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Healing Spaces Project

LIFTING LETHARGY - HOW YOUR HOME CAN SUPPORT MORE ENERGY AND ENTHUSIASM

As the natural environment plays a big part in the way you feel, so does your interior.

You know those warm sunny days were you are feeling good and ready to take on the world, or those cold, still, cloudy days that have you a bit more inclined to take it slow.

Your interior environment can help to simulate these experiences.

In biophilic design this is called biomimicry.


I'm not saying we should ignore what the weather is doing and not honour our natural rhythms (especially relative to the seasons), but if your home is communicating a lethargic energy, there are ways to utilise our response to the weather in your own home, to instead help you feel inspired, energised and supported.



SUNSHINE

Make it a part of your morning routine to open the curtains and blinds as soon as you get up.

Let as much light in as possible by ensuring your curtain tracks are long enough to pull the curtains right back or get tie backs.

If you are planning a build or large refurbishment consider skylights in dark areas or areas that require high light like the kitchen.

Exposing yourself to the sunrise helps with your circadian rhythms which ensures more energy in the day and better sleep at night. Using bulbs with less or no blue light at night, helps with this too as blue light is similar to daylight.



Image from my client


CONTRAST

On bright sunny days, our surroundings are high in contrast from the combination of the bright sun and shadow blocking it.

It has been very fashionable to have these very light, very white interiors for a calming home and while this is true, it can also be a little sedative. Bringing in contrast to your interior, like feature dark cabinets in a white kitchen or dark sofa in a light room for example will imitate a bright sunny day via contrast which helps with our energy levels.





COLOUR

I have read much about colour therapy. Many books. Colour therapy is relative but it is also unique to the individual. It is also worth noting that colours can be clean or complex and undertones also come into play.

That being said, there are universal truths to colour. The sky is blue, the ocean is blue, plants are mostly green etc. Use colour both relative to nature and what is true to yourself to ignite the emotion desired.

Purple for example is connected to royalty, wisdom and spirituality, in nature it is fleeting in flowers or sunrise/sunsets. This makes purple an incredible accent colour, perfect for a study nook, soft furnishings, a velvet bench seat in a walk in closet. Oh see now I just get excited - but thats just it right, excited! Your home should feel like an expression, a work of art a backdrop to you living this incredible life.

Don't be afraid of colour, use it to your advantage.



Image from Pinterest


LIGHTING VARIATION

Much like the first section about sunlight, lighting variation creates interest and sparks a more energetic response. Some varying light sources in nature either come in the form of reflected sunlight, things that glow and a fire.

Varying light sources in the home can come in similar ways.

One very popular way to achieve this is metallic accents via furniture feet, homewares or lampshade. Metallic surfaces reflect natural light and will energise the space lifting its texture and matt finishes as well.

Adding lighting variation such as a vanity light also lifts the space visually and amplifies texture via shadow, also lighting up your face so you can see what you are doing!



Image from my client



Another option I wanted to add but thought it actually deserved its own blog post was exercising at home and creating a designated space. So look out for that one another day!


We are, contrary to a lot of narrative that we hear, very much part of nature. By connecting with the truths of our natural environments, we can create interior environments which are beneficial to our mental, physical and spiritual not just well-being, but ability and right to thrive.


Have a beautiful day, designing your life x


Lauren Shiels.










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