When we think of 'home', it looks different to everyone. It may be a person, or people, a childhood house, a family home, the place you live now...it could even be a temporary rental or hotel room where you sleep while you're on-the-go.
Generally, home becomes a safe space where we feel free to be ourselves and do as we wish, without judgement or unwanted eyes. It signifies stability, consistency and a haven where we can relax, decompress and recalibrate as we take a break from the outside world.
When someone finds it hard to create that space which feels safe, comfortable and 'homey' they miss out on a vital component to their health and well-being. To restore, de-stress, recuperate and heal we need ‘home’.
This post will outline some of the possible elements one could include to create the physical design and atmosphere desired for a ‘home’ to use as inspiration in your own.
Firstly, there needs to be an element of familiarity. Pictures from the past, cushions or blankets that you've had for a long time, books, smells that take you back, nick nacks that you've picked up in markets and trigger good memories, favourite foods in the kitchen, your perfect mug for tea etc. These personal things that you’ve seen repeatedly over the years represent stability.
To make it feel safe, include textures, colours and accessories that soothe and induce relaxation. Use throws that you can use to cover yourself if you are cold or unwell, cushions to make you comfortable and cosy. Wall art surrounds you with visuals you love or are inspired by, which can make your space feel extra pleasant to be in and induce creativity.
Create nooks within nooks for different activities such as reading, working, sleeping or entertaining, and keep it in a condition in which you would be proud to invite friends or family members to if they also help to make it homey. Using natural elements such as organic fibres and plants encourages grounding, a sense of peace, connection and can help to beat stress and boost mood. It is also shown that having live plants in your home can help to eliminate air pollutants, therefore making them a healthy addition.
Lighting is important for creating atmosphere and ambience, winding down or waking up for the day. The level at which lights are positioned, the area of illumination they light up and the brightness of this light all helps to maintain or disturb calm. Be aware of what your space is used for and then light accordingly. Natural light is vital for our health and well-being, but some of us live in properties without much of it. If you don’t have access to natural sunlight, pay extra attention to the way you illuminate your space and if you do have access to it, maximise and let it flow in as much as possible. Candles are also effective to create a desired mood, and give off smells which help to relax.
By paying attention to the way your home makes you feel, what is lacking and what would make it even more conducive to feeling good, you gain clues to improve it.
Investing in your home space benefits your health, mood, well-being and often wallet because you are less inclined to spend so much time in restaurants or out and about during free time.
Make your home your sanctuary and watch how your health, well-being and stress levels improve as a result! ♥
If this topic is something you’d like to find out more about, I would also suggest reading the Hygge books by Meik Wiking who has spent his life researching the effects of our home space on our happiness.