Your home is the most important environment you will ever be in. It is your most personal space you can totally control by your choices. It may also be where you spend most of your time and spend a large amount of your money.
Most importantly, your home is the place that can determine your mental and physical health! Therefore, interior design is really about your interior, your heart… not the space! It has to do with all the design and decorating decisions you make and how they will impact your well-being. So, be aware, when you are decorating your private spaces, the only consideration is you! Rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
Neuroscience tells us design is not only about the objects in a room but how we perceive them. So, selective decorating, for each individual in the space is uppermost. Design choices are endless but not so the needs and wants of the individual person living in the space, so we must design for people first.
With all this in mind, I would like to explain further by answering some of your specific questions. Since most of us have similar concerns, especially in our environmental needs and wants, I thought you would enjoy seeing my answers to questions people have sent to me and I welcome your questions too.
QUESTION: WE want our house to feel “homey.” It seems very cold, and we were talked into things that look more like a magazine than us. How do we warm things up a bit to feel “at home again.”
This is a complaint I hear so often. Sometimes we make decisions to please others or if we are fearful, we listen to people who we think know more, but they tell us what they like, which isn’t necessarily what we like. When decorating, the only person who needs to be pleased is you and you must make sure you are in every decision.
When a home is “picture perfect” it doesn’t feel real. Therefore, we cannot feel authentic in our own home. This discomfort is also not healthy. Always stay focused on what brings you comfort, joy and beauty. To begin changing what you have, select the items that you really like and eliminate what does not please you.
Always make choices you are excited about and bring you joy.
QUESTION: Many colors are relaxing to me, but I wouldn’t want them on my walls. When I look at magazines, the rooms look great, but I would be afraid to have those bold colors surrounding me all the time. How do I find a color for my walls that is really soothing to me?
Color speaks! And to make it confusing, color speaks a different language to each of us. We all have a unique reaction based on our experience and what we were told about color. We all see color differently, too! That’s why we need to personally select the colors we will be living with.
The most important thing you must do when painting walls is to experiment by painting several color choices at least 3′ x 3′ on your walls. Do not put them near each other, and also put the same color on opposite walls so you see it in different lighting. Don’t make quick decisions. Color changes the longer you look at it. Most of all be sure you pick the colors and don’t be influenced by anyone else. Always live with what will make you happy and healthy!
I also recommend that you take my Personal Color and Design Profile on my website. www.BajaroMethod.com It will help you understand the impact of your ideal color and its free!
Always remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!