Is the spiritual conception of the house the future? Experts say yes

Minimalism. Maximalism. Mid-century modern. Eclectic. Old. For too long, home design has often been defined by these common terms. But, as humans increasingly seek ways to tap into their most authentic selves in their diets, self-care rituals, and even fitness routines, more holistic spiritual approaches are being taken in the spaces as well. of life.

Perhaps this is the result of the shattering year it was 2020 that caused so many people to seek solace and peace in their surroundings. Or maybe the concept of compartmentalizing the design of the house in such simple terms is simply outdated at this point. Whatever the reason, experts say people are looking beyond complementary color combinations and practical furniture and figuring out how to make a soul connection with their home. “More and more, we are thinking beyond simple function,” says Wei Dong, professor of design studies, with a specialization in Asian design at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, at TZR. “We’re really starting to introduce the whole concept of wellness. Wellness used to happen in a therapist’s office, but now it has become a very important element in design, in your home, office, and learning environment. “

What exactly does spiritual interior design mean? Well, in technical terms the word spiritual is defined as “of, relating to, consisting of or affecting the mind,” according to Merriam-Webster. When applied at home, this idea can help create a space that connects or impacts your mind and natural energy.

Going forward, design experts are offering advice on how to connect with your home on a deeper level.

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Spiritual Advice for Home Design: Find Balance

To be clear, this soul-home connection isn’t exactly new. There are many ancient philosophies that incorporate home design principles as part of a much larger wellness puzzle. Take, for example, the Chinese way of life known as Feng Shui, which “focuses on creating balance and harmony between people, environment, objects and materials”. Dong said. “In Western terminology, this is similar to person-environment studies, or how the environment and human interaction can produce positive results.”

One of the key fundamentals of Feng Shui is to incorporate the five elements – metal, wood, water, fire and earth – into the house in a balanced way. “For example, if I design an interior with too much of a fiery feel – it doesn’t have to be a fireplace, it can be a bright red color or too many angles – it can make people entering more excited. , ”Dong said. “So, to balance the fire, we need water. In this environment, you can introduce blue colors, physical water, or things of a more organic shape, and create a calmer feeling inside. “

Another traditional oriental philosophy that prioritizes the search for balance is Ayurveda. Dr Bhaswati Bhattacharya, Ayurvedic expert, holistic physician and assistant clinical professor of family medicine at Weill Cornell Medical College of Cornell University in New York explains that “Ayurveda is a chosen way of life that incorporates a deep understanding of the physical and ethereal world, with a philosophy of their influences on the human body in a practical set of prescriptions tailored to each individual. individual, “she explains.

According to Ayurvedic Institute, there are three main energies of the body – “Vata is the energy of movement; pitta is the energy of digestion or metabolism and kapha, the energy of lubrication and structure,” the site explains. “All people have the qualities of vata, pitta, and kapha, but one is usually primary, one secondary, and the third is usually the least important.” In traditional Indian philosophy it is believed that illnesses and health problems are often the result of an excess or deficiency of any of these qualities, so it is essential to find a balance (similar to Feng Shui ).

“Part of my job is to help people with health imbalances integrate new medications or routines into their day by actively instituting tools and rituals according to Ayurvedic recommendations,” says Dr. Bhattacharya. “For example, an atmosphere of calm is important for the vata dominant person, who is either vata by constitution or has a vata imbalance. trips can recast and center if their homes are quiet. She adds that ideal items for anchoring vata include a meditation cushion, a pot for Sunday soup efforts, and a bronze bowl of oil for the massage. sesame oil before bathing.

Spiritual house design tip: think about feelings

When it comes to taking a more spiritual approach to home design, “The key question [to ask yourself] is “What kind of feeling do I want to experience in my surroundings?” »», Says Rachel Sela, architect and founder of Home Being method that helps clients create a living space that promotes mental, physical and emotional well-being. For her approach, which took 30 years of research, Sela created a format made up of 12 design personalities, “who arise from a person’s sense of home” and include attributes such as safety, joy. , softness and elegance.

“Your home is your castle, and everyone’s explanation of what this castle means to them is different,” says Sela, who says she has prospects clients take a “guided imagination” to best determine their feeling of being at home. This involves selecting three images (from a collection of 24) that resonate the most with them. And while these images look pretty straightforward – think bright blue sky with cotton candy-like clouds, a colorful street hallway in an exotic location, a wooden walkway in the middle of a lush rainforest. and a comfy couch with a book on it – they can be very revealing, Sela says.

For example, images containing the color blue signify a customer’s need and desire for space and unlimited freedom. Based on this information, Home Being suggests a way to channel this desire into the home via open floor plans, light fixtures and shelving that give a “floating feel” and large rectangular-shaped furniture like long loungers. bookcases and coffee tables. Whereas images with soft colors and elements signify a warm and empathetic person who wants to attract warmth and empathy into their life. In the home, this personality manifests itself in plump cushions (think curly sofas) and furniture and rounded edges.

“Even before the coronavirus, people were looking for connection with themselves and ways to improve in different ways,” says Sela. “It’s a way for them to encourage each other to have the same energy vibrating through them in their home.”

Spiritual Advice for Home Design: Bring Natural Elements

One of the easiest ways to add a more holistic and spiritual touch to your home is to incorporate natural elements. The ancient Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi centers on connecting with nature and one’s authentic self and environment – imperfections and all.

“It’s about recognizing, accepting, embracing the imperfection of life and opting for simple authenticity as a conscious choice,” says Shanty Wijaya, owner of a renovation and design company. boutique real estate. ALLPRACE properties, which specializes in wabi-sabi-based design. “This style appeals to me because it truly supports a healthy and meaningful lifestyle. It teaches us to find beauty in imperfection, to make a deep connection with the earth / nature and to enjoy the simple pleasures of life. . “

To achieve the above, Wijaya says she follows the Seven Key Principles of Japanese Practice, including, but not limited to, kanso (simplicity), fukinsei (asymmetry or irregularity), shibumi (beauty in the sober), and shizen (natural unpretentious). “For example, we reused beautiful reclaimed and rough-hewn solid French oak wood that was repainted with a dark stain for a kitchen counter,” says Wijaya. “It has imperfections that are indicative of the age of the wood. The wood will continue to change over time as it interacts with its surroundings and will age beautifully.”

On a related note, eliminating or limiting toxicity in the home can help you better connect with your natural elements, says the interior designer and evolutionary astrologer. Georgia Marcantoni. “This includes our bedding and mattresses,” she explains. “We sleep 30% of our life, making sure the mattress material we breathe is natural and does not emit gases.”

Wijaya adds that you can also add some greenery to your home through “hanging potted plants and standing plants inside the house” or “using a natural, soft and earthy color palette.”

Spiritual Home Design Advice: Embrace Natural Light

“A lot of people neglect lighting a lot,” Marcantoni explains. “After the sun goes down you really don’t want overhead lighting anymore. Bring mood lighting, just so you can dim the lights. Candle light is even better. Just let yourself go to the beat. of this light of the earth a little more. ”

The design expert explains that the holistic approach she takes to designing is ultimately there to help the nervous system be calmed and supported, ”says Marcantoni.[…] Whether it’s through our selection of pallets, items that help you tell your story, eliminating environmental toxicity, adding nature and natural patterns, or changing the location of your furniture, they are all there to ease the burden on your nervous system which keeps you feeling unwell. ”According to Marcantoni, computer lights and overhead lighting can put a strain on body and mind, and light natural can be a “gentle, inexpensive way to change your surroundings.” â–¡