Fall is one of my favorite times of year with its radiant glow of autumnal colors that warm the heart and nurture the soul. Recently I was asked to give my opinion on fall fashion and interior design trends, how they converge, and what (if any) predictions came true this season.  I had fun sharing my view with multiple newspaper reporters in LA, a dynamic radio duo from Alabama, and one of the morning TV programs in Boston. What I have found that is trending over the predicted looks is that people are motivated to create a calm oasis away from the daily chaos of modern day living.  This has created a fall trend that will bring home harmony and happiness for this season and the one’s to come. In this week’s article I will share some of these styles that nurture your spirit, and will bring a smile to those with a discerning eye for fall, fashion and design.

The design and fashion trends this fall reflect what we are experiencing in society.  The styles that people are gravitating towards illustrate where people are emotionally and psychologically. It amazes me how our internal guidance system will navigate us towards what will naturally make us feel happier, healthier and peaceful… if we listen. Let’s look at what is pulling at our attention.

Neutral Base & Pops of Color:

Walls, couches, and rugs have gone neutral. They have disappeared into the background and become what I call a “chameleon color”. This speaks volumes! In our culture we become bored or distracted very easily. We are excited by one thing until our attention jumps to the next shiny object. Having a neutral backdrop allows you to change your environment quickly and cost effectively with a quick switch of colorful pillows or a throw. Our grandmother’s generation would keep the same design for 40 years. In today’s world people want to change their interiors with each new season. This is easily and affordably done with a neutral base and pops of color.

Blue Spectrum:

Pantone said that Orchid was going to be the color of the 2014. Instead we are witnessing midnight blue and turquoise this year. There has also been a shift to a peacock color for the fall. In today’s frenetic culture it is understandable that you would want to create a calm oasis away from the daily chaos of modern living. Orchid might have been a fun splash but really what you and I are looking for is to create a serene sanctuary that the blue spectrum provides. This will nurture you so that you can go out into this crazy world and be the best you can be.

Fur:

From a psychological perspective, we live in a hectic world that keeps us moving and connected 24/7.  We are looking for ways to be nurtured. Because of this we are seeing a cozier feel to interiors. Faux fur is one of those elements that can give you the sense of being wrapped in nurturing support.

Enjoy the beauty of your interior and exterior world. Use these new trends to help you create the sanctuary that will support you in living your best life!

P.S. Did you schedule your FREE success strategy session so that I can help you design the home and life of your dreams? Click here and let’s get started. If not now, when?

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Image Credit: www.designindulgences.com/

As we drove by the cranberry bogs towards “the school by the sea” my heart was heavy and I did all I could to hold back tears. We were greeted by enthusiastic smiles. Friendly guides helped us navigate our way through the registration day process.  Typically the ocean air, harbor full of bobbing sailboats and nautical flags dancing in the wind would have made my spirit soar. But, on this day, the beautiful landscape only lulled the waves of emotion that would rise to the surface and catch in my throat. I knew the evolution of time had caught me by surprise. How could it be that our oldest daughter was ready to be launched into the world without me there holding her hand each day and kissing her goodnight every evening? Thoughts swirled through my head… Had I done enough to prepare her for her journey? Should I have focused less on bedtimes, frozen blueberries on the floor and imploring requests to help out? What could I do in these last moments that would set her up to fly and help her understand in an unspoken way how much she was loved. The answer came when we rounded the corner of her new room and peered in at the grey plastic mattress, white walls and traditional dorm room furniture that consisted of a dresser, metal framed bed, desk and chair. My mother hen instincts kicked in and I knew in my core that the room needed a redesign to help support her. I needed to create an environment that would nurture, revitalize and inspire her as she embarked on this new adventure and traversed the foreign landscape of living away from her nest.  I had 2 hours to make this into a haven that would help my little bird fly. Using the four pillars of the Home in Harmony lifestyle, the 4 tips ahead share what I did to help her launch, calm my anxiety and support you in feeling nurtured, vibrant and rejuvenated…

1. Color

Color can transform an environment and your mood from “blah” to “ahh”. Taking the time to realize which colors make you feel vibrant, rejuvenated and supported is important when creating a well-designed space that nurtures you or those you love.  In the dorm room my daughter chose two colors that she loves and we incorporated them into the all aspects of the design so that the space flowed gracefully and felt harmonious. Pink and pool were found on her towels, comforter and accessories. These colors were chosen because of their fresh and upbeat vibe and the uplifting relationship that she has with these colors.

2. Healthy

Initially we struggled at finding needed dorm room items that were both teen and mom approved.  We either found comforters that were chic and toxic or ones that were drab and healthful.  I understood that she wanted to arrive on the scene with something cute and fun that matched her personality. But, I wasn’t willing to compromise her health knowing that it is critical for health and vitality to choose home furnishing items that are non-toxic.  This is especially true when sleeping for eight hours (I hope!) and breathing in the off-gasses from bedding. We finally found bedding that met her teenage standards and my health conscious criteria!  Phew! This was true for her sheets, towels and toiletries as well.

3. Organization

Creating an organized environment is critical for overall success and feelings of well-being. Disorganization can create chaos in one area of your life that spills over to all areas. Taking the time to arrange her or your environment in an orderly and structured way is one way to set her and you up for success.

4. Inspiration-Motivation

We included a variety of items that would make her smile and inspire her to be the best she can be. The easiest way to do this is to find an item with your favorite affirmative or inspiring saying on it and place it in your space. You can also include mementos that will remind you of special moments in your life that made you smile. Take a moment to include some of these things in your space to rejuvenate you when you need it most.

These are some of the things I did to make a nest for my little bird who is beginning to fly on her own. Deep in my heart I know how important her environment is for her overall wellbeing. I want to ensure that she is set up with a space that supports, nurtures and rejuvenates her mind, body and soul.  I also want the same for you.

P.S. I have a fabulous FREE project that I am about to announce! To receive all the details that are coming soon be sure to join my newsletter at the right of this page, if you haven’t done so already, and you will be the first to hear!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

School days have begun and with it comes the stress of routine changes, high expectations in all areas and the daunting workload of the year to come.  I am often asked how to best set up a desk for success both in the academic & professional world. Clients also question how to do this when the space or budget is tight. Here are some ideas on ways to launch your student (or you) and set them up with a chic space, no matter the size, and give them the foundation of a space that supports optimum performance.

Studies have shown that your environment impacts your performance. It can help you with the task at hand aiding your productivity, creativity and distractibility. Or, it can hinder all those factors that go into effective work. This determines whether you or your student achieve optimum results. Let’s look at some simple and cost effective solutions for a chic and savvy work space that will help you and those you love get the grades or work performance you hope to achieve.

1. Color

Color is often used to design inspiring interiors but it also can help create an organized space, helpful habits and clear thinking.  Color coordinate subject binders with needed accessory storage containers so that you help your student develop an habits of organization.  For example, if your student has a blue binder for math, make sure that all items associated with math are blue and pick up a blue container to place calculators, protractors and in my case ample erasers.  This will help them focus on the task at hand, math, without getting side-tracked and distracted hunting for needed items.

2. Differentiate the Space

From a psychological perspective it is important to differentiate between spaces to help one’s mind shift into the mindset of the activity ahead.  Maybe you have a favorite reading or relaxation chair, your brain adjusts to the feeling and physical state just by thinking about it.  Creating a space that is designated for a specific activity can help your student get into study mode.  One way to do this in a small space that might be multi-functional is to place a carpet under the desk. This helps to differentiate the space and help trigger the mechanics in the brain that will tell your student it is time to study.

3. Clutter

Clutter is a big distraction to optimum academic or professional performance.  In today’s world we have an abundance of cords that contribute to clutter around our work spaces. Creating plug-in spots that eliminate the cord chaos is ideal. Tying up loose cords with elastics a or ties can calm the commotion.

4. Utilize all Surfaces

Sometimes study spaces can be tight and it is important to utilize every nook and cranny.  Realizing that you can use the walls and ceiling to free up space is key. And, it can help you make a unique statement with your space!  Hanging baskets, dry-erase or cork boards can double your useable area.  Hanging lights from the ceiling can help you free up much needed desk space.

5. Colorful Boxes

Again, I love color! One clever way to make your space vibrant, colorful and organized is to incorporate hat boxes that can hold workspace essentials like paper, envelopes or ink cartridges. There are so many stacking box options in a variety of shapes and colors that can help you manage the items needed to successfully navigate academia or execute professional prowess.

These are just a few ideas to create a chic workspace that will support optimum performance.

If you would like guidance to begin living your Inspired Life feel free to connect with me for a FREE 20 Minute Home in Harmony Lifestyle Private Call by clicking here!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO