Well hello, lovely readers, still safe and well and enjoying chilling into this new way of working and living? My idea of doing so is to kick a few work goals at one end of the house during the day, take a brisk walk then settle in with a good book, Netflix marathon or playlist at the other end in the eve. That said, the environment in which I relax needs to soothe my soul, and I’m regularly seeking enhancements for making it just so. But is my home soothing my soul as well as it could be right now? Well almost.
We all know that a house that feels like a home is good for health and wellbeing and creating a haven where we can rest, rejuvenate and reconnect with our selves is particularly relevant during these times. According to Grace, a design researcher, surrounding yourself with the things that you love and bring joy – be it patterns, colours, objects, fragrance or sound – nourishes your senses and improves your overall wellbeing. Elena, an interior designer and sustainability and wellbeing expert, reinforces – ‘our space directly impacts wellbeing, and design choices affect quality of comfort on three levels: cognitive, physical and emotional’. ‘For example, logical thinking and detail-orientated processes require lower ceilings, enclosed spaces and sharp edges, while creativity and inspiration need higher ceilings and curved shapes’.
Well, I might not be able to restructure my ceilings to create a cosy ‘cubby’ for my work, but there are several things I CAN do to enhance my wellbeing. Trawling the latest Breathe, a magazine that focuses on wellbeing, mindfulness, creativity and escaping, I came across a great little selection of ideas, sure to thrill the senses and soothe the soul. As we gently ease into the Autumn months of self-imposed exile, why not try a few, all sustainable and affordable. Let me share them with you:
Refresh bedding
My bedroom is my haven so I’ll be bringing out the feathers – 90% down, light as air yet ever so cosy – and swapping out the crisp white doona cover with something more lux. Why not choose a warm colour such as burnt orange or magenta, and layer with a luxurious throw, add a couple of good reads and a candle or two on the bedside table for good measure?
Adjust home fragrances
Speaking of candles, I love a good scented one and, by simply taking the lid off my gorgeous Jo Malone ‘Peony and Blush’ candle, the one that matches my fragrance, my bedroom quickly fills with sensory delight. If you love candles too, now’s the time to bring in the warming scents like vanilla, cinnamon, toffee and amber. A bunch of richly scented flowers while on the supermarket run is a perfect alternative.
Declutter
How quickly do cupboards and drawers fill huh? I’m planning on organising my linen, kitchen and bathroom cupboards. In this era of living in lifestyle gear, aka gym pants, I’m also a little ashamed of the volume of clothing bursting from my wardrobe. In preparation for post-apocalypse, I’ll be ruthless and pare back to just the items that make me feel fabulous, confident and put together (provided the stuff still fits!). Why not get the whole fam involved by having them do the same in their respective domains?
Swap out the accessories
Like the bedroom, I’ll be bringing the snuggly winter cushions and matching throw out of 
storage to add a little more texture. Having just purchased lamp globes that can be modified using smart technology, I’ll soften the bulbs to a more sultry tone as well. Luxurious textures, such as faux fur, velvet or wool with thicker weaves, a throw to snuggle into during those movie marathons, a small batch of (battery-powered) flickering candles and a scented real one and there you go.
Create a feature wall
Last year, I painted my office wall a deep rich tone, added a few prints, a pile of books, a plant and a couple of treasured ornaments that evoke fond memories when I view them. Why not choose a wall or small room to repaint and create a cosy atmosphere; colours from the yellow family can add brightness and happiness when opening up dark areas while purple hues can create a luxe calming effect.
Upcycle furniture
Sustainability right? Why not give a piece of tired-looking furniture a new lease on life by painting it a happy colour – if that’s not your thing, it will make for an excellent little task for family members who love to get their hands dirty.
I’m sure you have many more ideas to share, please, please do so, meanwhile, enjoy! Oh, and here’s a link to a recent post discussing Hygge – Let’s Hygge where the Danish do exactly what we are discussing here beautifully!
Stay safe lovely peoples x
