No matter how long you’ve been living in your home, we’re sure many of you are already bored with your design choices, which is where emotional décor comes in. If you take a look around you now, there are probably many things you’d change without a second thought, not just because they’ve gone out of fashion, but because you no longer like them, or they’ve lost the sentimental value they once had.
Feng Shui is an Eastern philosophy based on the relationship between our environment and emotions. It aims to give spaces the right layout and materials to provide a sense of balance, in other words, creating harmony in your home. Since emotions and décor go hand in hand, emotional décor is a popular concept. For example, small, dark spaces cause you to feel overwhelmed or find it hard to concentrate while bright, open spaces convey a sense of peace. Since order, cleanliness and ventilation are key to turning your home into a pleasant and comfortable environment, this is a great place to start.
Here are four Feng Shui basics to help you achieve a positive frame of mind.
1) Zone your home
Not all spaces are multipurpose, so avoid creating general rooms. Dedicate each corner of your home to a specific use, and have a certain room for everything (as much as you can): work, rest, leisure, etc. If you don’t have a dedicated space for a particular activity, try to create one. For example, if you enjoy writing, do it in that special corner of your home you’ve created just for it.
2) Get rid of what you don’t need
Although it’s sometimes the hardest thing to do, you have to get rid of items you no longer need. A house full of objects that aren’t useful or don’t bring you joy can hold you back and prevent you from growing. You need to know exactly where to put things, what their function is and if they really contribute to your home life. With this simple act alone, you can find that much desired inner peace.
3) Light and lighting
When it comes to décor, it’s essential you take lighting into account. There are two types: artificial and natural, and you need a combination of both to generate health and wellbeing at home. Bright spaces provide security and tranquillity, so don’t forget the importance of light.
4) Introduce nature
Walking in the mountains is a great source of wellbeing, so what better way to create your little slice of heaven than introducing nature into your home. Plants give us life and are a great way to find that harmony. No matter how little space you have at home, there’s always an option to help you create a sense of comfort. The size of your home or terrace isn’t important; it’s how you use the space that counts.
Many studies have shown that looking at a green landscape from a home window stimulates attention and memory in children and has a relaxing effect on adults. That’s why, in city apartments many designers following the emotional décor movement choose to add that touch of nature by creating small green areas in homes.
GreenCity wants to transform sad, grey cities into healthier, more comfortable places full of greenery. We want to bring nature to the urban landscape and give you the right tools to do it.
For tips on how to decorate your terrace, download our free guide and you’ll see how to organise your space, choose your plants, and learn how to take care of them.
