Creating a Soulful Environment in your Home

“Have nothing in your house that you do not know to be useful or believe to be beautiful.” ~William Morris

Moreau Designs created this space at the Designer Showhouse for Junior League of Hartford . It’s a good example of a nourishing and calming space that you can create in your home. Photography: Sandy Lisella

Creating a connection in your home with living spaces that nourish your sense of well being is within reach. We live in a day and age of constant on the go attitudes and busy is the new normal. What happens when we slow down? Or do you slow down? How does this relate to your home environment? I’m going to give you some ideas to incorporate key elements to reduce stress and allow you to relax fully in your home.

Artisan made pottery by Vicente Garcia Studios sits atop a custom designed bench top by Tiger Lily Furniture and a base fabricated by Shelby Barnhardt Studios

So what are the key elements?

1. The use of Living and natural things~This is an easy one,understanding the concept that plants do cleanse our air as well as give us a sense of fresh beginnings and beauty. It is also a movement that is trending right now, called Biophilic Design, which is the practice of bringing natural elements inside. It includes not only plants, but wood, stone and water. You may notice this trend in commercial spaces, but lately I have several requests for use in private residences.

2. Soothing Colors and bridging elements ~ I cannot stress enough the importance of the pyschology of color…It will make the space more calming when you also pair what is outside the window with a color that compliments or is in direct relation. I used blue that not only ties in with the wallpaper, but it is a reflection of the water outside the sun room windows. Elements that you can bring indoors like this indirect nod to the birds that inhabit this property, by using the wallpaper, on the ceiling-birds in flight and on the wall peacock plumes helps ground the space and create that connection.

3. Texture/softness ~ It is soothing for the eye to have these elements in a space as your eye doesn’t settle on one particular thing. Texture also encompasses the sense of touch. The sisal rug, linen panels and color palette that is harmonious are valuable in a space that is great for decompressing.

4. Light ~Natural diffused light is the best, but when you can’t have that you can mimic it with artificial lighting. Many lighting companies have bulbs that can create a natural looking light.

5. Open and clean spaces ~ Clutter is definitely a distraction and having spaces that you edit relentlessly is really allowing you to think and function properly.

6. Unplug the world ~No phones, computers, radios etc. Probably the hardest thing to do is put down that phone, but it gives you a moment to recharge.

7. Scent ~ the power of a beautiful fragrance, it can be a great way to relax. Whether it’s a candle, incense or diffused oil you can create this all important layer for the senses.

This living wall was created in the showhouse by using succulents. I wanted to create a natural flow by predetermining the design on a piece of tracing paper that was then set underneath for the horticulturist , Nancy Butler to mimic the curve. Wallpaper: Relativity Textiles

A great example of incorporating natural elements with this pottery and air plants/moss. Notice the water like pattern and coloration of pottery. I also like that there is a very natural element of wabi sabi with the stitching of the cracked pottery.

Looking outside these windows, this spectacular view of the pond is brought inside with the color and shapes incorporated in this space. The bench serves two purposes, for display of plants and a quick meditation area by adding pillows underneath.

Whether you have a full room or a dedicated corner in your home for unwinding, it can prove to be helpful in overall health and productivity in your life. I would love to answer any questions you have in the comments below!

Blessings,

Jennifer

5 Kitchen and Bath Trends, Straight From KBIS

I literally just recovered from jet lag after attending KBIS in Las Vegas. For those of you that aren’t familiar with it, It’s the Kitchen and Bath Industry Show that takes place annually. I was told 100,000 people attended and I believe it!! I was there on tour with a lovely group of Design influencers and bloggers as part of the Designhounds KBIS tour.

So many things that I noticed on tour about the status of trends in Kitchens and Baths, here’s my take on 5 trends:

1) COLORFUL appliances, sinks and faucets. If you’re afraid of color, don’t apply. I mean every turn I took there was a bevy of interesting hues. Mainly primary colors. How to apply….not liberally like sunscreen…I would say sprinkles here and there.

My husband would totally let me do a hot pink faucet….(insert scared emoji here)

Lemon with your lemon?

2) Smart home capabilities: Think George Jetson…the future is here baby! And on top of that, a couple of new introductions that had me giddy. One being a closet that you put your clothes, blankets, stuffed animals…dog…ok, maybe not your dog, in to refresh. You can put your dry cleaning in as well. Think of the possibilities!! Carry that over into the kitchen as well with apps and the capability to program anything, anytime….Big brother are you there?

Beep, boop, beep…the future is here!

Carnival stuffed animals delight!! NO excuse to throw those out MOM. Courtesy of LG

3) Creating Environments: Showers aren’t showers anymore, they are full scale environments, capable to give you a rainforest experience rich with chroma therapy as well as music and scents. Who needs vacation?…..ummmm..me..over here. More on this in a separate blog post about the health benefits of something like this with a very cool featured product.

I just really want to know what a ‘night’ routine is????

4) Invisible appliances: I think the weirdest, most exciting thing I spotted was an induction cooktop underneath the countertop!! Now that is magic and no matter what you say, I think it’s pretty genius! This is fairly new and found a couple vendors who were offering it….I think it needs to develop and I’m pretty sure there will be more intros next year.

5) Push release cabinetry: On everything including appliances and cabinetry. Hardware need not apply.

So there you have it, 5 trends from this year’s show. Come back around to see some in depth blog posts about products that I’m featuring, including appliances, cabinets, countertops and steam showers.

Go cook something good up today!,

Jennifer