In the hustle and bustle of modern life, it's easy to lose sight of what truly matters: our sense of self and inner peace. Amidst the chaos, our homes stand as sanctuaries where we can retreat, recharge, and reestablish awareness of our authentic selves. At Bella Bohemian, we believe that the key to creating a haven lies not just in aesthetic appeal, but in aligning our living spaces with our deepest values, desires and aspirations.
A house should represent the heart, the kernel, the bedrock of our values—whatever brings us back to our cores.
~ Nathan Williams (see below)
Discovering Your Inner Sanctuary
Your home is an extension of who you are, a reflection of your unique personality, choices and experiences and the inspiration for what is to come. As you embark on a journey of self-discovery, consider the following steps to uncover the essence of your inner sanctuary:
- Reflect on Your Values: Take a moment to reflect on what truly matters to you in life. What do you cherish and hold dear? What brings you joy and fulfillment? By understanding your core being, you can begin to shape your home environment in alignment with your authentic self.
- Explore Your Personal Style: Visualize the colors, textures, and design aesthetics that you naturally gravitate towards. Are these earthy tones and natural materials? Or are you drawn to vibrant hues and eclectic patterns? Your personal style should be a reflection of your personality and tastes.
- Identify Your Needs: Picture how you use each space in your home and what you need to feel comfortable and supported. Are you looking for a cozy reading nook where you can unwind after a long day? Or perhaps a spacious kitchen where you can indulge your culinary passions? Designing with intention means considering both aesthetics and functionality. Think simple: all of these points, while requiring words to describe, are intuitive, hence flow naturally. You’ll naturally gravitate towards certain things …
- Embrace Imperfection: Embrace the beauty and harmony of imperfection and the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi (侘び寂び). Imperfections add character and depth to your home, reminding you to embrace the ebb and flow of life's journey.
Apropos Authentic Self
“I spent all of my life identifying with the peel. I spent zero time thinking about the fruit, and I realized …” ~ Jewel
The purpose of tranquility at home is to know yourself.
Create Your Personal Oasis
Once you've taken some time out to once again ground yourself which simply means to shift awareness from without to within so that the substance of what matters most comes back into focus and serves as your center. Now you are, from a place of inner tranquility, clarity and gratitude, ready to engage with the environment in a way that truly reflects who you are. In this case, transform your living spaces into personal oases that nurture your soul.
Tips for Your Path:
- Biophilic Design: Bring the beauty of nature indoors with biophilic design principles. Integrate natural materials such as wood, stone, bamboo, water, … into your home décor, and introduce greenery through houseplants and indoor gardens. Nature-inspired elements can help create a sense of tranquility and connection with the natural world. And that, my friends, lead right into Biomimetic Architecture: .. innovations inspired by nature as one which studies nature and then imitates or takes inspiration from its designs and processes to solve human problems …
- Awareness Inspired Design: Visualize what elements would enhance your experience in the living room versus bedroom versus kitchen, exercise and reading room, children’s room(s) … The right lighting, akin to sunlight in this case, will help you be your most productive, luxurious cushions and incense will add comfort and relaxation to your meditation space, pastel colors and natural scenes and animals may make a child’s room more fun, …
- Personalized Touches: Infuse your home with artifacts and ethnic décor from your travels that tell your story and reflect your unique journey. Display cherished mementos, family heirlooms, and most definitely photos that evoke fond memories and ignite your spirit of adventure as well as spark conversation.
- Sensory Experiences: Tantalize all five senses in your home by creating a multi-dimensional experience that uplifts the spirit. Experiment with soothing scents, soft textures, calming sounds, and ambient lighting to enhance the sensory appeal of your living spaces.
Resources for Your Journey
As you embark on your journey of self-discovery through home décor, we invite you to explore the following resources for inspiration and support:
- The Life-Changing Magic of Tidying Up by Marie Kondo - A transformative guide to de-cluttering and organizing your home in alignment with your values and goals.
- The Kinfolk Home: Interiors for Slow Living by Nathan Williams - A beautifully curated collection of homes that celebrate simplicity, authenticity, and mindful living.
- The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle - A profound exploration of the present moment and the transformative power of mindfulness in daily life.
- Bella Bohemian Journal - Dive deeper into the world of rustic home décor, personalization, and well-being with our curated collection of articles, tips, and inspiration.
Embrace the journey of self-discovery through home décor, and let your living spaces become a reflection of your true essence. With awareness, intention, and a touch of creativity, you can create a home that not only delights the senses but also nourishes the soul.
PS: To us, home décor, includes furniture —the only distinction is function.
