The idea for this article came from a reader’s question: “Why do we love the interior so much?” It may seem like a straightforward answer, but I think the true value of interior design and why we love it goes beyond just aesthetics.
Today, I’m writing about three of the advantages of interior design and what we achieve in our home design process.
1. Escape from the world
It is difficult for me to know exactly how external things affect me in my daily life. For me, design is a way to tap into my own sense of well-being. It’s my way of creating a space where I feel safe in the world.
Security is one of the most important human needs. Although each of us finds it in different ways, creating a home that inspires and calms is one of the main ways I give myself a sense of security. And this effect extends beyond aesthetics. For me, it’s about putting a marker in the design of my home that allows my nervous system to find its way back to a permanent resting place. I think this is why the journey home will feel so good, no matter how amazing the destination is—because the place really is. is there is no place like home.
2. Space to create and honor memories
There are many things in life that we cannot control. Our room allows us to lay the foundation for good things to come. It allows us to create spaces to celebrate special occasions such as birthdays and anniversaries, an easy space be with your loved ones. Over time, our home becomes the keeper of all our memories within its walls.
When we first entered our current home, I immediately thought of where the Christmas tree would go. From the moment I stepped foot inside, I saw how these types of seasons and traditions would emerge every year.
From a day-to-day perspective, watching my children grow up in this room makes me feel more often than I care to admit. Sometimes the emotions fall on a simple Sunday morning – with music in the background as Joe and I read and drink coffee, while the children happily play nearby. These are important times. I don’t think it’s better than them.
We are all looking for something to hold on to, something that will best define our sense of self as we try to answer the question, “Who am I, really?” The bedroom is one of the many spaces that can help us get closer to the answer.
3. Ways to express our identity
The process of designing our home is one way we define and express who we are. It may not be the main way we all express ourselves, but for many of us, it is a key factor in building our sense of self.
I think one reason for this is that our opportunities to talk tend to decrease in adulthood. When we were young, many of us had outlets like extracurricular activities, clubs, and sports that were the cornerstones of our identity. As we get older, those types of activities become more serious and more deliberate. They are very rare. And when we’re going through big changes, which are inevitable part of life, finding a way to talk can help us feel stable.
We are all looking for something to hold on to, something that will best define our sense of self as we try to answer the question, “Who am I, really?” The bedroom is one of the many spaces that can help us get closer to the answer. It’s clear to me.
Kate is now learning to play the Ukulele, much to the dismay of her husband, children, and dog. Follow him on Instagram at @witanddelight_.