Most of us have probably had the experience of visiting a family member or friend and feeling totally at home in their space. There is a sense of being grounded and a sense that they really care about their living environment. It isn’t about the size of the place or the ways that they decorate, it’s much more than that. It’s an atmosphere that they have created that feels safe enough to completely relax into.

That is exactly the kind of place I wanted to live and I knew that part of my work was going to be unpacking all the boxes, investing in some furniture and taking my art out of shipping tubes and getting it framed for the walls. Making the time to set up my home in a way that supports my lifestyle has done wonders for me. For the first time in years I feel grounded in my home and love spending time there. An added bonus is that my clients and friends love my home too. It feels amazing to be excited to come home to such a lovely space.

Here are five simple steps you can take to create a space that you love:

1. Keep it simple. It’s easy to think that we need to have a lot of stuff to have a comfortable home. After months of traveling, living out of suitcases and cars I know this is not true. It really is quality over quantity in this case. One of my meditation teachers would talk about keeping a clean and tidy space as a way to keep a clear mind and heart. Get rid of extra junk you don’t need and see how you can create more with less. I bet you will be surprised.

2. Buy meaningful art. I wish I had started collecting art sooner than I did. It doesn’t have to be the most expensive painting or poster. It is important to surround ourselves with images that inspire us, that remind us of who we are. Don’t wait until you have ‘x’ amount of dollars in the bank to buy art. Check out local craft fairs, yard sales and the like. The images pictured above are by an LA artist, Eve Fowler. Every time I see them I smile.

3. Invite people over. I tend to be a private person when it comes to my living space. I’ve never been one to have lots of parties or have friends over that often. Bringing loved ones into my home has made a big difference in the energy of the space. Showing someone how you live can be an intimate activity. For those of us that work from home it is essential to invite people over from time to time. Sharing our space can make us appreciate it even more.

4. Use your kitchen. I know how busy we get. Setting aside time to create meals in our kitchens in vital to connecting with our spaces. We can’t truly love our home unless we feel like we are part of it. Cooking is one of the most direct ways to make that happen. And if you’re feeling extra adventurous, cook a meal and invite some folks over to help you eat it ;)

5. Make it a sanctuary. We all deal with stress in some form or another. Making your home as peaceful and relaxing as possible will help reduce the stress in your life. What steps can you take to make your home a refuge from chaos and worry?

xoa