Creating A Home That Nurtures Relationships
When it comes to creating your home, we know it's tempting to be swayed by the tangible + material things that fill up a space. Whether it’s the color + mood of the home, the sleek lines of the furniture, the contrast of light and dark, the decorative accents, the custom closets, or the clear containers we organize with.
And there’s a deep expectation in the world we live in to grow up, buy a house, fill it with stuff, then buy a bigger house and fill it with more stuff. The economic system relies upon an endless supply of options. Options that eventually leave you feeling like you need something more.
“That’s why we say, the world we live in has a never enough problem.
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However, at Elegant Simplicity Interiors, our vision of home extends beyond the physical beauty of a space. In fact, the essence of a home isn't merely its aesthetic appeal of beautifully organized and designed rooms, but rather its profound ability to anchor us, connect us, and offer us solace.
A home that doesn’t just look but feels like Elegant Simplicity® should be the foundation of our lives. Which is why, we're on a mission to change the world, by changing the world’s perspective of home to a place that’s everything you need + nothing more®.
So, how do we create a home with the essence of connection + meaning that nurtures relationships?
Let’s dive on in, shall we?
Home Reflects Who We Are, Not Just Where We Are
Where we live or the places we’re from have such a deep connection to us intrinsically that even when we first meet a new friend, colleague, or acquaintance, we often open our conversation with questions like, “Where are you from?” or “Where do you live?” We like to root who we’re talking to with our own ideas of what that place looks and feels like, to us.
Naturally, as people, we’re home builders — no, not just us at Elegant Simplicity®, although we are good at creating home *wink*
But as a collective of human beings sharing this time on earth together, we’re home builders, homemakers, and heck even at times, we’re “nesters” of home.
Our homes aren’t merely a place though. Our homes aren’t merely a location or even just an environment that exists as nothing other than a shell made up of walls, doors and a roof. Our homes reflect who we are.
Our Homes Reflect Who We Are
Whether we recognize it or not, home reflects who we are by the value we place on the material possessions we have in them. And so, if we look around our home at all the things we’ve accumulated over the years — we must begin to question, what do our possessions say we truly value?
Questions To Ask Yourself About What Type Of Home You’re Creating With The Material Possessions You Have:
Are we filling our home with furniture, decor and personal mementos that have value to us? Or are we merely focused on filling the space for how it appears?
Do the things that take up space in our home matter to us? Or are they seen as disposable?
Are we considering the materials used to make those belongings? Or are we disinterested in the effects those products have on us, others, and our environment?
But home goes much, much deeper than material possessions, does our home reflect what we care about at a human level.
A Home with Purpose and Intentionality Nurtures Relationships
Instant gratification in creating a home is a socially acceptable form of self hate because we are depriving ourselves of what we actually want, which is a home that nurtures what matters most to us.
Here are several ways to create a home that nurtures relationships:
Intentionality In Designing + Organizing Your Home
One of the easiest ways to get started is simply to envision how you want to nurture relationships in your home + then to design and organize spaces that actually cater to those things. These could look like:
I want space for individual reflection
We want space for intimate moments with each other
Space the prioritizes quality time with our children
Enough room to comfortably gather with friends and family
It’s not difficult to do, many of us however, don’t do it.
Personal Spaces for Self-Care
Another amazing consideration for creating a home that nurtures relationships is to dedicate a space for self-reflection and self-care.
This could look like:
A reading nook
A meditation corner
A craft or a hobby room
Regardless, this space should resonate with your personal journey and aspirations, allowing you to connect deeply with yourself.
Intimate Spaces for Couples
Alright now friend, don’t get ahead of yourself *wink* Creating space for you as a couple fosters connection between yourself and your spouse/partner.
This could be:
A cozy balcony or patio off the master suite
A shared study for introspection together
Or even a cozy corner of the bedroom with comfortable chairs for conversation
It’s important to consider how you actually connect, or want to connect, and then create a home that fosters these types of relationships.
Family-Centric Areas
At Elegant Simplicity, we’re no stranger to big family gatherings. Designing + organizing open spaces like living rooms, family rooms, oversized kitchens or dining areas encourage family gatherings.
The important part of considering these types of family centric areas is what do you do in them?
Are they for big meals? How often?
Are they for playing games together?
Are they intended for relaxed conversation?
Or are these family centric areas for watching a ball game together?
Promoting bonding and creating shared memories is at the root of areas big enough for families.
Children's Spaces for Growth and Bonding
Children's rooms or play areas should be created with the idea to foster, not just play, but also connection. Incorporating elements that allow parents to engage with their children:
Space for crafts
Room for play
Comfortable seating for reading + writing
Welcoming Spaces for Extended Family and Friends
Let’s face it, most people consider the guest room the unused space in the house unless guests are visiting. And because of it, they don’t put too much thought into it. But, creating a home that truly nurtures relationships is all about being intentional. Having a guest suite that considers extended family or friends evokes warmth + hospitality.
Room for luggage
Space for their own sense of private time
Accessibility to things that make them feel welcome (extra linens, toiletries, etc)
Incorporate Personal and Shared Histories
When it comes to decorative accents incorporate ones that tell stories of individual journeys, shared moments as a couple, family milestones, and memorable times with friends. These items serve as reminders of the history you have together, strengthen your relationships and deepen the sense of connection.
Art that Reflects Relationships
Much like decorative accents, incorporating art throughout your home that resonate with your journey together as a family deepens the meaning home has to you. Whether it’s portraits, photographs, or artwork it should symbolize love, friendship, and family connection.
Balance Technology and Personal Connection
While technology is essential in our lives, ensure it doesn't overshadow personal interactions. For some that may look like having tech-free zones together or just being really intentional about having time that’s designed specifically to encourage deeper face-to-face connections.
Dinner conversations
Gratitude lists
Prayer
Regardless of what it might look like specifically for you, it’s essential to first prioritize what matters most to us + then let the worldly “demands” fill in around those things.
Spaces that Adapt and Grow
As relationships evolve, homes should too. We say that home is continuous because it is. So, you want to ensure flexibility that perhaps the functionality of a space may change in a specific period of time in your life.
Whether that’s:
changing dynamics like what we all experienced with covid
children growing up
an evolving relationship with a partner
accommodating extended family
In essence, a home infused with connection, meaning, and relationships is one where every element, from the organization to the layout of furniture to the decor, resonates with the dance of human relationships.
Home is a space that nurtures bonds, celebrates love, and provides a sanctuary for all its people. Home is more than a mere physical structure but rather a place created for profound connection and grounding.
It's where memories are made, traditions are upheld, and relationships are nurtured. It’s a space that amidst the chaos, challenges, or changes in the external world, provides a constant, stable place to find balance, feel centered, and reconnect with your core values and beliefs.
So there you have it friend — a home that nurtures relationships transcends mere aesthetics and fosters real connection. Beyond the allure of material possessions, a home's true essence lies in its ability to be a sanctuary for its people. By prioritizing meaningful interactions and values, from this place we can design spaces that truly resonate with our essence.
Not to worry friend, we’re here if you need us. If you haven’t already, check out our 4 Days To A More Beautiful + Functional Home and when you’re ready to begin your transformational journey — let’s chat.