few sentences into our conversation, they told me they had taken my advice onboard and they felt their relationship was stronger and deeper – importantly for them, there had been no misunderstandings and more laughter.

In my work with young people, whatever the reason for the engagement, a key part of it is ensuring that they truly know and understand themselves and can then express any and all of their thoughts to those close to them.

This generally, has a huge impact. They are buoyed by the deeper knowledge; excited by what they discover; empowered to act on it; and cherish the fact that those close to them have the chance to understand them more fully and more clearly. Relationships are better as a result. They are keen for our next conversation.

How does this happen? I spend a lot of time listening and give space to allow thinking to develop. Never cut off a train of thought – thinking is really powerful. The more we think the more we can think – and science agrees. In the act of thinking, the brain releases powerful neurotransmitters that encourage deeper and wider thinking. As we do that, we know more about ourselves and understand ourselves more fully, creating a positive impact on our psyche and self-worth, building confidence.

While there is no ‘right answer’ for building better relationships with 18-30 year olds, there are a few things to be avoided:

Don’t respond to the first thing someone says. Let them develop the thought – often, the detail comes later.

Don’t interrupt someone when they are speaking. Not only is it annoying and frustrating, but because you haven’t heard all the story you cannot be sure that the response you give will hit the spot, indeed, it might miss the point totally. Consequently, your answer doesn’t match what they are really thinking. This is annoying and frustrating – they may think you’re not really interested.

To build better relationships – you listen, they think. They complete their thoughts, developing their ideas as fully as they can. Their thinking is as good as it can be. You respond appropriately.

Never assume that the first thing someone says is what they really mean or is all they want to say. Always, give them an opportunity to say more. Then you get to have your say…

Renovating a home is a big commitment, and deciding to expand your family is an even bigger one. How do you design a home that’s comfortable for a family of two, but will also function for a family of four, or even more? Laura Hammett, Creative Director of the renowned London-based interior, architecture, and design studio, and founder of luxury homeware brand Laura Hammett Living, offers her top tips on creating a space that not only meets the needs of your current family but will also be suitable in the future.

Durable Fabrics & Furniture

“Always opt for performance fabrics on any cushions or upholstery, especially if clients have kids or pets. These luxury fabrics are highly durable, fade resistant, mildew and mould resistant and extremely easy to maintain, so won’t look worn quickly. Also look for traditional pocket sprung bases when buying sofas, dining chairs or armchairs, this a sign of high-quality, traditional craftsmanship. We use performance fabrics and pocket sprung bases throughout on all our designs at Laura Hammett Living.”

A Family Friendly Kitchen Design

“Firstly, always consider the triangle of work when designing a kitchen. Envision the flow of movement from sink to dishwasher, cooker or fridge and design the space seamlessly around that. I love to centre a kitchen around a butcher’s block or island with stools to make it more sociable for family life. The best family-friendly elements I included when designing my own kitchen were the breakfast bar with sliding pocket doors for appliance storage. This means all the unsightly toasters and coffee machines are accessible but can disappear in an instant. We always design fully integrated rubbish bins, dishwasher, fridge/ freezer, as integrated bespoke solutions feel so much more luxurious. Also, hidden pantry cupboards with spice racks on the inside of doors are great. I love designing doorways leading from kitchens into a pantry room or a chef’s kitchen to keep the main kitchen space perfect for hosting or entertaining. I also usually opt for drawers rather than cupboards in kitchens, so the space at the back can be easily reached and utilised. Lastly, multiple ovens, boiling water taps, and state of the art appliances are a must for luxury modern family living.”

Never Overlook The Amount Of Storage You Need

“Bespoke joinery is the ultimate in luxury living. Having storage solutions tailored to a client’s exacting needs and preferences is what we specialise in. Storage is especially important in a dressing room where the client’s specific collection needs to be carefully considered and the flow of movement mapped out. Utilities, pantries, laundry rooms and hidden spaces are key for designing with practicality in mind. I live to design joinery in living rooms with open shelving at the top and closed cabinetry at the bottom for storage and a nice balance. We often include hidden bathroom storage behind mirrors or artwork. Having nice large drawers in a bedside table is a great way to keep the tabletop clean and free of clutter.”

Practical Lighting

“Practical lighting begins with a layered lighting scheme. This means having overheads like pendants and chandeliers on one circuit for brightness, then lamps always go on a 5amp circuit for a separate ‘evening’ cosy lighting level, and any integrated low level lighting such as LED’s within joinery for additional ambience. Being able to switch these layers on and off separately makes for a seamless experience. We make sure all lamp wires always feed into a tiny hole cut into the rug (professionally cut by a rug expert) and plug into a floor box, so no messy wires are visible. Integrated reading lights set into headboards are a practical addition, as the two lights can work independently from each other if one person wants to read, and another is asleep. Two of our Laura Hammett Living bed designs have this feature, one in our Contemporary and one in our Modern Heritage collections. This gives customers a choice between both styles and they just plug in so no special electrical wiring is needed. Another practical trick we employ when limited on bedside space is to use a floating light which hangs from the ceiling.”

Design Longevity As Children Grow Up

“The best method for longevity is designing anything fixed such as joinery and integrated furniture to grow with the child. I always recommend investing in storage and built-in wardrobes large enough to see a child through to teenage years. Fun additions can definitely be added to a baby’s room or a nursery, but we tend to keep the base (such as wallpaper, flooring, carpets, rugs and paint) more neutral and timeless. Then we add age-appropriate patterns, playful texture and pops of colour to the cushions, blankets and smaller upholstery items like stools, which can be changed as the child grows up. With nurseries, this space is for the parents as much as it’s for a little one, so make sure it’s suited to your personal tastes too! However, with children’s bedrooms, we always like to get their input on what they want. I once sat next to a client’s young daughter at dinner on a trip to Singapore and we had an in-depth conversation about exactly what she wanted her bedroom to be like, and that’s what we designed!”