The Power of Space: How Our Homes Can Soothe Our Souls

As an unabashed introvert, I’ve always found my home to be a sanctuary – a place where I can retreat from the chaos of the outside world and reconnect with myself. But it wasn’t until I started grappling with mental health challenges that I truly appreciated the profound impact our living spaces can have on our overall wellbeing.

When I was at my most anxious, my home became my fortress – a safe haven where I could find solace and respite from the overwhelming sensations that would grip me in public spaces. I remember how the plain, neutral walls helped still my mind, and the everyday moments spent at home grounded me, allowing me to reconnect with myself.

Cate St Hill, an interiors writer, stylist, and designer based in London, shares a similar sentiment. She explains how dealing with mental health issues has given her a “greater awareness of how our thoughts and feelings are tied up with our surroundings.” Cate’s own experience of using her home as a sanctuary during difficult times has inspired her to explore the profound connection between our living spaces and our mental wellbeing.

Finding Freedom and Embracing Imperfection

When it comes to creating a home that truly supports our mental health, Cate emphasizes the importance of freedom – both mental freedom to think and freedom of choice. This might mean carving out pockets of space that are conducive to moments of reflection and escapism, like a cozy nook by the window or an inspiring piece of artwork that transports us to happier memories.

Equally, Cate suggests being mindful of areas within the home where we can adapt our behavior and environment to suit our changing moods. “A home should not govern you or dictate how you should behave, but should be based on your own rules,” she explains.

Interestingly, Cate also advocates for embracing imperfection in our homes, rather than striving for the unrealistic standards often perpetuated by social media and modern life. “Real homes aren’t for show,” she asserts. “A home is to be lived in.”

Cate draws inspiration from the Japanese concept of Wabi Sabi, which celebrates the beauty in the imperfect and impermanent. “Instead of sleek, perfect spaces and clean lines, Wabi Sabi is all about finding beauty in the imperfect and embracing the impermanent and incomplete,” she explains. “It’s being content with what is already around you and accepting the natural order of things – with all its flaws.”

Harnessing the Power of Light and Color

Lighting is another crucial element when it comes to nurturing our mental wellbeing within the home. Cate cites scientific studies that have found depressed patients experienced significantly shortened hospital stays when they were placed in bright, sunny rooms rather than those with low light levels.

“We’re so impacted by light that we can get Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) when we might feel fatigued and down in the winter months due to the lack of sunlight,” Cate explains. To maximize the benefits of natural light, she recommends choosing window treatments that won’t block or cover the windows, such as simple blackout roller blinds or lightweight linen curtains.

The impact of color is another important consideration. Cate notes that while warm tones like reds and oranges can make us feel alert and energized, they can also be associated with feelings of anger and passion. “You might not want to put such colours in a bedroom, but they could work well in a dining room or vibrant living space,” she suggests.

At the other end of the spectrum, blues and greens can evoke a sense of balance and harmony, although some people may perceive them as cold. Cate emphasizes the importance of bringing elements of nature into the home, as connecting with the natural world can have a profound impact on our mental wellbeing.

Cultivating Gratitude and Mindfulness

In an age where social media bombards us with curated images of seemingly perfect homes, it’s easy to fall into the trap of comparison and feel dissatisfied with our own living spaces. Cate encourages us to practice gratitude and shift our mindset, reminding us that “Instagram is just a show reel of highlights.”

“Instead of focusing on the things you don’t like about your home – all the little things left to do – think about all the things you appreciate having around you,” she suggests. “We can be guilty of constantly chasing the next project or the next trend, but it can be helpful to seek gratitude in the present moment.”

Ultimately, Cate believes that being more mindful of our surroundings can help us find moments of balance and contentment within our homes. “It can be easy to whizz through the house in the midst of the morning routine on autopilot and not even truly notice your surroundings,” she observes. “Mindfulness can help us control our thoughts, feel less stressed, and be in the present moment more.”

Bringing it All Together: Creating a Sanctuary for the Soul

As I reflect on my own journey with mental health, I can’t help but feel a deep appreciation for the transformative power of our living spaces. When I was at my most vulnerable, my home became a true sanctuary – a place where I could find solace, reconnect with myself, and slowly begin to heal.

And it’s not just my experience. Cate’s insights, as well as the growing body of research on the topic, suggest that the way we design and inhabit our homes can have a profound impact on our overall wellbeing. From the way we harness natural light and color to the intentional embrace of imperfection, there are countless ways we can create living spaces that soothe our souls and uplift our spirits.

So, whether you’re in the midst of a home renovation or simply looking to make some thoughtful changes, I encourage you to consider how you can infuse your living space with the elements of freedom, imperfection, natural light, and mindful intention. After all, our homes have the power to become our very own inner sanctuaries – havens where we can find respite, recharge, and ultimately, thrive.

And if you’re looking for inspiration, be sure to check out Sofa Spectacular – a UK-based retailer that offers a curated selection of furniture and decor to help you craft a home that nourishes your mind, body, and soul.