Why I Design Interiors for Well-being
Updated: Aug 20, 2020
Today, I'm sharing my personal experiences of living in a space that feels just right after living in spaces that simply weren't.
Growing Up
While still living with my parents, I'd decorate my room in whichever way I wanted, just like all of my friends did. It changed as I changed, it adapted so well to whatever 'phase' I was in. I went from a lover of all things pink as a child to a black-loving goth kid as a teenager. It was natural, even important that my room reflected that.
However, as an adult all that changed. That emphasis of living in an environment that reflected me became less important, especially with life's many changes like college, jobs and marriage. The very many moves from one country to another did not help in this case, as we were always thinking of making it work with whatever we had.
However, towards the end of my 20s, I began to miss a space that I connected with, like my childhood room. I realized that living in those environments made me stronger in my resolve of who I was at any given time. And I desperately wanted to re-claim myself. I felt a sudden resurgence of my child-like enthusiasm to decorate my space to reflect who I am, now as a woman. Only this time, my intension was different. These spaces have to not only reflect who I am as a person, but also be able to positively influence me. It has to adapt to my adulthood. And so, I began creating environments at home consciously to have a positive impact on my well-being.
But I didn't stop there, I wanted to know why these specially curated environments could even have this positive influence on me. And, if it is possible for me to create that for others.
The immediate impact
Thanks to design school, I knew how to put together well-designed spaces but with this new goal I set for myself, I had to channel my design knowledge through my heart. Every little thing had to feel right. And surprisingly, putting the priority on instinct rather than appearance made my design sensibility flow more freely.
From a client's perspective, being in a space that was specially curated with the sole purpose of enriching my life for the better brought about a feeling of being taken care of. It was time, effort and hard-earned money that was invested towards my well-being. I felt more energized mentally and balanced emotionally than any time prior to. I smiled a lot more as well.
The positive association
This positive association brought out positive feelings. It was about how I felt in the space. Knowing that every little thing was specially brought in for my benefit, knowing that every design decision was well-thought-out in order to make my life convenient and knowing that even if I saw a hundred other images of different interiors, I'd still choose this one because this one is all me.
"...my design was never only about picture-perfect spaces, it was about creating beautiful spaces that allowed us to be the best versions of ourselves day after day.
I can say with real experience and me as a living proof that my home has now become a sanctuary that is a reflection, reminding me of the beauty within even when forgotten. It is where I come to relax and let go of everything else. If I can self-soothe this way, then I can most certainly apply my skills it to make countless other peoples' lives better, the same way.
I also noticed that these positive, wholesome feelings of being in a space that feels just right lasts more than fleeting moment. They stay on and, keep resurrecting this good energy every time I'm in the space, no matter where I've been a moment before. I've seen similar reactions from friends and family where without any prompts, they gravitate towards something in the space and find favourites...their spot to sit, to drink tea or have dinner.
It was this moment where I had the epiphany that my design was never only about picture-perfect spaces, it was about creating beautiful spaces that allowed us to be the best versions of ourselves day after day.
The ripple effect
This feeling of being in a space that brought out the best also gave a direction to my career that I never had before. It allowed me the courage to spell out my dreams and freely do the hard work it takes without getting bogged down. It helped me actualize my hopes and dreams into what is now Sha Studio Inc. I envision it to be a design studio that will always positively influence along with creating beautifully designed and highly functional spaces. Perhaps, the greatest asset to creating something as organic as a business is that I'm able to define it's purpose and tell you about why I do what I do.
"If I can self-soothe this way, then I can most certainly apply my skills it to make countless other peoples' lives better, the same way".
Through Sha Studio Inc., I create interior spaces for positivity, wholesome day-to-day life and ultimately, the well-being of our hearts, minds and souls. Home is where our guards are down, where we allow ourselves to be vulnerable. It is here that an environment that positively influences and contributes to your personal growth becomes important. Subtly but consistently, our interior environments have the capacity to create a spring in our step every day. If it did that for me, I bet it can definitely do for the same you too.
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Thank you for reading my first post From the Heart. I'd love to hear what you thought. How does design influence you? Leave a comment below. You can also find me on instagram @shastudioinc. I look forward to hearing from you.