Changes in space help changing perspectives in life

The world consists of a vast variety of people with different perceptions about taste, style, believes and values. An army of style gurus trumpet the tune and many are intimidating in a variety of ways, leave them to themselves. What often is presented as the holy grail of style and good taste is their perception of ‘truth’ and not to be taken as superior in any way. Instead, let’s explore how to live without the interference of a third parties’ opinion on what it means to live well.

We live in a world too often dictating how we should live, breathe, work, vote, love and die. Question is, is that something one is willing to sign up to and if so, does it serve us? Is what we choose adding value to our everyday experience? What are the reasons for our choices and when choosing, are we true to ourselves? Are our choices reflecting who we are and in synergy with our believes and values, or are we looking to first and foremost be recognised by peers and family, seeking their approval? Before making a decision, my recommendation is to step away, don’t let the cobwebs of the mind take over, instead follow the heart. True uplifting choices are always triggering the heart if right, which is the one and only organ indicating happiness and that is what we should seek, but in the wilderness of a million options, how does one know what one truly wants?

I’d say, as long as it makes you feel good, go for it. This applies to interiors as to all areas of life. It seems, people now more than ever truly question what they are doing and why, which is a start. Good to give oneself a chance to breathe on one’s own terms, defining and expressing ones’ values, a vital aspect supporting self-trust, strength and dignity.

For society as a whole, I wonder, will we be willing to ‘step out of line’ since the system at large doesn’t function, with politicians and institutions having failed over decades, over centuries. Instead, a new melody needs to tune, namely, ‘I want space in life’. Not so much physical space but emotional space, where the freedom of choice and movement is wider than the usual boxed in structure which humanity has endured forever by being told what to do and when. We can do this one by one through revaluing daily small choices and why we make them, every step adds up shaping our reality.

What does this have to do with our home or even office environment? I’d say a lot, because the home is the only place where we are reasonably able to express our preferences, so it all starts in the home. It’s going to be interesting to follow how our home environment will change from the traditional settings we have adapted for so long, to new innovative solutions. And will we be willing to take responsibility for our work environment? It is entirely up to the individual, no blaming any other, small steps go a long way.

Waste table by Piet Hein Eek

In times where wellbeing is at the forefront, a vast variety of ‘feel better’ modalities are available, each having their value depending on what fits the individual situation, but often they are elusive which is not helping to raise confidence easily. Each process needs time and time is a tricky factor. We are so used to living life by the click of a button, trained for instant gratification, but all true change has its process. Does time matter? It does if we believe certain stages in our life have to represent certain achievements and if not, self-doubt, self-criticism and a spiral of sabotaging thoughts and actions set in. So let things take time as long as focus on the matter at hand is clear and concise, perseverance brings results.

Want to make changes in life? Space is facilitating that brilliantly, it’s pragmatic, hands on, showing immediate results. Take space by the hand, it will well guide thought its maze, always revealing what it wants us to do; clear out, rearrange, paint, expressing what assistance it needs to be able to inspire at its best capacity. Every action presents a dynamic which has an impact on our senses and life at large. If we follow our instinct looking to pursue wellbeing, we are in a good place. Homes are easy to understand as they are tangible, they show exactly what works and what doesn’t. All we need to do is look and listen to the signals around us and if they are off, correct them.

Visualisation by Leila Salayeva

If someone (like I) say, neutral colours tone in tone supports an easy flow, ‘opening-up’ small spaces, but one doesn’t want neutrals, then choose colour that inspires, no matter what. Why not paint all walls bold and strong, play. Or choose not to have a sofa but instead invest in a great rug with a pile of cushions and a selection of fabulous candle holders to create atmosphere. We need much less than we think we do and if we give space room to breathe it lets us breathe and restart. In moments of stillness, we open up for new ideas to come alive, nurturing the best we can be. As Iris Apfel, the great style guru says: “style is about self-expression and above all attitude”. Attitude requires a state of mind, focus, willingness to be open by fearlessly moving on ones’ own terms. Attitude signals confidence and self-recognition, something space will support if we let space in to tell us what is needs to be at its best, so follow the dames advise.

Iris Apfel

No need to live life like expressed in furniture magazines or design stores and likewise we do not need to live our social life according to a norm, instead, let’s play, be bold, change, experiment. A good home is a place that makes us feel comfortable, protected, nurtured, which can be expressed in so many ways. Our personal environment and how we set the tone strongly influences our senses and an inspiring environment triggers confidence, influencing our everyday. There is no reason to ever not take action on any nagging issue coming our way, it will not sort itself being ignored but grow and interfere also in other areas of life. If anything in life is not going our way, a good start is always to reflect on our personal environment, from small ‘trivialities’ to more substantial matters, everything has an impact, even if we say, we don’t mind, our subconscious does. If what surrounds us does not give us a sense of support, it’s no good and either needs changing, cleaning, rearranging or getting rid of.

We have the power to empower ourselves which has nothing or very little to do with any monetary value, but simply care. Self-care is the first step to building strength and here space can assist well if we choose to support it. Why not experiment, add a splash of paint or invigorating wallpaper to make a room fly. It might trigger new viewpoints, inspire to walk new avenues in life.

Print Aurora Bor?stapeter

Besides colour, light in space is an important component to take into account when creating space to feel comfortable and comforting. The quality of light has a profound impact on our wellbeing, choose quality.

All in all, experimenting with more daring interior choices will support our individuality and personal strength and so support us by standing up for ourselves and that which makes us unique. It’s fun to experiment as it helps opening our senses for new aspects in life at large and the great thing with space is, it brings instant results, it is our mirror. It is only for the truly brave to look and see and change what doesn’t serve well. It’s good to be picky as it requires reflection and thought, vital for building and connecting with inner strength, the true and only source. Make space as beautiful, soothing, inspiring, bold, calm as one likes but always remember beauty is king, our choice of beauty. Space evoking a feeling of wellbeing is all we need wherever we are, private, work or public spaces, all should strive to make us welcome, to enjoy life to the fullest!

Morph chandelier by Alicja Wasielewska?

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