How To: Refresh Your Space for Spring

Inspired Greetings!

At long last, the arctic winds have started to subside and the sun has begun to linger in the sky. Soon the tulips will begin to peak through what was just frozen ground. As Spring approaches, I am thrilled to share tips and trends for refreshing your space. In this week’s blog, we will look at how using bright colors in your home can have a significant impact on your mood and emotions. Get ready to embrace one of my favorite seasons with new room inspirations and exciting products that my team and I have curated just for you!

Blessings, Christa O’Leary

How To: Refresh Your Space for Spring

One of the tools in my “Home in Harmony Toolbox” is the ability to assess a home or office through the lens of psychology. As your natural environment changes from winter to spring, your mind and body begin to feel this shift. It is beneficial to attune your space to be aligned with the natural world.

Using bright colors in your home can have a significant impact on your mood and emotions. Bright colors can create a sense of energy and excitement in a room, making it feel more lively and vibrant. Colors can also evoke feelings of happiness and positivity, which can improve mood and well-being. Blue sky, green grass and pink tulips can create a cascade of happy hormones in your body that impact your level of contentment. Using those colors in your home can have a similar effect.

You might be wondering what the color trends are for spring 2023. Sarah Dimarco of Veranda Magazine explains that “The era of vibrancy is upon us.” Some of the popular colors this year include the many shades of green as well as the bright and bold hues of oranges and magenta.

When selecting bright colors, consider the psychological association of each hue. For example, red can be energizing and passionate, while yellow can be cheerful and optimistic. Decide what you want to feel in your space and how it will best serve you and your circumstances. Do you need more intensity or do you need more joy in your life? Assessing where you are and where you want to be will help you determine what colors are best to incorporate in your space.

Remember, ultimately the colors you choose for your home should reflect your personal style and you feel comfortable and happy in your space.

Simple Solution: If your walls are gray, add a pop of your favorite color to liven up the space with accent side tables or bold lamps in your favorite hue.

The Color of Calm

Inspired greetings,

It has been a while since I’ve been in touch. I’m so happy to be reconnecting with you! I hope the last three years have been filled with peace in your home, despite the turbulent world. I wanted to take the time to update you on my journey and provide you with some great content to help you create your home in harmony. Thank you for being a part of my community and I look forward to creating solutions for you to design inspired living!

For 23 years I have been helping people create home and office environments that are both aesthetically beautiful and psychologically nurturing. I have taken courses in anything related to our homes from Feng Shui & clutter clearing to green design & color psychology. I often refer to these certifications as “tools-in-my-tool-box” that help me assess an interior environment and create a design that nurtures the mind, body and spirit of those that live or work within the walls. In todays blog, I am going to focus on design and color psychology.

Design psychology is the study of how people interact with design elements in their environment. It focuses on understanding how visual elements, colors, shapes, and materials affect people’s behavior and emotions. Design psychology helps me look at how people interpret visual stimuli, room & furniture layouts and how they respond to different colors. It also examines the influence of culture, context, and personal preferences on design. Design psychology helps me create spaces that are both aesthetically pleasing and emotionally satisfying. By understanding the psychological effects of design, I can purposefully create experiences that support the people that live or work in the environment and make them feel connected to their space.

During this time of year we see an abundance of pink. Let’s look at the color pink through a design & color psychology lens. Pink is a color that is often associated with femininity, love, and romance. It is also associated with being innocent, sweet, and caring. In color psychology, pink is said to have a calming and soothing effect. It can be used to help relax and unwind, and it can help to create a sense of peace and harmony. Pink can also help to reduce aggression and negative emotions, making it a great choice for those trying to create a calming or peaceful atmosphere. Pink can also be used to help promote creativity and foster a sense of unity and togetherness. For pink room inspirations check out @HomeinHarmonyDesigns! We are dedicating the month to pink inspo!

Simple Solution: If you like the idea of creating calm in the midst of a chaotic world, use pink in your home to foster a soothing psychological response. An easy way to do this is by incorporating accent pieces like pillows, rugs, and artwork. Play around with different shades, textures, and patterns to create an inviting and unique space.

Design psychology is a tool-in-my-toolbox that allows me to see and assess spaces. This lens enables me to create home environment that nurture and support the individuals or families that live there.

Please join me on Instagram @HomeinHarmonyDesigns to see our latest projects, products and events! This is a great way to connect, be part of the conversation and enjoy the community! I really hope to see you there.

Best of Houzz 2019!

There is a secret recipe to designing your dreams & making them a reality!

Passion is a start, but it won’t keep you motivated when times get challenging or you begin to feel overwhelmed. In those moments you need to dig deep and stay committed to your dream. You also need to have the integrity & grit to follow through even if it feels overwhelming, scary or uncomfortable. If you don’t push through, you won’t be able to design that dream!

Part of my dream for Home in Harmony is for my client’s to know that they are the center of our world. We don’t want them to just like their spaces, we want them to LOVE their homes! I know that when I return from one of my trips away I want to pinch myself because I love every inch of my space. I want my clients to feel that way about their home! It should be a nurturing nest that rejuvenates and inspires you to be the best you can be!

Our clients must be feeling our commitment, love, meticulous tendencies, and integrity because Home in Harmony just received Best of Houzz 2019 for service! In this week’s article let me explain why these 4 ways of being are integral in designing a life you love. Help us celebrate by going to Houzz and following our page! You can also see our latest design project labeled Hingham!

Last Monday, Boston was having a snow storm that was creating havoc with the flights going out of Logan International Airport. The first leg of my flight to CA was delayed by over an hour which meant that I was not going to make my connecting flight in Phoenix. As I realized there was little chance we would make up time in the air my American Airlines App was telling me that I had been rebooked on a 3:30pm flight the following day. I knew this did not bode well for my 8:30am design client meeting in San Diego! The 3:30pm flight would get me in hours after the scheduled meeting. I began searching my options (thank goodness for inflight wifi!) to see what, if anything, I could do.

Option 1 was to stay in Phoenix overnight and catch the 3:30pm flight the airline had already rebooked me on. Of course, I would make the best of it by finding a beautiful hotel! My search concluded that The Phoenician was a great option. I always love checking out luxury hotel décor and the spas at this type of resort are usually a great resource for bathroom inspiration!

Option 2 was to figure out what the last flight was that headed to San Diego, knowing that I would continue on without my luggage. It would be me, my pocketbook and laptop. At that late hour, I would have to find a 24 hour pharmacy to pick up a toothbrush, hairbrush and a few other essentials.

As uncomfortable as it was… I chose the option #2.

Why?

There were a few drivers that led me to my decision.

First, I knew my 8:30 a.m. client had a limited window that she had rearranged to see me before she was flying out to Nashville the next day. I was making the trek out to the West Coast and although I thoroughly enjoy sitting in a luxury spa being pampered, I love designing beautiful spaces that recharge my clients!

Designing beautiful spaces is my passion & definitively my purpose! This love, excitement & commitment guides my inner GPS that keeps me moving me towards my dream, even when things get uncomfortable.

What drives you even when it is uncomfortable?

Can you name it?

Because of Home in Harmony’s growth & expansion, we recently hired a new design assistant. I knew that she was the right fit when we started talking about time commitment! I told her that it might be a good idea to put a structure in place so that she didn’t feel like she needed to be at Home in Harmony Headquarters all of the time and that I didn’t want her to “burn out”. She insisted that this was energizing her and she could eat, sleep and breathe design. (Don’t worry, I won’t let her actually do that!) But, it was so refreshing to be in the presence of someone who feels as passionate as I do about my craft! I know that working actually nourishes my inner spirit. It is important to find something that uplifts and energizes you.

What energizes you so that you could do it all day?

I am often asked what subcontractors I use for painting, electrical, plumbing, flooring, etc. I am very choosy with whom I will refer. That said, I have a go-to hardwood flooring guy (let’s call him Alex) that I am always happy to send client’s his way. Alex and his team go above & beyond when they are installing or refinishing hardwood floors. A few years ago, they were doing my home… they had arrived at the home to inspect the finished product of their work and to ensure that after 3 days it was fully cured (dried). I will never forget how respectfully adamant Alex was about the floors not being fully dry and he did not want us to walk through the house in our socks. He didn’t want any dust from our socks to ruin the beautiful dark finish. We respected his wishes because he was so meticulous and proud of his creation! He was a true craftsman. True craftsmanship is becoming harder & harder to find.

What are you meticulous about in your life and proud to do?

Integrity allows you to be in a mindset & spiritual space of alignment. When you are in alignment things gracefully flow and the people you connect with feel your sincerity. Coming from a place of integrity allows those that surround you to feel a sense of trust & security. This is a game changer for every relationship in your life! When people trust you, they know that you will do what is right in all circumstances. You have their back. You say you’re going to do something, and you do it. Without excuses. This is a foundational pillar of the Home in Harmony business model. Integrity. Integrity is one of my favorite words.

Are you in alignment with your integrity?

These 4 concepts guide, move and fuel me as I lead Home in Harmony and as a team, we navigate the world of interior design and travel along this path striving to be the best we can be for our clients, the homes we make an imprint on and the lives we touch.

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Do You have Forgotten Areas?

Vast parts of the US are under a deluge of arctic weather. Freezing temperatures, blustery winds and beautiful snow will keep many inside. I am one of those who tend to get excited when Mother Nature forces our family to hunker down. It is nice to have a respite in the midst of our otherwise over scheduled lives. When the kids were younger I would stock up on essentials like water and non-essential ingredients to make the kids nachos, cookies and hot chocolate.

I also looked forward to sitting in front of the fire watching movies and playing board games that would keep us entertained throughout the day. In addition, I would give each person a “project” to do when they began to get restless. These “projects” would include overlooked household items that needed attention but were not a high enough priority to make it on the weekly to-do list. They would fall into the category of “I will get to that some-day”. Even in this home we have the disorganized drawer under the phone that originally held batteries, phone-books and notepads but now has a myriad of other items. Clearing and cleaning these overlooked spots will feel so good!

In every home I have been in (1000’s at this point) there are always areas that are neglected or overlooked. Even the most fastidious homeowners have areas that need attention. Initially you look at these areas and think to yourself, “I will get to that” but over time it moves to the back burner of your life. When this happens you might not even notice the disorder anymore but unfortunately your unconscious does! And it drains your energy and brings you down! Putting a plan together to attend to these “forgotten areas” will help you create home harmony.

Do you have places and spaces within your home that are “Forgotten Areas”?

That is… you would like to forget about them!

However… you can’t! And, the agitation makes you roll your eyes whenever they come to mind.

When you do think about those areas, you can’t remember what is there! Unfortunately, this is depleting your energy. It is a total energy zap!

You are not alone! So many people have this experience!!

Today’s article will help you with those forgotten areas that have become dark places that drain your energy.

Let’s look at some Simple Solutions to help you make your place look and feel great! When your space feels good, it lifts you up!

1. Fresh Eyes

One part of my business is helping showcase properties that homeowners and realtors want to sell. It is always so interesting to walk through these homes with the owners explaining what needs to be changed, organized, repaired or cleared. They begin to “see” the areas that they have left unattended for years, sometimes decades. Because of their desire to showcase the home in the best light, to ensure a quick and profitable sale, they begin to tackle the to-dos on a seemingly long list. Often times when the items have been tackled and completed they realize that they could have and probably should have done this years before because the space feels so much better and in turn, they feel better! I invite you to walk through your home as if you were going to put it on the market tomorrow. This will help you begin to see your space from a fresh perspective and might help to illuminate the areas that need attention.

2. Sidestep Overwhelm

As I walk through a home with a homeowner and realtor, I make a list of all of the items that need to be addressed. My goal is to include all necessary areas that will help their home look fabulous. That being said, I also want to ensure the client doesn’t move into a state of overwhelm. Unfortunately, as humans, when you and I become overwhelmed we can get stuck in a state of analysis paralysis. This brings any forward momentum or action to a screeching halt. When working with clients to showcase their properties or coach them in creating their ideal life it is important to create a structure that is manageable and straightforward. It is necessary to put an actionable plan in place that is realistic and creates the desired end result.

3. Get Help

It is important to realize that sometimes it is necessary to ask for help. There are two types of help that are important to evaluate, inside and outside. What I mean for inside is, you might have a family member or two, or a friend that can help you begin to navigate your way through the list you created. Today, on this snow day, I will give my kids a “project” that they can help with. A few weeks ago one of my kid’s was grounded so I kept that child busy all day with little projects. They had to tighten the bolts on the garage door, clean and organize the wrapping paper closet (which was actually a tall task after the holiday season) and clean their room. Sometimes it is hard to know where to begin and is necessary to bring in a professional from the outside with a trained eye. They can help you put a plan in place that is structured in a way to avoid overwhelm and ensures you keep the forward momentum heading to your ultimate goal for your home and life.

These three simple solutions can help you create your Home in Harmony. You deserve to live in a home that supports and nurtures your mind, body and spirit. Your home is the foundation of your life. Create and maintain a structure that fortifies your well-being.

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

Are you in the 6% Club?

Driving by the gym today I noticed the abundance of cars in the parking lot where there are usually only a dozen at any given time. New Year’s resolutions are in overdrive with people’s excitement and determination full throttle. I wonder how long it will last? Statistics say that only 6% of people who set a New Year’s resolution achieve their goal. And, unfortunately only 75% of people even make it through the 1^st week! That being said, it will be interesting to see how long it takes for the gym parking lot to go back to normal capacity.

Do you usually follow through on your New Year’s resolutions?

Do you remember what your resolution was from last year?

Did you make it happen?

How are you going to create success this year?

Two of the top resolutions for 2019 are good health & getting organized. In today’s blog post I will share 3 simple solution to aide you in your efforts for both of these areas so you can have lasting success!

In my book, Home in Harmony: Designing an Inspired Life, I go into detail about how habits control your behavior. More than 86% of your behavior is (blindly) determined by unconscious habitual actions and responses. You can use this as a tool to help you manage your actions, behaviors and goals. When setting resolutions it is important to think about what you are trying to achieve and determine how you can turn your objective into a habit. This slight adjustment in perspective can make all the difference in whether you are effective or not in maintaining your aspiration and being part of the 6% who achieve what they set out to accomplish in the New Year.

If your goal is to create a healthy body or an organized home than lets look at a few simple solutions to help turn both of these aspirations into reality.

First, go through your kitchen cupboards (or any other area of your home that contains food items) and toss items that are unhealthy. Make a commitment to not replenish these items. Instead decide what would be a healthy and suitable substitute. This will help you exchange the items that are draining with healthy versions of whatever you typically consume.

Next, clear out and donate kitchen gadgets you haven’t used in a year. Ask yourself if you are really ever going to use them. Then, dust off some of the appliances that will help you stay committed to your goals of health and wellness. Put items like your blender or juicer in a spot that is easily accessible. This will allow you to make your healthy, energy boosting smoothies and green juices easily. Having these items in sight and handy acts as a constant reminder to use them and helps fortify the health and wellness objective at hand.

Lastly, add a beautiful bowl of fresh produce on the counter. This will add uplifting color and energy to the space that will rejuvenate your mind, body and spirit. This will also help remind you of your intentions for health and wellness.

As always, I would love to hear about You! In the comments below, please share your goals and aspirations for 2019!

Wishing you incredible success in 2019!

Happy Soaring!

XOXO

photo credit = small biz trends dot com