with Brooke Giannetti, Patina Home & Garden
Photography By Victoria Pearson
To me, the ultimate goal of design is to create a sanctuary where you can find refuge from the outside world and connect with your deepest sense of self. With the world moving at a fast pace, it’s crucial to have a space where you can slow down, breathe deeply and relax. Along with curating a serene space, you can create more balance in your life by introducing a self-care ritual to your routine. By putting energy into your home and yourself, you create space and time to recharge and live a more peaceful life.
When it comes to creating your tranquil space, decluttering is the first step. I believe in paring down and simplifying. A cluttered space can lead to a cluttered mind, making it hard to relax and unwind. Removing unnecessary objects creates a sense of calm and focus that allows you to fully inhabit a space. Get rid of anything you no longer need or use, and focus on the things that matter to you. This frees up space for the important things in your life.
Incorporating timeless natural elements like wood, stone, and plants root you in the present and connects you to the earth, allowing you to find a sense of stability and tranquility. Even adding a few houseplants to your space can have a significant impact on your mood.
Lighting is also essential in creating a calming atmosphere. Soft, warm lighting creates a cozy ambiance, while bright, cool lighting is energizing. Dimmer switches allow you to adjust the lighting to your needs, and opening curtains and blinds to let in natural light creates a sense of spaciousness.
Soft, muted hues like pale blues, greens and grays have a calming effect, soothing the eye and creating a sense of peace. They are the perfect backdrop for meaningful objects and mementos that tell your story and ground you.
Sensory elements like soft textiles and soothing scents can also contribute to a calming environment. Blankets and rugs are comforting to the touch, and scents like lavender or vanilla can help calm the mind. Sound can also create a peaceful atmosphere; consider adding a small fountain or wind chimes to your outdoor space for background noise.
Creating a calming and tranquil space isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s essential for self-care. Neglecting your needs in favor of others’ needs is easy in our busy lives. Taking time for yourself is crucial to overall well-being. Creating a space that allows you to slow down, rest and recharge is an investment in yourself.
Once you’ve created a serene space, it’s time to think about how to incorporate self-care practices into your daily routine. Crafting a self-care routine can be a deeply personal experience, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach. However, there are some basic principles that can guide you as you begin to explore what works for you. The key is to be intentional about the practices you choose and to make them a regular part of your routine.
Tips for creating a self-care routine in your newly curated serene space
start small
It can be overwhelming to try to overhaul your entire routine at once. Instead, start with one or two small practices that you can incorporate into your daily routine. This could be as simple as taking five minutes each morning to meditate or stretching before bed.
be consistent
Consistency is key when it comes to building a new habit. Try to make your self-care practices a regular part of your routine, whether that means setting aside time each day or scheduling them into your calendar.
listen to your body
Pay attention to how your body feels and what it needs. If you’re feeling stressed, maybe a yoga class or a long walk would be helpful. If you’re feeling depleted, perhaps a hot bath or a good book would be more restorative.
The ultimate goal of design is to create a sanctuary where you can find refuge from the outside world and connect with your deepest sense of self.
choose practices that work for you
Self-care is deeply personal, and what works for one person may not work for another. Experiment with different practices and find what feels nourishing and restorative for you.
be gentle with yourself
Self-care is about treating yourself with kindness and compassion. Be gentle with yourself as you explore what works for you, and don’t be too hard on yourself if you miss a day or fall off track.
Incorporating self-care practices into your routine can take time and effort, but the benefits are well worth it. By prioritizing your well-being, you’ll feel more grounded, centered and present in your daily life. Creating a serene space and a self-care routine are powerful investments in yourself, and they can help you navigate the busyness and stress of everyday life with greater ease and grace. Hopefully, this inspires you to take some well-deserved time for yourself.
To cultivate a serene space, shop at Patina Home & Garden in Leiper’s Fork.
