Designing a Nourishing Home: 3 Key Elements for Your Sanctuary
Hello Beautiful Souls!
Designing a comfortable home that nourishes your soul involves paying attention to both the physical aspects of your living space and the emotional and psychological elements that make it a sanctuary of comfort and well-being.
I have been in a redecorating mood as I prepare for my new beginnings and have been decluttering this fall season. I gave away bags of clothing to families and charities who needed them and have been using Marie Condo’s “spark joy” principles of letting go of all things that don’t apply, it’s been great.
As a designer, we are trained to have form and function at the forefront of every design project. I'm always guided by essential principles like balance, proportion, unity, and more. But how can these design principles be integrated into daily life to create a home that evolves with the changing seasons of our lives?
Well, as we first move into our homes, we feel excited by the new and make such a huge effort in creating it, but as time goes by, we tend to get stuck in our ways and find the energy gets stagnant as we don’t realize that our homes are a living entity as well and needs change. Just as the season changes, so does our environment which also needs these seasonal upgrades.
I want to feel joyful in my space when I get home, and being that I also have a home office, it’s more important than ever to keep that initial spark of creativity in my home as well. I’ve already talked about creating your spaces so that they reflect all your goals you would like to achieve, now let’s talk about 3 key principles for a nourishing home.
I like to have my home magnify my soul’s renewal and restoration of my inner self as I maneuver through the world. I believe it should reflect your inner personality and values. If having a family is the most important things for you, then magnify this. If being creative and engaging in those tasks, then showcase more of that. It is a very personal process, and it can also be an uplifting and inspiring experience.
SO LET’ S GET CREATIVE!
Let's explore three key principles to design a sustainable and nourishing home that truly reflects your essence:
Designing to cater to your needs - Use emphasis to draw attention to elements that make you feel joyful and empowered. This can include vibrant artwork, elegant furnishings, or even personal mementos with emotional significance.
Thoughtful Touches - Unify your home by using decor, artwork, or textiles that have personal meaning. This not only adds a sense of harmony but also makes your space feel uniquely yours.
Functional Harmony - Functionality should always be at the forefront of interior design and your home. Prioritize your needs and daily activities in each room, optimizing comfort, efficiency, and ease of use. A well-designed space not only looks good but functions seamlessly to enhance your quality of life.
The key word here is “nourishing”, what feeds your soul? What would you like to be doing more of that creates a sense of joy in your daily practices? It all is up to you, what is joy for one person may not be for another.
For me, I have several spaces dedicated to my music, my visual art projects, and my writing work. I use elements that inspires, like flowers, colors that I personally love, candles and crystals, pictures that make me happy and uplift me, and thoughtful touches of travel experiences and fond memories.
I absolutely love photographs, as I studied this in college, so I have beautiful art prints and photography near my creative spaces. I love floral and nature art, so that is also in my space. I have a beautiful, sculptured lamp of a dancer as this is important to me.
The possibilities are endless—your home is your canvas.
But, it's not just about creating a nourishing home for yourself; it's also about creating a sustainable one. To make your space environmentally friendly, consider the following three key principles:
Here are 3 Key Principles for Nourishing your Home:
Energy Efficiency: Improving energy efficiency is a crucial aspect of sustainable living. This includes using energy-efficient appliances, well-insulated windows and walls, and renewable energy sources like solar panels. By reducing energy consumption and reliance on non-renewable energy, you not only lower your environmental impact but also save on utility bills.
Resource Conservation: Resource conservation involves using materials and resources more sustainably. This includes choosing eco-friendly and recycled materials for building and furnishing your home, reducing water consumption through water-efficient fixtures, and adopting practices like rainwater harvesting and composting to reduce waste.
Indoor Environmental Quality: Creating a nourishing home involves focusing on indoor environmental quality. This means using low-VOC paints and finishes, incorporating indoor plants for improved air quality, and designing your space to maximize natural light and ventilation. A healthier indoor environment contributes to your overall well-being.
These principles serve as a foundation for interior designers to create balanced, visually pleasing, and functional spaces. However, it's essential to note that creativity and personal style also play a significant role in interior design, and these principles can be adapted and interpreted in various ways to suit the unique needs and preferences your personal style.
I hope these helpful ideas and tips help you create your nourishing and uplifting home that spark joy in everything you do.
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(Photos by Canva)