Written by: Juanita Viale, Executive Contributor
Executive Contributors at Brainz Magazine are handpicked and invited to contribute because of their knowledge and valuable insight within their area of expertise.
If you have started down a conscious path towards living a more mindfully led life, then you know that it's not just about shifting your mindset. It is a paradigm shift that encompasses the totality of your life and living, such as your intimate/love and family relationships, your work, who your friends are, where you spend your time and money, and the type of activities you choose to engage in.
Mindful living
So when we start to practice a mindful way of being and living within ourselves, our external environment reflects that shift. So naturally the next place we turn our attention to is our immediate home environment.
Integrating a conscious and mindful way of being and living into home design involves creating spaces that promote mindfulness, well-being, and a connection to the natural world. Sometimes we like to think of our homes as an escape from the tumultuous tensions from the outside and they certainly can be, yet in mindfulness, we are as within as without.
By creating a consciously designed home, we are creating a space of connection, not disconnection.
Mindfulness and Design
As I was discussing the concept of mindfulness and home design with an interior designer, Mark Howorth from Callender Howorth Interior and Architectural Design, I posed the question of how he would view this topic if he were to design a home with the types of spaces and attributes that conscious areas hold.
Creative director Mark Howorth explains, “In design projects, it is so important to create homes that are calming and “kind.” Each home has energy, and it is so important for us to create a 'kind' energy that makes our clients' homes a real haven for them to live in.
The design process is innately mindful-based as interior designers create homes based on the translation of their client's needs, wishes, and personalities which requires mindful listening and awareness to achieve the right design. These are some of the attributes of conscious spaces.
1. Incorporate Natural Elements
Natural materials like wood, stone, and plants into your home design. Use sustainable and non-toxic materials to create a healthy living environment.
2. Maximize Natural Light
Use large windows, skylights, and light-colored walls to maximize natural light. Natural light not only enhances aesthetics but also improves mood and boosts vitamin D levels.
3. Create Flow and Openness
An open floor plan allows for easy movement and encourages a sense of flow. Eliminate clutter and unnecessary barriers to promote a calm and peaceful atmosphere.
4. Design Mindful Spaces
Designate areas in your home for quiet reflection, meditation, or yoga. Create a dedicated space that inspires relaxation and encourages mindfulness.
5. Choose Soothing Colors and Textures
Choose colors and textures that evoke a sense of tranquility and balance. Earthy tones, soft pastels, and natural textures can help create a harmonious environment.
6. Incorporate Biophilic Design
Bring in elements of nature in a biophilic design. This emphasizes the connection between humans and nature – indoor plants, water features, or living walls to bring the outdoors inside.
7. Use Eco-Friendly Features
Integrate sustainable and energy-efficient features into your home design. Install solar panels, use energy-efficient appliances, and choose eco-friendly building materials to reduce your carbon footprint
8. Personalize your home
Reflect on your values, beliefs, and interests in your home design. Display artwork, photographs, or objects that hold special meaning to you and create a sense of connection. Your home reflects your unique personality.
9. SMART Home Technology
Utilize smart-home technology to enhance convenience and efficiency while reducing energy consumption. Automated lighting, heating, and cooling systems to create an eco-conscious and user-friendly environment.
10. Wellness Spaces
Consider creating spaces dedicated to wellness activities, such as a home gym, spa-like bathroom, meditation area, or a cozy reading nook. These types of rooms promote physical and mental well-being.
Mark adds, “We use color, texture, natural and organic materials to create this sense of calm – also we use lighting design for ambiance. On many of our projects, we incorporate the concepts from Feng Shui to create balance and harmony. We also love to use natural plants and flowers to give gentle energy to the home.
One of our clients is a reiki practitioner and she wanted organic colors, we added metal finishes to work with Feng Shui principles. The room was designed specifically with calmness in mind.”
Integrating consciousness into home design is a personal journey and can be tailored to your specific needs and preferences. Take the time to reflect on what brings you joy, peace, and a sense of connection, and incorporate those elements into your home design.
Juanita Viale, Executive Contributor Brainz Magazine
Juanita Viale guides and coaches motivated entrepreneurs and companies to Consciously boost their brand and effectively share their unique stories.
Based on the French Riviera, she provides personal Conscious marketing, positive leadership, and mindfulness coaching services.
Juanita's "Conscious Boosting" approach is based on a mindful framework of intention, connection, and authenticity. These elements serve as the foundations for delivering messages that resonate and inspire people to identify and engage with You and your Brand.
As a certified Meditation and Mindfulness Teacher, she gently guides You to reconnect with your truest authentic self and help you get aligned with your intentions.
