It involves infusing your living environment with a sense of authenticity, warmth, and a deep connection to your personal history, values, and beliefs.
Soulful decorating is about making your home an extension of your soul. Where every item, colour, and arrangement has a deeper meaning and resonates with your inner self.
Interior Designer, Isabella Roberts from Melbourne, says “Australia’s soulful decorating is a blend of laid-back coastal vibes and the rugged outback. It’s about making spaces that truly feel like home.”
Soulful decorating is not about adhering to design rules but about creating a sanctuary that feeds your soul, providing a place of comfort, inspiration, and connection to the things that matter most in your life.
In New Zealand, this means celebrating the ‘kiwi’ way of life, where comfort and connection to nature take centre stage.
Key elements of soulful decorating include:
1. Personalisation: Soulful decorating starts with a deep understanding of your own preferences, values, and history. It’s about selecting and arranging items that hold personal significance, whether they are family heirlooms, travel souvenirs, or pieces of art that evoke powerful emotions. These items tell your unique story and create a sense of belonging within your home.
2. Mindful Selection: It involves a thoughtful and intentional approach to choosing decor elements. Instead of following trends or blindly buying what’s fashionable, soulful decorators take their time to select pieces that genuinely resonate with them. They prioritise quality over quantity and embrace the concept of “less is more.”
3. Emotional Connection: Every element in a soulfully decorated space is chosen because it stirs an emotional response. Whether it’s the warm tones of a painting, the texture of a throw pillow, or the scent of a scented candle, these elements are carefully curated to evoke feelings of comfort, nostalgia, or joy.
4. Eclecticism: Soulful decorating often embraces an eclectic mix of styles, colours, and textures. It’s not confined to a single design aesthetic but rather celebrates the idea that your personal style can be a blend of various influences and experiences. The result is a unique and harmonious composition that resonates with your soul.
5. Sustainability: Many soulful decorators are mindful of the environmental impact of their choices. They may opt for sustainable and eco-friendly materials, up-cycled or repurposed furniture, and support artisans and craftsmen who create meaningful, handcrafted pieces.
6. Balancing Aesthetics and Functionality: While soulful decorating is deeply rooted in emotional connection, it doesn’t neglect the practical aspects of design. It seeks to create spaces that are both beautiful and functional, enhancing the overall quality of life for those who inhabit them.
7. Creating Soulful Rituals: Soulful decorating often includes the incorporation of meaningful rituals into daily life, such as creating a meditation corner, an altar, or a cozy reading nook. These areas are intentionally designed to promote self-care and emotional well-being.
In a world filled with mass-produced, cookie-cutter decor, soulful decorating stands out as a deeply personal and authentic way to design your living space.
It’s an ongoing journey of self-discovery and creativity, where each element in your home contributes to a harmonious and meaningful whole.
