In a scene from the classic movie The Sound of Music, Julie Andrews’s character, Maria, attempts to console the von Trapp kids during a thunderstorm by recollecting what cheers her up, singing, “When the dog bites / When the bee stings / When I’m feeling sad / I simply remember my favorite things / And then I don’t feel so bad.”
The song itself, “My Favorite Things,” has repeatedly struck a chord (pun intended) with countless people over the years, especially during the holiday season. In a way, the song also illustrates how powerful nostalgia can be. But what, exactly, is nostalgia, and what causes us to experience it? When you take a closer look at what science says about the occurrence, you’ll see that it can benefit your well-being in countless ways.
As is the case with many intangible things, it’s often easier for people to explain nostalgia’s effect rather than what it actually is. If you asked five different people about it, they’d likely give five different explanations, so the objectivity of a dictionary helps. Merriam-Webster.com defines nostalgia as “a wistful or sentimental yearning for a return to or the return of some real or romanticized past period or some irrecoverable past condition or setting.”
Admittedly, some people are neither wistful nor sentimental about their past and would rather leave it behind, especially if it’s something they don’t look back fondly on. Then there’s the flip side of the coin: instead of merely yearning for a return to the past, some people attempt to live there to avoid their present reality, which can also lead to nostalgic depression. After all, that idealized past cannot be achieved again.
Whether you’re at either end of this spectrum or somewhere in the middle, though, you can’t escape nostalgic moments—even the simplest connection to a person, place, or thing from your past can send your mind back in time. (For example, to this day, the smell of Dove soap reminds me of visits to my paternal grandmother’s home and gasoline of my maternal grandfather and his small business.)
Psychologists generally agree today that the overall experience of nostalgia is largely a positive one. But that wasn’t always the case; in fact, it was originally deemed a disease. Experts first started studying nostalgia centuries ago. Swiss physician Johannes Hofer coined the term in 1688 by combining a pair of New Latin words, nostos (homecoming) and algos (pain), as a way to describe what he thought was a mental disorder in Swiss soldiers, who showed acute signs of mental and physical distress while fighting in faraway places.
In short, they were homesick.
Of course, no one understood this at the time. The idea that nostalgia was an illness or disease, or at least a symptom of one, continued largely unabated into the twentieth century. Fortunately, psychology’s renewed interest in nostalgia beginning in the late 1900s resulted in a brand-new perspective: that it has a myriad of benefits.
Experts say that there is usefulness to waxing nostalgic, as it can help us understand ourselves better and improve our lives.
It crystallizes who we are
As an advanced species, it’s natural for human beings to constantly make comparisons; it’s how our minds process everyday life. So looking back nostalgically at our past can help us understand who we really are and how far we’ve come, whether over the past five years or the past fifty years.
In essence, nostalgia can fortify our identity, which experts say is particularly helpful during life shifts (such as milestones, moves, and family changes) because it provides an anchor in times of uncertainty. Comforting memories can serve as a salve to any anguish we may be experiencing in the present and be a beacon of hope for the future.
It makes us feel good
Though Hofer deemed nostalgia to be a depression-fueled disease, research today shows that quite the opposite may be true. Nostalgia can improve our self-esteem, make us more optimistic, and help us overcome negative feelings such as loneliness and anxiety. For example, when you reunite with family members and discuss holidays passed, you may just be reminded that you’ve mattered to others for a long time, which will boost your mood whether you went into the season feeling merry or melancholy.
There are even physical benefits. For instance, looking back with fondness can make you feel more energetic and enthusiastic. And that warm, fuzzy feeling you get when you’re feeling nostalgic? That can be quite literal: a study by the University of Southampton showed that such reminiscing may actually make people feel physically warmer.
It strengthens bonds with others
Even if the good old days don’t ever return in full, nostalgia reminds us about how special they were and how lucky we were to have had them—and the people we shared them with. When we feel nostalgic, we’re often compelled to smile at the thought of old friends or chat fondly with them about shared experiences. Besides making us feel good, this helps reinforce important connections in our lives, drawing us closer to the people we care about.
But the strengthening of bonds can go beyond our inner circles. Research shows that when we feel nostalgic, we also tend to be more charitable, compassionate, and empathetic to others. This means that embracing nostalgia, in a very real sense, can make the world a better place.
Nostalgia can make a powerful impact on your well-being—as long as you keep a healthy balance between your past and present. In this way, nostalgia is a good example of how, when you simply remember your favorite things, you really don’t feel so bad.
Deciding whether to sell or stay in a home can be challenging, especially when it holds the memories of cherished moments like raising a family. When you find yourself at this crossroads, it’s crucial to consider all aspects of each option. To help guide your decision, ask yourself these critical questions. Your answers may better reveal the right path for you.
Have your family’s needs changed?
Whether your household is growing or shrinking, you may find that your current home no longer aligns with your needs. For instance, if you’re having a baby or older relatives are moving in with you, upgrading to a larger home might be the most viable solution. On the other hand, if you’re an empty nester whose home feels too large and lonely with the kids gone, downsizing to a smaller, cozier space may be more appealing.
Has your lifestyle changed?
Although you may have an attachment to your home, shifting priorities (such as getting a job offer in another state or wanting to live in a warmer climate, be closer to family, or have better access to certain activities and amenities) can prompt you to rethink your living arrangement. Whatever your motivations are, deciding to move to accommodate these changes may be the right choice.
Are you ready to simplify your life?
Over time, the constant demands of repairs, chores, and maintenance in a larger or older home can become overwhelming. Consequently, the notion of relocating to one that requires minimal upkeep may gradually become more desirable. Additionally, if retirement is on the horizon, simplifying your living situation may allow you to allocate more time for activities you love.
Is your home worth major renovations?
If your house is older or needs substantial enhancements to its appearance, structural stability, or essential systems, you may grapple with whether to renovate or relocate. While the former option can be transformative, it can also be costly. You may not fully recover the money you put into it, even upon selling your home down the road. Ultimately, it comes down to costs, benefits, and personal preferences, all of which should be thoroughly weighed before making a choice about your next move.
Has your neighborhood’s value changed?
Home values skyrocketed in recent years, with some neighborhoods experiencing double-digit gains. While the pace may have slowed down in certain areas, demand generally remains high, keeping home prices near record levels. If your neighborhood is buzzing with interest, this could be the perfect time to capitalize on the seller’s market and make a move. Conversely, you may find that nearby home values are decreasing due to factors like poorly kept properties, deteriorating infrastructure, noisy commercial development, or declining school quality. While leaving may be difficult, selling before prices dip further could be the best way to protect your investment.
Has your home become a financial burden?
Homeownership has traditionally represented the American dream. However, you might discover that your financial circumstances have changed since acquiring your home and that you are having difficulty meeting expenses such as your mortgage, utility bills, and property taxes. In this case, selling your home could be the most prudent financial decision, particularly if it has accumulated equity.
Do you want to tap into your home’s equity?
If you’ve been in the same place for several years, you’ve likely built up a decent amount of equity. This asset offers you the flexibility to make potentially life-changing decisions, even without selling your house. For instance, you could get a home equity loan or home equity line of credit (HELOC) to invest in real estate, fund renovations, or start a business. If you’re over sixty-two, you could also get a reverse mortgage to help provide you with financial assistance during your retirement years. Of course, selling is still a great option for capitalizing on your equity; you can use the cash left over after paying off your mortgage to upgrade to a larger home or tackle other goals.
Assessing your present and future needs is the key to deciding whether to stay put or sell your home. Should you ultimately opt to sell, consult with a real estate agent for expert guidance on navigating the process and finding your next perfect space.
Global real estate is experiencing a quiet but meaningful transformation. A recent LPI survey reveals something many real estate professionals have sensed for years: most buyers are no longer choosing homes based solely on where they are but how they allow them to live. Privacy, wellness, nature, and meaningful amenities have become the new pillars of desirability—and they are reshaping what “home” means across the globe.
Current buyer activity appears stable and stronger than in prior periods. Rather than the volatility that we have seen in the market over the last five years, the tone across most markets is one of balance and renewed interest. Buyers continue to seek unique properties and exceptional locations, and sellers are becoming increasingly attuned to the features that define modern living.
Pricing trends follow a similar path. While moderate appreciation remains the most common scenario, many markets highlight a sense of stability—an indicator that buyers and sellers are beginning to align around today’s lifestyle-driven priorities.
Looking ahead, real estate professionals express optimism based on recent client activity and experiences. Many expect modest growth in activity, fueled by a combination of improving confidence, more engaged buyers, and a clearer understanding of what defines value in today’s global real estate market. The pricing outlook mirrors this sentiment, with expectations of steady or gently rising prices in areas where demand for lifestyle-rich properties remains strong.
This environment—steady, measured, and increasingly predictable—creates space for homeowners and buyers to think beyond financial considerations and focus more deeply on the lives they want to build.
If one message stands out clearly from the survey, it’s this: lifestyle has become the ultimate differentiator.
The top-ranked buyer priorities paint a picture of what is truly important today:
These features speak to a deeper desire for homes that support well-being, personal connection, and restorative living. Today’s buyers want homes that enrich their daily routines—places that inspire morning rituals, support wellness practices, gather family and friends, and serve as grounding retreats.
Another key insight is the rise of eco-conscious design. Sustainability is not yet the top priority, but it is consistently present and steadily gaining importance. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to energy-efficient systems, natural materials, and smart-home integrations that promote healthier living and reduced environmental impact. The home of the future is attractive, functional, and thoughtfully responsible.
All signs point toward a real estate environment that is not led by headlines or rapid swings but by intentionality. The market is rebalancing around what truly matters to homeowners: the quality of life their home supports.
This shift is redefining what home buyers want. No longer is the “best” home simply the largest or the most centrally located. The new definition values serenity, connection to nature, meaningful amenities, and spaces that nurture well-being. Buyers are placing a premium on how a home feels—how it functions, how it restores, and how it allows them to live with greater ease and joy.
For homeowners considering their next chapter—and for those simply seeking inspiration—these insights offer reassurance. The most desirable homes today are those that elevate the everyday. And across markets worldwide, demand continues to rise for properties that deliver this elevated, lifestyle-centric experience.
In this next chapter of global real estate, location still matters, but lifestyle is the story everyone is paying attention to.
Azali Kassum, owner of Azali Kassum Design, offers an inside look into the eight-year renovation of her 1790s home in Washington, DC.
Tell us about yourself:
I live in the Georgetown neighborhood with my husband and three children. Though I was born in Boston, my family is from East Africa and India; my heritage is a big part of my love of architecture and design philosophy. I not only draw inspiration from my background and travels but also like to use natural materials and different design styles to create spaces that truly represent who my clients are. I tend to gravitate toward a minimalist yet warm and textured aesthetic, which pulls from multiple eras, and use a lot of sculptural and organic forms, pure materials, and neutral colors to create timeless spaces.
Have you always been interested in design?
I’ve loved architecture and designing spaces since I was little. Whether I was working on an art project or endlessly redecorating my childhood bedrooms, I would immerse myself in these imagined spaces. I also learned how to curate a room from my mother. She would take us to antique shops and auctions when we were young, and I’d watch how she’d gather treasures and place them in different spaces of our home. She would also collect items from our trips, which I enjoy doing as well.
I had hoped to study architecture and design after high school, but I ended up pursuing law instead. However, I continued to use design as my refuge throughout college, law school, and beyond. I lived in New York for a while, and my tiny walk-up rental became a canvas for me to experiment with different color palettes and furniture layouts. It wasn’t until a friend asked me to help with their renovation that I seriously considered a career change, and my design work slowly transitioned from a beloved hobby to a business.
Would you tell us more about your property’s history?
It was built in the 1790s and is sometimes called the “Seam House” because of the visible vertical seam running down the front. It’s actually composed of multiple parts that were constructed at different times and then connected later. There is an original two-story core at the center of the house that was used as a workshop. Then, Washington Bowie, a prosperous Scottish tobacco merchant and godson to George Washington, purchased the home in 1814. In the middle of the nineteenth century, he built a larger two-and-a-half-story addition on the front of the house to bring it forward to meet the sidewalk. Later, the walkway between this house and the one next to it was closed in with new brick to create a front door at the street, hence the presence of the vertical seam.
How did you approach your home’s renovation? What was your primary goal?
The design evolved a lot during the renovation. The whole project lasted eight years, and when we started, it was just us and our dog. But by the time we had drywall up, we were expecting twins. So we wanted to keep the spaces as open and fluid as possible, which really guided the design as the project progressed. Rather than following the more expected path of a traditional restoration, though, I embraced a pared-down, edited, and fluid approach, exercising more deconstruction and restraint. This was inspired in part by the history and character of the house itself.
I really wanted to maintain the original envelope but create a sense of lightness as you moved from old to new. This meant balancing new items, such as the sleek white-lacquer cabinetry, with the original heart pine flooring and exposed beams.
Did you take on this project yourself, or did you have help?
I collaborated with architect Christian Zapatka throughout the process. As with any home in a historic district, we had to consider how we could make the design feel seamless within the context of the surrounding homes. We drew from renovations of row homes in Amsterdam and apartments in Paris to help us find that intentional balance between old and new.
Overall, the project quickly went from a light remodel to a full-fledged gut, and we ended up designing a new three-story addition in the back. I also wanted to bring in as much natural light as possible, which resulted in us adding the large steel-cased window at the back of the house. It spans two floors and anchors the floating stairway we designed into the kitchen.
How did you decide what to strip back and what to leave as is?
When my husband and I bought the house, the beams in the dining room were heavily coated in layers of paint. At first, stripping them down was a necessity so that we could repaint them. But once we saw them in their natural state, with only echoes of paint remaining, the whole room came back to life. This area also had a heavy chair rail and a small staircase in the southwest corner, which we removed to gain space on the floor above; that area’s now the primary bath. With these features removed, the beams really took center stage and floated on the plaster ceiling. The room is truly the heart of this house and has been the stage for all our family celebrations.
What was the biggest challenge you encountered along the way?
We initially wanted to knock down the wall in the foyer to create an open plan, but once the drywall was removed, it revealed an original double parlor door. We decided to preserve the brick and the opening instead, so a challenge became an opportunity. Now, when you walk through this space, you see the powder room nestled into what was once the back entrance in addition to the original weathered stone threshold.
How did you go about curating furniture and decor for your home?
It was an evolutionary process. At first, I was driven purely by utility and sought functional items that the twins could easily navigate. But these ended up overwhelming the space and felt too forced. Living in the house helped us figure out what would work best. Ultimately, my love of vintage and midcentury modern pieces drove the design and allowed the house to breathe.
I also wanted to bring in pieces that draw you in with curves and natural materials, as well as ones with history. The first item I found was the Matégot-inspired rosewood console in the dining room. It provides such a fun and unexpected contrast to the cabinet my mother gave me from India, which dates back to the British colonial era. And it proved to be a perfect object to tie the older part of the house into the new steel-cased windows. Pairing this with vintage glass paintings from Asia—which are also from my mother—and modern-day ceramics represents how we blended different eras in the house.
I also found an antique mirror (which actually came from another house in the neighborhood) at a shop down the street from us, and it now anchors the living room. When you sit at the end of the kitchen island, you can see all the way through to it, and it reflects the entire parlor floor. It’s perhaps one of my favorite spots as it reveals each design detail and pulls the house together.
For more info, visit azalikassum.com
