Creating Space

It used to be that our homes were spaces for the in-betweens and afters of life: stopping by in between errands and social engagements, finally collapsing onto the couch after work or travel. These days, however, we spend more time than ever within the walls of our living spaces, making it imperative to see ourselves reflected back at us as we live and work. Now, more than ever, it’s important to create space for ourselves, to create home for ourselves. 

Home provides us with security, identity, and comfort. Home provides space to center ourselves, and functions as a sanctuary for reflection, growth, and rest. Of course, creating sanctuary doesn’t happen in one trip to a home decor store. It takes time, consideration, and a little bit of trial + error. Keep reading for our best advice on creating space and cultivating comfort in your home!

1. Don’t rush! A carefully considered home requires careful consideration, and that means taking your time to find a vibe that’s right for you, and the right pieces to fit that vibe in a way that is uniquely you.
2. Gather inspiration and learn your keywords. Think about the spaces you love and feel comfort in, and consider what it is about those spaces that makes you feel peace. Utilize a site like Pinterest to search for and gather inspiration, visit home decor stores, and flip through interior design books and magazines. Bookmark the looks and pieces that speak to you, and highlight the keywords that accompany them.
3. Get in the mood. Create a moodboard! You can use Pinterest or get old school with scissors and glue. Any way you do it, just be sure to get a cohesive idea of the mood and vibe you’re searching for in your space. Use it to define your color palette and identify textures and shapes that you’re drawn to.
4. Be realistic! Think about your lifestyle. Minimalism may speak to you,  but if you have a household of children or pets, consider how realistic it is to maintain a clean, minimalist aesthetic. Think of ways you can make your vision work for you in reality.
5. Experiment. Life is about trial + error, after all. Be willing to go out on a limb to try something new, and be patient with yourself and your space if it doesn’t work out in the way you’d like. It’s all about the process!

British textile designer William Morris said it best:

“If you want a golden rule that will fit everything, this is it: Have nothing in your houses that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.”