A love of interior decoration has followed me throughout my life. The younger version of myself spent afternoons helping my mom re-decorate our home or sometimes I surprised her by re-arranging the living room and television room, and most often, my bedroom. Furniture moved from one wall to another. Pillows shifted. New colors appeared and pictures I found in the basement made their way on the walls. My bedroom changed like the four seasons of New England. Rearranging a space brought me comfort long before I understood the connection between home decor and emotional wellness.
A home carries the energy we live within each day. A room can soothe the mind or stir restlessness. A gentle set of new sheets or comforter can create ease. A flower or plant can offer a type of bliss that centers the mind. An open window can freshen a soul while welcoming the sun. My approach to decorating always begins with wellness coupled with inspiration from my late grandmother. When looking into a room, a question guides my process; how does this room support the way the heart and mind need to feel?
The placement of furniture greatly influences flow and balance. A room needs pathways that feel open and natural. A sofa angled toward the light. A chair that encourages rest. A table that invites conversation. A home should be a sacred place where people breathe more easily and settle into themselves, a place to let the outside noise disappear.
Just as the placement of furniture can impact the tone of a room, colors can also create a shift. A soft cream welcomes warmth and openness while a muted blue offers steadiness and the aura of the sea. Darker shades offer a sense of grounding and quiet strength as seen in Ralph Lauren. The colors we pick are never accidental for they mirror our feelings and what we are striving for.
Some of the biggest elements in home decor are the small details. A vase of flowers can lift the spirit bringing the earth inside. A piece of art or family photos can support emotional grounding and support. The aroma of a candle can create serenity, and a neatly arranged shelf or closet may help reduce our stress. If you are like me, a messy closet does not bode well for my overall health. A flash of stress or anxiety appears when I see items disorganized. Our choices in decoration (and organization) influences our mind and body response system, a truly unique aspect of the home landscape and the human spirit.
No matter your budget, every home deserves intention. A room can offer comfort. A room can energize. A room can provide restoration. Interior decoration becomes a wellness practice when each choice honors both function and feeling. A calm space can encourage a relaxed mind. When we create rooms and spaces that reflect our inner needs, we create a sanctuary that supports us through the rollercoaster of daily life.
So, next time you want to organize a closet or change up the interior landscape of your home, do it with gusto knowing your wellness will thank you. Tiny tip: look in your basement or garage for old pieces (vases, pictures, vintage dishes or a table). Those old pieces often become the refreshing sources a soul and a home need.
Mindfully curated by Deb Gudema for Well&Co.
📸: Gray Malin Studios