Welcome back to uncovering the joy of creating intentional space in our living areas.
Okay, let's get into this picture.
What do you see?
What colors capture your attention?
Take a moment, breathe, and focus on this picture.
What do you imagine this living area smells like?
What do you imagine playing in the background?
Who would be in this space with you?
Can you hear them?
What are you touching?
What would the couches feel like?
Enjoy a mindful moment.
I am not an interior decorator; my home is more about comfort than the latest styles.
However, I believe what is provided in my house will set the tone for how my family feels when we spend our time there.
In this Fall season, offering coziness in my home is essential. The fireplace is going, the candles are burning, the tree lights are plugged in, and throw blankets are on every couch. If you walk in, I hope you feel comfortable kicking your feet up and cozy enough to nap.
We all have a style we use to create the spaces in our homes. Mine is all about comfort. I want my daughter to care for our home and not feel like she is walking on eggshells. She deserves to play freely in her living space.
What is your living style?
Understanding the Concept of Intentional Space
How do you feel when you walk into your living area today? Intentionally creating joy in our living spaces goes beyond mere decoration; it’s about crafting feelings that resonate with us.
An intentional space encourages mindfulness and sparks joy every time you enter.
It can be in your home, garden, or workspace—all the places where you are currently doing life. Looking at my desk at work, you will see I have the word "Serenity" everywhere. I also have a picture of my family and a coloring page that I colored that says, "Bloom Kindness." I want to be surrounded by things that bring light to my day.
Another example is considering how your living room can transform into a sanctuary. Interior decorators often state that using a neutral color palette allows the shadows from the sun to create their unique colors in a room. They encourage us to use colors that inspire us, like soft greens or warm beiges, and then incorporate a cozy armchair where we can relax with a book. These types of additions are said to encourage peace and reflection, reflecting your emotions and aspirations.
I've learned a lot as I researched living spaces and added joy. There are so many touches that we can add to our space to create a specific mood in our home. I encourage you to research some minor additions that can elevate your mood in your home.
Decluttering: The Foundation of Creating Joyful Living Spaces
My husband and I have been in a decluttering frenzy this Fall season. We have given away bags and bags of items, and each time we do, we can tell the difference in how it changes the dynamics of our home. We still have so much to go, and we will not be in a rush as long as we work towards the goal.
How do we acquire so much stuff? Decluttering is one of the most powerful tools for creating joyful living spaces.
A cluttered environment can weigh on your mind and spirit, while a clean and organized space can feel liberating.
As you begin to remove unwanted items, use the one-year rule: if you haven't used or loved something in the past year, consider letting it go.
Research shows that reducing clutter can lead to a 30% increase in feelings of happiness.
For instance, after decluttering, many people report improvements in their focus and mental clarity, allowing joy to flow more freely.
Note: These are only suggestions that I've found helpful. As stated, I am not an interior decorator, but I believe that how we decorate our homes also encourages excellent mental wellness. I want us all to intentionally create spaces that we love to live in, work in, and be in this season. Stay tuned for part 3!
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