I’ve alway had an eye for design. Even at 3 when I wore every piece of jewelry I owned, I had a vision for things. But design isn’t everything when it comes to creating a slow home. Yes, having a beautiful place that welcomes you in, is nice, but I’m more concerned about having a place that supports the way you live and then is designed well. (What can I say, I like pretty things).
Function over fashion has never been more true than when it comes to your little corner of the home. The place that you go to to comfort yourself. A safe place to read, meditate, daydream, or release the weight of the day. This cozy corner might be your favorite spot on the couch, next to a coffee table that holds your favorite coaster and mug. It could be a wingback chair next to a big window that gives you the space to dream. Next to you a basket filled with your favorite books, embroidery needles, and journals sits. It might even be a bolster on the floor next to the fireplace where you can cocoon yourself after a cold winter’s day.
The corner of your home that you claim can be anywhere, but the things that surround it will be specific to the support you need.
For me, I’ve claimed a corner of the couch by the fireplace that looks out our largest window. Every morning I sit there and read my books. Next to me is a mid-modern boho styled coffee table that brings much joy. My grandmother’s rococo styled kerosene lamp that was converted into an electric lamp provides my light. On top a coaster made from a leftover Italian tile from the kitchen sits with my favorite cracked mug with some Kintsugi love filled with decaf coffee or tea. In the little space left is a stack of books and reading glasses. On my way to this spot is my favorite Kantha blanket I’ll lay on my lap and invite my puppy to cuddle up on. Finally, in the drawer are my tarot cards, a journal, pens, highlighters and books I’ll come back to.
Everything I could need is placed within an arms reach for me. So no matter what, when I need a cozy, calm moment, it’s there for me.
Seeing each piece in the morning calms my spirit. Having an organized space that functions and looks beautiful is what I strive for when designing my home or giving advice for someone else’s home.
In this spot, there are no to-do lists, there is no pressure to do it perfectly or look perfect, it’s simply my safe spot. The little corner of my home I can always go to and find some calm.
My corner of the home might still have an emphasis on design (because that’s who I am) yours might not. You might solely focus on function, which I encourage. A home has to function in a way that meets your needs before anything else. Maybe design elements will come down the road, maybe they won’t. In the end, a space that encourages calm and cozy is the best design practice I know.
