After binge watching episodes of “Tidying Up with Marie Kondo” on Netflix, I’ve been asking myself, “Does this spark joy?” ever since. It reminds me of a similar exercise that I do with my clients, which I will explain in this post.
Whether you feel it or not, your home has the power to influence how you feel, both positively and negatively, consciously and subconsciously.
THE HAPPY HOME ASSESSMENT:
Take a moment to look at your home, like really look at it. Walk around the room, look at every item. Then jot down the positive and negative emotions it evokes in you. After you have completed that step, take another minute to gaze at your list and circle all the positive emotions. Tally it up. Does your home spark joy more than the negative emotions?
If the overall feeling is mostly negative, you have work to do.
The “things” in our home are more than just things. Objects trigger our emotions and affect how we live and feel in our homes.
As a certified Design Psychology Specialist and Feng Shui Professional, I have encountered more than once where a client would feel frustrated by their home. For example, a dear client of mine had a living room right off the entry. Every day, as she entered her home, she would see that room that sparked frustration.
Imagine —
Coming home every day from work. It’s been a long day. You’re tired. You sat in rush hour traffic and you’re annoyed. You can’t wait for this day to be over so you can kick off your shoes and relax. You finally arrive at your “haven,” swing open the front door, to be confronted with that room again! *cue more frustration*
In this scenario, the placement of the living room right off the entry is crucial. As my client, entered and exited her home, she was constantly reinforcing the negative emotions her home creates. This negativity trickled into her job, relationships at home, and social life.
What if your home doesn’t spark joy?
There is hope!
Design by AMA Designs & Interiors. Photography by Mariah Texidor.
After redecorating my Client’s space, I witnessed the emotional transformation when I revealed her new room. It was like the HGTV "Grand Reveal" where the client cries but you're not sure if they are tears of happiness or regrets. In this case, they were tears of happiness. I could see the weight lifted from her shoulders as she weeped with tears of joy.
Here is what she had to say:
"Since you helped me with the family room, I have spent every evening sitting here on the couch. Even better, my kids have came and stayed to snuggle with me some nights. It feels like my home now. Peace, comfort, love, and a little bit of happiness is starting to shine in here! Thank you. You were right. It made a difference. I feel it. They do too!" - Kristin D.
This is why I do what I do. Designing is more than just a pretty room. The moment your environment starts to support and spark positive emotions within you, that is where the true transformation begins.