The Quiet Beauty of Home | Susana Goss

What makes a house a home? For Susana Goss, it’s not just the walls that hold meaning, but the quiet details that whisper stories of intention, heritage, and everyday magic. Tucked beneath a canopy of trees in Raleigh, North Carolina, her home doesn’t chase perfection—it invites presence. It’s a place where creativity is lived, not displayed. Where meals are rituals, and where every corner tells a story shaped by memory, emotion, and love.

In this conversation, Susana welcomes us into her world, not just to tour a beautifully designed space, but to reflect on what it truly means to belong. Her approach reminds us that home is not a destination, but a living, breathing expression of who we are and how we care.

Let’s begin with an introduction.
Can you share a little about yourself? what you do, where you live, and what “home” looks like for you right now?

As a designer, I help like-minded individuals and families embark on a journey of self-discovery through the process of creating and curating their homes. My own home is nestled on two wooded acres in Raleigh, North Carolina, a 2,200-square-foot ranch built in 1993. Its layout features a central, open living space that connects three distinct bedroom-and-bathroom wings, creating both spaces for connection and individuality.

How would you describe the feeling of your home? What aesthetic or atmosphere inspires the space you’ve created?

Home is where our memories gather, layered gently over time and where new ones are quietly being made. Most of the objects that fill our space have been with me for years: pieces inherited, collected, curated, or handmade. Beloved books, reread again and again, sit alongside simple staples and vintage finds. Each day, they are joined by treasures my children bring home from nature, feathers, stones, leaves, small tokens of wonder. Our home embraces the beautiful messiness of daily life. Nothing feels too precious. Each of us feels free to add or subtract, to shape the space as we grow. There’s a quiet thread of history and heritage woven throughout—an honoring of our ancestors’ stories, but without the weight of obligation. It’s a space that lives and breathes with us.

If you had to name three core values that guide the way you live, what would they be?
 Why do those values matter to you?

• Curiosity and creativity are at the heart of how we live. The freedom to explore, to make with our hands, and to learn through doing is woven into the rhythm of our home. It’s a value we nurture every day.

• Togetherness shapes the way we move through life. The four of us are deeply connected, and our home reflects that closeness. With a large, central gathering space that holds our living room, kitchen, dining area, and library, it’s where we come together, again and again.

• Individuality is the counterbalance to our togetherness. As tightly knit as we are, we honor each other’s uniqueness. There’s room here for each of us to be fully ourselves, supported, seen, and celebrated.

How do those values show up in your home?

Are there small decisions, habits, or rituals that help bring them to life in your space?
Creativity is woven into every corner of our home. Our library is a sanctuary for books and objects that inspire us, with a large round table at its center, perfect for spontaneous projects. The children each have their own space by the bay window, where two tables hold their crafting materials, collections, building blocks, and more. These creative spaces are always visible and accessible, seamlessly integrated into the flow of our daily life. Inspiration is never far away, and there’s no need to tidy away materials at the end of the day, they remain ready for the next burst of creativity. Togetherness shows up in our daily rituals, too. We share every meal at either the kitchen island or the dining table. It’s a time to slow down, savor our food, connect, and reflect on the day. Sometimes, we even play cards, simple moments that remind us how much we enjoy each other’s company and the joy of being present.

Is there a daily ritual or moment in your home that brings you peace, inspiration, or a sense of rhythm?

Our morning and evening routines are anchors in our day, grounding us and setting the tone for everything that follows. Mornings begin early, with a quiet moment for myself—making tea, journaling, and meditating. When the children wake, I prepare breakfast for us all, often baking fresh bread or scones, and making poached eggs or oatmeal. Breakfast is our favorite meal, so it’s always something special, no matter the day of the week. Evenings are equally meaningful. We gather for dinner, usually a meal I’ve cooked, and then clean up together as a family. Afterward, it’s time for showers, followed by quiet moments with a book before bed. The atmosphere is calm, low lighting, soft music to help everyone wind down and prepare for sleep. These rituals have woven a quiet, steady rhythm into our lives, creating a deep sense of calm and connection that carries us through each day.

What does “home” mean to you, beyond four walls?
Why is it such a meaningful part of your life?

Home is something that lives within us. We’re often taught to seek security outside ourselves, but over time, I’ve come to realize that everything I truly need resides within me. By cultivating a sense of home within, I’ve learned that I can find comfort and peace, no matter where I am.

When it comes to caring for your home, what practices feel most nourishing to you?

(Think cooking, cleaning, organizing, gardening, repairing, or anything else that feels like devotion.)

Caring for our home is a daily ritual that brings a sense of peace and order. Simple acts like putting things back in their place, fluffing the sofa and pillows before bed, and making the beds each morning help create a sense of calm amidst the inevitable mess of daily life. These small practices allow the freedom of creativity to exist without tipping into chaos. Sharing meals together is another cherished ritual in our home, one that happens multiple times a day, grounding us in connection and nourishment.

What are some of the most meaningful objects in your home?
What stories do they carry, and how do they add soul to your space?

Some of the most meaningful objects in my home are my books. They’ve shaped who I am and what I believe, each one carrying a piece of my journey. I also have a work of art, a gift from a dear friend in Boston, that I will always treasure. It’s a wireframe house wrapped in handmade paper, part of an art installation. The house was part of a village that the artist set on fire, burning away the paper. This piece is a beautiful reminder of that time in my life, but it also serves as a symbol of the fragility of home, how even the most solid things can be transformed or lost. Another cherished object is a vintage urinal, a gift from someone very dear to me. It may seem unusual, but to me, it’s a symbol of the people in my life who truly understand me, those who embrace my uniqueness without judgment.

When you bring something new into your home, how do you decide it belongs?
What values shape your choices when it comes to acquiring or keeping things?

These days, new objects are purchased purely based on emotion. We don’t often need much, so it’s rare that I bring something new into our home. But when I do, it’s because I’ve fallen in love with it often for reasons that remain a bit mysterious to me. There’s an intuitive pull, a sense that the object resonates with something deeper within, even if I can’t always put it into words.I keep objects that evoke connection, memory, or beauty, things that add soul to our space. They may not always be practical, but they hold meaning, whether it’s a reminder of a moment or simply something that brings me joy.

How has your relationship with home changed over time?
Is there a lesson your home has taught you?

As an adult, I’ve only had two homes: my apartment in Boston and our current home in Raleigh. Both have been places I’ve lived in for many years, and I think this long-term connection speaks to my Portuguese heritage, where family homes are passed down through generations, and moving is rare. What I’ve come to understand over time is that my relationship with home has always been about more than the physical space. It’s about the sense of home living inside of me. It’s a feeling, a connection that transcends the walls and stays with me, no matter where I am. Home is not just where we live, but a reflection of who we are and the stories we carry with us.

What book, poem, or piece of writing has shaped the way you think about home or slow living?
Why does it resonate with you?

The Poetics of Space by Gaston Bachelard is the book that has most profoundly shaped my understanding of home. It explores the intangible qualities of space, how it holds memories, emotions, and a sense of belonging. This idea of home as a deeply personal and emotional space has influenced not only how I approach design but also how I cultivate my own home. It’s a reminder that home isn’t just about physical space; it’s about the feelings and experiences that fill it.

If your home could whisper one word to describe how it holds you… What would it say?

Lightly. Our home holds us not just in its physical space, but in the idea of who we are both as a family and as individuals. It understands our need to wonder, to explore, and to be free, offering us a sense of ease and openness without ever feeling heavy.

To learn more about Susan Goss, you can follow her on Instagram @susanagoss and also @jainteriors.studio and at jainteriors.studio