We are intuitively drawn to nature. Nature relaxes us, grounds us, heals us, energizes us. Our home doesn’t need to be quantified by the number of bedrooms and bathrooms. Instead, in can be measured by the level of happiness and satisfaction we experience in it.
When we imagine our happy place in nature what do we experience?
Is it a forest - what is the experience? • the verticality of majestic tall trees • the dynamic interplay of light and shadows • the manifold chirps of birds • the scent of fresh morning dew • the narrow winding paths • the saturated deep green colors • the thick soft groundcover
Is it the beach – what is the experience? • the rhythmic sound of the crashing waves • the unobstructed vast blue sky • the golden soothing sunrays • the soft warm breeze • the swift movement of the ghost crab • the salty smell of the algae • the silky-smooth sand dunes
Is it a meadow - what is the experience? • the expansive level planes • the soft touch of the grass • the accents of colorful vivid flowers • the buzzing of the bees • the shifting pattern of the clouds • the movement of the butterflies • the sweet scent of spring
Is it a riverbank – what is the experience? • the meandering shape of the riverbank • the steady motion of the river • the roundness of the rocks • the juicy brightness of the moss • the cool refreshing air • the sound of raindrops in the water • the reflection of the vegetation
I envision and connect with my happy place in the mountains near my hometown of Sofia – a meadow surrounded by rocks. I experience the juxtaposition of: • the bright colors of the meadow and the earthy tones of the rocks • the meadow buzzing of life and the quiet static rocks • the fragility of the flowers and the stability of the stone
What is your happy place?
What aspects of the holistic home facilitate the transformation of the home to our happy place?
1. Light We emphasize daylight in the home to vitalize the space
2. Sound We bring in nature sounds and minimize unwanted noises
3. Air and thermal comfort We take advantage of natural ventilation
4. Water We create water features to enjoy the tranquil flow
5. Materials We utilize the least altered natural materials
6. Nourishment We aim to savor fresh nourishing foods
7. Colors We select colors with intention according to the emotions they evoke
8. Views We connect the indoor space with the outdoors
9. Movement and Circulation We plan for free-flowing movement through the home
10. Spaciousness and Coziness We alternate spaciousness with coziness to support our activities
11. Rhythms, patterns and textures We play intertwining variety and repetition
The main takeaway is that we can utilize the aspects of the holistic home to make our home our happy place!
Learn more about “How to select Colors in the Home for Well-being and Good Mood?” in this guide: https://www.holistichomesarchitecture.com/guide-how-to-select-colors-in-the-home.html
Drop me a line to transform your home into a happy place! Ana Ana Koleva Miller, RA, NCARB, Fitwel Amb.