home

We’ve done our best to adjust during the times of uncertainty; we wear a mask, work from home (endless gratitude to all of our essential workers out there!), we carry-out instead of dine-in, virtually kick it with our favorite people, and we’ve even learned to bake bread. This little world we’ve created within our walls can feel repetitive and mundane at times. Some of us get full-on-glammed-up just to run our weekly errands (to be honest the farmers market has always been my kind of party). Our homes are now an everyday witness to some new and challenging experiences; a confronting wave of our own anxious and fearful thoughts that can leave us in uncertainty. How do we keep it all together? How can we make the most of our days at home? How can we tend to our emotional capacity as well as our tangible capacity? If we take a closer look into the corners of our homes, what would we discover? Would we find that some elements of our home have been feeding our ego or our souls? What would we want to change? And could these changes affect our day to day behavior? I say: it’s worth a try. 

This isn’t the part where I list off a bunch of products that you probably don’t need or can’t afford to fill your home and call it a day. These are just some simple tips to help explore a more intentional lifestyle. This is another offering to embrace these big moments of change and seclusion. Self care doesn’t always look like a bubble bath and a glass of wine. Dedicating some time to small conscious moments can help us release negative energy and develop a stronger sense of understanding of what it means to move slow, be present, and to embrace the sweetness of doing nothing. I think it's important that we remember that we deserve a little bit of serenity and comfort at the end of each day. 

10 TIPS TO REJUVENATE, REDISCOVER AND REINVENT YOUR HOME:

Tip #1: Less is more. 

We mustn't determine our own personal value by quantity. We are raised to be consumers and we are very good at consuming but we can get better at it and we can challenge it. If we are going to attach ourselves to material things then those things should have some real purpose and add value to our lives. We don’t always need the new shiny thing — we don't need to buy something just to fill our time and space. In fact, we can take care of what we have, and dispose and detach from what we don’t use or need. If you haven’t used it in 6-8 months: consider selling or donating it. If it's sentimental but not useful, simply keep it in your storage space. Money and trends will come and go but our possessions do not shape the most vital parts of our character.

Tip #2: Get organized. 

As you dispose of those un-joyous belongings, take some time to lay them out in a way that makes them easy to identify and access. If you have storage space, take advantage! Swap out your out of season clothing to make space for what you need and store the rest until it’s time to swap again. If you live in a smaller space with less storage options, take advantage of your doors! Get some over the door shelving, hampers, hooks, or pocket organizers to free up more space in your closets, cabinets, and floors. 

Tip #3 : Take your time. 

This is a process. Chip away at it just as you would work toward any new, healthy habit. Start with one room or one closet and work your way through your entire home at your own pace. This isn’t a race and ya’ll know we’ve got the time. This goes for anyone who wants to redecorate as well; take your time and do your research to really lean into what sorts of styles and designs speak to you. Don’t let these big box companies or social media trends take advantage of your creative mind — be daring and explore your individuality! 

Tip #4: More plants please.

Illustration by big_face_

Bring the earth indoors! More plants equals more energy and better air quality. This is especially important for those of us who are surrounded by a busy concrete city. Even if you feel you don’t have a green thumb, pick a low maintenance plant, set some reminders on your phone, and take a moment to slow it down and pay attention to what grows with a little love and sunlight. Remember, we are a part of our earth, not just it’s visitors.

Tip #5: Keep it slow, keep it local, keep it pre-owned. 

We’ve heard this all before but it can’t be stressed enough; if you're going to buy anything for your home, do your best to put a little more energy on where you're sourcing it. If you're looking for new artwork, reach out to local artists or friends who could use your support. Same for clothing, dishware, and furniture. Whatever your budget may be, explore your local in-store or online resale shops, market place, garage sales, or estate sales before opting for the commercial products. Taking the time to find that one-of-a-kind piece with a story can make your space feel that much more special.

Tip #6: Technology is not your peace maker. 

Are you ever so consumed by your screen that you begin to see yourself through one? The more active we are in the virtual world, the less present and more anxious we are in the real world. So when it’s your time to release and rest, practice making a conscious effort to disconnect from any electronics and social media. Try to dedicate one space in your home for technology. Do your body the favor by keeping the television out of the bedroom and swap out your phone for an old fashioned alarm clock to greet you in the morning. Our brains were literally not designed to absorb this extreme amount of content at an incalculable rate.

Tip #7: Lighting. 

Whatever your essence of comfort is, it can be emulated with the lighting in your home. This is something that shouldn’t be overlooked. Whether you like a nice soft bright white or the warm dim lighting of an Edison bulb, invest in that! Maybe you love the look and feel of cheerful Christmas lights all year round in your kitchen or living room or perhaps the groovy ooze of a lava lamp sets a mellow tone for you. There is no wrong way to do it, it's all about indulging in that welcoming, pleasant feeling- like you're exactly where you're supposed to be. 

Tip #8: Ask for a fresh pair of eyes.

If you're overwhelmed and unsure where to begin or what to change don’t hesitate to ask for a friend's help! This is especially for those who have a tough time letting go of material possessions or aren’t attached to a specific type of style or design. We can get so comfortable in our own way of living that sometimes we just need a little push and a different perspective.

Tip #9:   Homage to history.

If you’re in search of a little more motivation don’t forget that there is an entire world of cultural history to connect with and pay tribute to. Be sure to do your research and utilize it in an ethical manner so as to not disrespect any traditions especially if they are not of your own heritage. 

What inspires you? Is it the beauty of impermanence like the wrinkles in an elder’s face or the changing colors of the leaves? Maybe diving deep into the traditional Japanese practice of Wabi-Sabi will be of interest to you. Wabi-Sabi can be viewed as an unpretentious and intimate approach to the rough imperfections of the earthly, asymmetrical, and rustic elements. Wabi-Sabi is much more than an aesthetic, it is to encourage the acceptance of reality and to find beauty in simplicity.

What does your own bloodline reveal? Do you have heritage you wish to (re)connect with and honor? How would you do that? With art? Music? A celebration perhaps? I think it's important to feel rooted in something, to give us a greater sense of belonging and purpose and to continue a narrative here on earth.

Tip #10: Be bold. It’s all about you!

This pandemic has our most intimate space feeling a little empty. Our rooms dedicated to entertaining guests no longer serve a purpose, so why not make them work for you? Turn that dining room into the studio you’ve always wanted for work or play. Rearrange and rearrange again. Throw some color on the walls with paint, dried plants, or textiles. Don’t forget to dance and sing through it all because this past year has shown us that nothing is permanent and you just gotta do you, for you, boo.

I hope after reading this you feel encouraged to take a second look at the space around you. Or maybe this was just a reminder that you are not alone during this stressful and stir-crazy time and although things may seem out of our control there is always a little something we can work towards. 

Dive deep into yourself.

love+more love,

Lailani