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My Home, My Temple

Embracing the Power of Our Surroundings

Text: Sara Umbreit, Photos: Sojournal Studio

Interiors - at least on the outside, can be so beautiful. Colour, shape, smell and sound influence our mood greatly, with the ability to have a both a negative and positive effect on us.

We’re all aware of mobile phones and laptops being constant companions for us in this modern world - both on the job and at home. Then there’s friends, parties, dates not to mention the continual monotonous noise of the city. This is the definition of 'civilization' today. Burn-outs, migraines and insomnia have become a modern norm in this flood of information we’re exposed to, deliberately or unconsciously. ‘Shutting down’, as we like to call it, has become more important than ever, and where we need to take a step back and literally do nothing. A savior for these moments is Netflix.

Diamond Lamp from Nutsandwoods

A whole market has now established itself to the inner longing many of us face in the cities. It offers a range of services such as yoga and wellness centres that are dedicated to rest, relaxation, and connecting with oneself again. To come to terms with any of life’s stress, there are no shortage of ways to integrate effective yet practical changes into your everyday life. The loose framework for this usually begins with a healthier diet, less materialism, more movement and meditation.

The place in which we dwell should become a place where we feel comfortable.

A journey must happen before we can completely understand ourselves. We want to feel comfortable with the people who surround us. Superficial acquaintances become increasingly uninteresting. We want to be more connected with nature and appreciate its soothing and relaxing effect. We recognize that the place where we stay and sleep must become a place where we feel comfortable. It’s the temple of one's life. It is here where the power and deeper aspect of interior design lies.

Whether it’s beloved brands or second-hand furnishings, interiors can provide a framework that strengthens us individually, relaxes us internally and a space in which we can recharge. Certain woods are even said to have a healing and balancing effect. They influence the rooms climate and affect our health and wellbeing. Natural colours, in particular, soothe the mind, and help us to find our ‘ground’. It’s possible to reduce both stress and anxiety through our surroundings, with many achievable and practical methods that leave our mind healthy and strengthened. White, for example, is known for providing a clear mind. Beige on the other hand, is an earthy tone coming in various gradients, and can be the essence of nature, tranquility and warmth to a room.

Oak Stool from Nutsandwoods

It is a colour that’s deeply anchored in human perception and creates a feel-good factor independently of personal taste. In reference to Pantone, which our society recognizes to be the expert in colour trends, listed 'Rose Quartz & Serenity' to be the 2016 colours of the year. Beige secretly merges into this trend. Combined with modern silhouettes, beige brings a relaxed elegance to a home. Minimalist furnishing is usually achieved by these natural colours and materials, as well as plants to make a space totally comfortable.

"Beige is an earthy tone coming in various gradients, and can be the essence of nature, tranquility and warmth to a room."

Text: Sara Umbreit