Life has a way of throwing unexpected challenges our way, testing our resilience and pushing us to our limits. Finding comfort, stability, and joy in my home has been an anchor in the storm.
Despite multiple types of arthritis and several difficult circumstances over the past twenty years, my home has been my respite.
In this week’s Joy of Nesting, I want to convey importance of cultivating a home that nurtures your well-being.
When you create a home with beauty and meaning your home will be a safe haven for you too. And you’ll love what you have and derive so much pleasure being there.
Over the past twenty years, as I navigated multiple challenges, my home gave me the strength and stability to persevere, drawing energy from the familiar surroundings.
The garden views, wood floors, and ample windows in my home create a environment surrounded by nature. The spectacular views provide a daily dose of inspiration.
Surrounding yourself with elements that reflect your personal tastes, and many life experiences will make your home a reflection of who you are.
Creating a beautiful space is an art that goes beyond mere aesthetics; it’s about infusing your personality. You can do this by pairing things you already have with new, well-chosen pieces that enhance them.
For me, the process began with selecting pieces that hold meaning and tell a story in my life. Each item in my home, from the new sofa and etagere bookcases to the family antiques to the custom fabric treatments, combines to create a personal mix of old and new.
The beauty of your home can be further optimized and enhanced by its layout and choices of flooring and window coverings.
Though I’ve collected a lot of furniture over the years, I’ve prioritized a layout that allows a lot of open space and natural light. The gardens outside frame the stunning mountain views and my little town below but also bring a sense of tranquility and a connection to nature. The latter is vital to your well-being.
Another crucial aspect of creating a beautiful space is ensuring that it evolves with your needs.
By incorporating versatile pieces and timeless designs, your living spaces will stay fresh and relevant. I like to refresh my accessories every ten years or so. But the fabrics on my armchairs, accent chairs, pillows and dining room and end chairs were done in 2000, and they still look incredibly beautiful and timeless!
This kind of timeless style allows you to make small changes over time that will keep your home feeling fresh and up to date.
Beautiful views and natural elements bring a sense of tranquility and connection to nature, transforming your living space into a healing retreat.
In my home, large windows take up a good portion of wall space in every room. They frame the gardens and create a feeling of being outside which is crucial for mild t depression.
Having this kind of connection to the natural world provides a calming backdrop to daily life, reducing stress and fostering a sense of peace.
Natural elements, such as wood floors, baskets and greenery, play a significant role in enhancing the emotional appeal of a home. The warmth of natural fibers grounds your spaces and provides comfort and even healing.
Incorporating plants not only enhances the beauty of a room but also improves air quality and brings a touch of life indoors.
Natural light through well-placed windows, plants, baskets and soft fabrics elevates the mood, boosts energy levels, and creates a vibrant and dynamic living space.
Designing for accessibility will give you a home that meets your physical and emotional needs. For someone like me, living with arthritis and the loss of a beloved spouse, a well-designed home can be a crucial element of healing and daily functioning.
Comfort begins with the colors you find appealing and the ‘one, best’ furniture layout for each room’s unique configurations and the furniture you currently have.
Accessibility is another key aspect of a supportive home. Incorporating elements like wide doorways and hallways, beautiful, sufficient lighting, and ensuring open spaces throughout your home.
These adjustments, though small, can have a profound impact on your lifestyle, especially for someone managing arthritis or any kind of physical challenges.
Beyond physical adaptations, a home designed for emotional support can provide immense comfort during challenging times.
After the loss of my husband, my home became and continues to be a vital source of joy and stability. Incorporating personal elements, such as mementos from our travels and antiques from his family and mine, create a sense of continuity and connection.
Spaces filled with natural light, greenery, and calming colors elevates your mood and promotes mental health. Creating cozy nooks for relaxation, reading, or meditation provides little spots for self-care. Therefore, a well-designed home, attuned to both physical and emotional needs, becomes a powerful ally in navigating life’s challenges.
Downsizing is not merely about moving to a smaller home; it’s about making deliberate choices to create a space that supports your values and lifestyle.
It’s also an opportunity to prioritize items that hold sentimental value. The process of downsizing also brings benefits beyond your finances. With fewer rooms to maintain and more compact spaces, you’ll have more time and energy to enjoy hobbies like gardening on a smaller scale.
Smaller homes can provide a more intimate connection to your surroundings that’s hard to get in a larger home.
A well-loved home radiates a unique energy that transcends its physical structure.
Spaces imbued with warmth, memories and personal touches are hugely comforting for someone who has faced significant challenges.
A home filled with cherished items and thoughtful design becomes a powerful source of strength and resilience. The simple joy of being surrounded by beauty and familiarity can uplift your spirits and inspire a renewed sense of hope and optimism.
A well-loved home extends to its ability to nurture and sustain meaningful connections. It becomes a place where friends and family gather, creating new memories and deepening bonds.
A warm, inviting home can encourage laughter, conversation, and moments of togetherness.
To get started on a home where you feel healthy, happy and connected grab my complimentary design and wellness download. The Wellness Home, 5 Steps to a Beautiful, Restful Home for Women Who Value their Health and Wellness!
It’s the prettiest little book. It’s a quick read with super easy design solutions that help you lead a beautiful, healthier lifestyle at home. Plus, you’ll get my 3-to-5 Things Framework that gives you step by step actions to get started and stay on track.
That’s it for today. Thank you for stopping by!
Shiree’
And if you’d like to dive deeper into this topic, check out my blog post, “Hiring an Interior Designer”.