If we could summarise 2025 in one statement, it would probably be the year of “growth, gratitude and – at times – just getting through it!” As we gear up for our eighth Christmas at Wells & Maguire, we thought we’d allow ourselves the opportunity to look back on the year and reflect on the lessons it’s taught us – good and bad.
The overarching feeling is one of huge gratitude, to be honest. We feel so lucky to work with such lovely clients year-round and we’ve fully embraced the help of an extended team of freelancers and designers who we absolutely love working with (photographers, interior architects and social media managers, to name a few). For the sake of this blog, though, if we had to get specific, here are our key takeaways…
1) SAY YES TO THE PROJECTS THAT SCARE YOU (in a good way!)
Not only have we completed eight projects this year, with four underway at present and multiple lined up for 2026, but 2025 also saw us say “yes” to our largest project to date: a huge development in Guildford consisting of over 400 apartments and residential amenities including a cinema, coffee/working area and gymnasium.
Gulp.
Even though it has the potential to sound quite intimidating on paper, deep down we knew in our gut that we could do it, and we’re so grateful we listened because it’s challenged us in the best way. Whilst the development is currently in build stages, we’ve completed the base build and design intent and are itching to get going on the next stage.
2) FACTOR IN TIME FOR INSPIRATION
If you read our blog back in January, you might remember that some tiles Emily saw on her honeymoon in Mauritius went on to inspire our choice of tiles in the master bathroom of our Surrey project. It’s for this reason that we always try to stay creatively fulfilled and seek out inspiration wherever we go (plus any excuse to travel more is a good one in our opinion!).
This year, that’s meant attending multiple industry events such as Decorex and HIX – the perfect chance to meet fellow creatives, get inspired by new designs and stay on top of industry trends.
We’ve also staged four photoshoots for newly completed projects (you can read what goes on behind the scenes of our photoshoots with photographer Paul Craig here), which inspire us later down the line when we revisit previous work.
3) RESPECT YOUR LIMITS
Anyone who runs their own business will know how challenging it is to stay focused and productive when life throws you a curveball or five… and this year has certainly thrown a few our way.
From a purely work perspective, there have been project delays that tested our patience, the ongoing battle to achieve that oh-so-elusive work–life balance (we’re working on it..!), and the disappointment of pricing projects that ultimately don’t go ahead. But behind the scenes, we’ve also navigated some really difficult patches in our personal lives, which have – if we’re being really honest – felt overwhelming at times.
It’s for these reasons that 2025 has taught us to be kinder to ourselves, to acknowledge that setbacks are part of the journey, and to lean on others when we need support. We all have limits, and we owe it to ourselves to respect them.
4) REFLECTION JARS ARE ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA
Back in January, we purchased a big jar with the intention of jotting down every “little win” we had throughout the year (because it’s so easy to overlook them when you run your own business!), and we’re absolutely chuffed to say that not only have we stuck to it, but we’ve saved them all up and will be delving in to read them on our last working day of the year!
The fact that we can’t remember some of the ones we wrote down a few months ago only proves why it’s so important to write these things down. We already know it’s going to become an annual tradition at Wells & Maguire.
And finally…
5) NEVER FEEL GUILTY FOR TAKING TIME OFF OVER CHRISTMAS
Back in the early days of Wells & Maguire, the idea of taking two whole weeks off for Christmas felt reckless somehow. Would we miss out on work? Were we letting other people – or our business – down? Nowadays, we have absolutely zero qualms about switching off. Not only do the vast majority of our suppliers and contractors also close for the holidays (so trying to work would be redundant), but we no longer feel the need to justify rest.
That said, a little fun fact for you: Christmas Day is probably the one and only day in the year when the two of us don’t speak about work..! Potentially something we need to work on next year!?
Regardless, we chose an alternative “Christmas party” this year and booked ourselves into a spa to celebrate. Why? Because office Christmas parties aren’t quite as wild when there’s only two of you (!) and we wanted to pamper ourselves before our photoshoot with the wonderful Sophie Collins (who took these pictures!).
FINAL THOUGHTS…
Ultimately, every year brings new lessons, new challenges and new reasons to feel proud of what we do – and 2025 is up there with our busiest and most rewarding yet. With that in mind, as we head into the festive period, we want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s been part of our journey this year.
From both of us here at Wells & Maguire, we wish you and your family a wonderful Christmas and a happy, healthy New Year.
Emily & Danielle
