Here’s the thing: I hate my house.
Yep, there it is. I’m an interior designer and I have hated my house for a long, long time. The circumstances in which I moved in where not the greatest (nothing traumatic with a capital T), but we rented up until recently. Which meant, even though I hated the 30+ year old carpeting, the well water, the push button light switches, there was nothing I could do about it. ? (Until now.)
Your living room (area) is more than just a space; it’s a reflection of your inner self. A place where you can truly relax, connect, and rejuvenate. To create a living room that resonates with your soul, you need to infuse it with the essence of who you are and what brings you joy. I wasn’t able to do that, nor did I have the knowledge or inner knowing on how to do this until the last year or two.
I hate to tell ya, but there is a lot of soul searching that needs to happen when curating a soul-aligned home for yourself. With the noise of the internet, trends, and outside opinions, it can be difficult to distinguish what you actually love vs what others are telling you you love.
In this blog post, we’ll explore how to design a soul-aligned living room that feels like a sanctuary where you can be your authentic self.
Reflect on Your Personal Values
Before diving into the design process, take some time to reflect on your personal values and what truly matters to you. Consider your beliefs, passions, and the activities that nourish your soul. These reflections will serve as a foundation for the design of your living room.
Is it weird to do this plug here? It may be, but I want to touch on it because it’s been a thread of connection in my life these past few years. I’ve been working on living my most authentic life, and something that has helped immensely is this company called To Be Magnetic. I love their teachings as they resonate deeply with me, and I think their course on finding your authentic code has helped me on my personal journey immensely. I know it’s a little weird to go onto this tangent here in this post, but I think the value is there. Definitely check them out if you are having trouble finding a starting point on your personal values/brand/code, whatever you want to call it. They also have a free podcast I adore if you don’t want to join their course quite yet.
Anyways, back to your home. Once you have a good understanding and outline of your personal values and passions, I would use that as a jumping off point to discover and research brands that align with those values. I implore you to think outside the box when it comes to this part. If you can shop locally, that’s literally the best, please do it as much as you can!
Choose a Color Palette with Intention
Color has a such influence on our emotions and moods, as it can evoke a wide spectrum of feelings. Warm colors like reds and yellows tend to ignite feelings of warmth, energy, and passion, while cooler shades such as blues and greens often elicit calmness, serenity, and a sense of tranquility. Neutral colors like gray and beige can induce a sense of balance and neutrality. Bright, vibrant hues can spark enthusiasm and positivity, while muted or pastel shades can evoke a sense of subtleness and nostalgia.
If you’re super stuck on color (trust me, it’s literally the number one hang up all of my clients deal with), I have pre-made color palettes in a variety of design styles. Click the button below to shop now!
Arrange with Purpose
Don’t make the TV the focus of the room. Unless you’re a huge movie/show buff. Then by all means.
Usually we see the living room as a place to veg out and watch TV/play games. If this is the main use of your space, definitely don’t let me deter you. I’m just over here being a judgy b*tch when I know 1000% once we build out our new living room, the TV will be on and the main focus of the space. Kick me off of my high horse, please!
What I’m trying to say in the new mom-brain fog, is that we can hold space in this room for more than one activity. Whatever you have found your passion to be earlier in this post, make room for that. Whether it’s a little meditation corner, a space to knit (??♀️), do yoga, journal, an art corner, your record collection, whatever! Make room for it. This may be a no brainer to some. Outside of my works in progress, I used to be the type of person who would pack away her knitting, yarn, and finished objects. I’m now working to incorporate my craft into my decor by making blankets, cross stitched pieces, and sewn items to make the house feel more like “me.” All of that to say is, I will be incorporating a small space in the room for me to cuddle up on my papasan and get some knitting done.
Anyways, the way you arrange your furniture can impact the energy flow in your living room. Arrange furniture to encourage conversation and connection, and ensure that the flow feels open and inviting. Being mindful of the placement of your personal items will help to create a harmonious balance.
Regularly Renew and Refresh
My biggest gripe with the way clients view their spaces, is that they want a “timeless design”, which is code for “I don’t want to update my space for the next 10 years.” Yes, I do agree the bones of your home should be something you are ecstatic to live with for many years, but thinking you won’t want to paint or change out your decor is something that is quite frankly, inevitable.
A soul-aligned living room is a reflection of your evolving self. We need to periodically assess the space to ensure it continues to resonate with our spirits. Adding new decor, switching up the layout, or simply decorating for the seasons will keep the energy fresh and aligned with your soul. Don’t feel shame for this! Just try to reuse as much of these decorations annually or interspersed throughout the home. Don’t vibe with a certain piece anymore? Relocating it to somewhere else in your home may give it that extra bit of life! There is no need to carry shame around this. We are evolving beings, and our spaces can and should reflect that.
Designing a soul-aligned living room is not just about aesthetics but about creating a space that nurtures your well-being and reflects your authentic self. By infusing your living room with intention, personal touches, and a deep understanding of your values and interests, you can create a harmonious sanctuary that truly resonates with your soul. Your living room becomes a place where you can be yourself, unwind, and connect with the essence of who you are.
