Recently, I helped my kids pack and move away from home. We gave a lot of thought about each item to bring to their new homes. My son is living in a college dormitory for a few months and my daughter is living in an apartment. From bedding to accessories to kitchen essentials, there are many things that we simply can’t live without. During these long months of sheltering in place during the pandemic, our homes have become more important that ever to our health and happiness. As I helped my kids set up their households, we talked about how decorating our homes with our favorite things has a direct correlation to our comfort and wellbeing. Here are some of the things that help us rediscover the pleasure of home.
Pillows
What are some of the elements that you love about your home? As we declutter after the holidays, it is important to stop and think about what you love so that you can toss what you don’t. For me, it is a pretty, comfortable pillow for my office. I worked with Mala Igla to create something fabulous. Mala is a textile designer who is dedicated to sustainably produced fabrics and zero-waste production. The pillow that she designed for me is individually made. Her products are limited edition and very affordable. It is perfect for my office chair. During the design process, Mala and I talked about my favorite colors, textures and my style. I am so happy with the results. They make great gifts too.
Living Things
Surrounding yourself with plants and fresh flowers is a great way to boost your mood as well as your space. Not only do plants put oxygen back into the air, but they make your home look amazing. It is nice to watch them change and grow. I love to watch bulbs blooming in the winter months and find comfort in watering and caring for my plants.
Candles
Candles are so important to your home. They are essential for setting the mood and can smell great. I love candles because they are beautiful and make me happy. In the morning, I start my day by lighting a candle and offering a prayer for my family or one of my special intentions. I often use fragrance in my home and choose my candles for their scents. After dinner, I find that lighting a candle can help clear my home of any cooking smells.
As the Covid-19 pandemic continues and we find ourselves indoors more, I believe that we will need to find comfort in our homes. The winters are long here in Michigan and now with my kids gone, I am looking forward to enhancing my surroundings. Please share your thoughts about the pleasures of home in the comments.
