Interior design psychology

Creating spaces that look like us - the steps and the method

Have you also noticed, almost unexpectedly, that psychology pervades every aspect of our lives? It seems that everything, even objects, is capable of communication or influence and, above all, that everything has value on a mental level. Has it become fashionable in recent years to ascribe meaning even to what is considered trivial?

Sometimes I thought that it was all a bit exaggerated, overexposed, dense. But my work has made me think about the relationships between objects and people. Especially in a familiar environment, you can go through 'phases' that lead to it being shaped by the people who live in it.

So, at the beginning of this year 2024, when I took down the Christmas decorations and found myself in a suddenly "empty" house, I had the urge (again, as my family will tell you) to change the decorations. 'Change' in the colloquial sense of the word: it means spending mornings or afternoons moving the sofa, table, dresser and so on. I was in the middle of my 'new beginnings' phase. To be fair, this is a recurring phase for me: I love the seasonality, and it's also an opportunity for me to rethink my home scene. January, the first month of the year, combined with a Christmas-tree-free living room is an irresistible time.

What's the best way to redecorate your home?

Functionality is essential and forms the basis of an environment that works. Linear paths between doors and windows and well-defined 'living' areas are the real translation of usability. To this must be added experience: because I live in the space I am changing, I know where I want to go and I know where to move furniture to make it comfortable.

Aesthetics is what makes you love your space. The right vibes have a huge impact on mood, morale and lifestyle. Aesthetics is subjective and I believe it is not synonymous with style, but rather personality. What evokes an emotion in one person may not convey anything to another.

So what leads us?

A balance between the design of practical furniture and the warmth of the emotions conveyed by objects full of charm. And it is this combination that often leads me to include vintage furniture in the spaces I design. They tell a story and communicate on different levels: personal, in the case of restorations, historical, evoking bygone eras.

These characteristics are able to speak to any style of decor and at the same time be personal.

Who decides to renovate?

Those who choose to improve their living space are often going through a transitional period in their life, which is reflected in their surroundings. One can find themselves in three recurring phases, depending on their character.

"New Beginnings" Phase

Moments of restart are often associated with certain times of the year, such as the beginning of a new year, seasonality (especially spring or autumn) or personal events that affect one's way of life. In January, it is common to feel overwhelmed by the lack of decorations and to start rearranging the house to figure out why it feels so empty.

“Passionate” Phase

The homes of people in this phase are constantly changing. Those who live through it express the passion of the moment, even in their decor: they may change the colour of the wall or the theme of the paintings. They may decide to upholster the sofa, change the cushions, use only one type of lighting, from candles to LED strips. Or all of the above. It can last for a season or for years, reflecting the character of the person who lives there.

“Nostalgic” Phase

Once furnished, it is forever. Changing or moving anything is taboo, as if the furniture had been nailed to the floor by the memories built up in those rooms. Even painting the walls a different color will clash with the indelible image in the minds of those who live in that space. 

These three phases overlap, intertwine, or follow each other. They reflect what we were discussing earlier. Space has an influence on us after we establish a relationship with it, even if it's just by starting to live in it. Therefore, it is a bit of a stretch to group all decor preferences into a predefined style. Fashion has always had a significant impact on us, but we have our own unique style that cannot be perfectly matched by any particular trend. Each phase we go through carries its own significance, and in some cases, making changes can be challenging.

In such situations, colour can be a viable solution. It can introduce novelty in a subtle way and evoke specific emotions. For instance, consider Pantone's choice for the colour of the year 2024: Peach Fuzz. This hue conveys kindness, solidarity, and sharing. Impressive for just one colour!

 How can we choose the right furniture and freshen up our surroundings? Click here to find out how to redecorate on a budget. For bespoke furniture, contact us here or follow our Instagram for budget-friendly and seasonal suggestions.

Blog post Playlist

To keep you from breaking - Kelsey Woods

Walter Time - Theodore Shapiro, The secret dreams of Walter Mitty OST

Yule Wassail

Wassail was originally a word used to greet someone. The concept of 'wassailing' dates back to pre-Christian fertility rites: in these ceremonies, villagers would walk through fields and orchards in the middle of winter, singing and shouting to drive away spirits that might hinder the growth of future crops. They poured wine and cider on the ground to promote a fruitful harvest.

Over time, this concept evolved into the idea of carol singing, which became popular in the Victorian era and is still practiced in many countries today.

Read the interview with Francesca, creator of the Instagram page @a_look_to_the_alps to learn more about ancient traditions, Yule and the magic of the winter solstice.

Foto by Francesca - @a_look_to_the_alps

INGREDIENTS

GET STARTED

  1. Pour the cider into a saucepan and stir to dissolve the honey.
  2. Then add the oranges (pierce them with cloves), the apple cubes, ginger, aniseed and nutmeg to taste: a few tablespoons of each is usually enough.
  3. Finally, break the cinnamon sticks in half and add them too.
  4. Cover the casserole dish and leave to simmer for 2-3 hours. 
  5. Add the brandy about half an hour before serving.

Long nights before Christmas

Q & A TOGETHER FRANCESCA - A_LOOK_TO_THE_ALPS

To mark the shortest days of the year, the holidays and the winter solstice, I interviewed Francesca, creator of the Instagram page @a_look_to_the_alps.

Her words are about ancient traditions that echo to this day and become our own. By capturing the wintry magic of this period through her images, Francesca leads us to the discover - or rediscover - a way of enjoying the festivities in contact with nature and ourselves.

How can we spend these days intentionally? What are our favorite traditions? What minimalist and slow decorations can we use in our home?

I will leave you with Francesca's words. She has also left us an old recipe to celebrate this season.

Q. What does this season mean to you?

A. Yuletide is a magical time for contemplation. It is the winter solstice, also known as Midwinter according to the Wheel of the Year. The longest night happens on or around 21 December when it lasts the longest. The Wiccan tradition celebrates the cycles of nature, including the birth of the young Sun God. In other Neopagan traditions, the Holly King is defeated by his lighter aspect, the Oak King.

Q. What are the traditions and decorations that symbolize the Winter Solstice?

A. Symbols such as candles, festivals, and evergreen decorations serve as reminders that light and life persist despite the harshness of winter. Bonfires were also a significant aspect of Winter Solstice and Christmas celebrations. Our ancestors believed that bonfires could ward off evil spirits at night. In other cultures, firelight was believed to help bring sunlight back into the sky. It is customary to clean the house and get rid of unwanted items during the Yule celebrations. This will help prepare for the new season by creating a space free of negative energies or memories accumulated over the year.

Foto by Francesca - @a_look_to_the_alps

Q. The tradition of 'getting rid of old things' reminds me of those who symbolically throw items out of the window on 31 December. This somewhat extreme gesture recalls the idea of making space for what will come with the New Year.  How do you celebrate this season?

A. The upcoming Winter Solstice is a perfect time to reflect on the past year and start thinking of what you want for the year ahead. Personally, I try to spend extra time with my loved ones and family. I also use this time to plan how to achieve my goals. Yule is a period of introspection for me, where I reflect and think about what I want the upcoming year to be like. There are several ways to celebrate this season in your home: It’s nearly impossible for me to describe all of them. However, it is important to note that many of our modern practices, often without much thought, have their roots in ancient solstice traditions: the Christmas tree, lights and gift-giving all have historical significance.

Foto by Francesca - @a_look_to_the_alps

Q. Do we unconsciously return to old traditions at Christmas? You previously mentioned seasonality. Do you decorate your living space? If yes, what kind of decorations make you feel at home?

A. For some years now, I have been using my Instagram page @a_look_to_the_alps to raise awareness for a more conscious, minimal, and slow Christmas. This is the time of the year when I feel most out of place. Unlike the other houses in my street, my house has no outside lights or garish decorations. Instead, I prefer to collect pine cones and dry branches from the forest to use as decorations, along with paper bag stars. I choose beeswax candles instead of electric lights. I simply say 'nothing' when asked what I want for a present. 'Weird' is the word my family uses the most. Living a minimalist lifestyle can be challenging due to societal expectations. I used to question my desire to live simpler when judged and criticized. Our culture has instilled in us a “fear of missing out”. This leads us to keep busy by constantly planning and filling our lives with unnecessary things. One of these things is impulse buying. Let's also talk about overspending on Christmas dinners and the 'gift rush'.

Q. Many people think back to their childhood at this time of year. What kind of memories does Christmas bring back to you?

A. I reflect on how my parents, like myself, were imperfect people. Despite their imperfections, they loved deeply. I also consider how our holidays, much like our lives, were simple and imperfect by social media standards, yet still beautiful.

Foto by Francesca - @a_look_to_the_alps

Q. During this time of year, it is common to feel overwhelmed with a long list of tasks and social events, not to mention the anticipation of the Christmas season which seems to start earlier every year. As we approach the end of the year, every step and stage is filled with hope and anticipation. How do you manage these emotions?

A. I wonder: as we approach the busy holiday season, how can we simplify our lives and make room for the joy of celebrating with loved ones?

Lights and parties can be helpful, but they can be ineffective if we use them as distractions. Let us not deceive ourselves that there is light when it is actually darkness. The Buddha teaches that suffering arises from craving what we want and avoiding what we dislike. Are we using bright lights to avoid the darkness?

Let us take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the night: the stars, the moon, and the wildlife such as deer, foxes, and owls. Like the bear and the groundhog, our bodies seek rest, while our souls enjoy the time of dreams in the darkness.

Foto by Francesca - @a_look_to_the_alps

Q. Would you like to share with us something typical of this period?

A. I leave you with the ancient recipe for Yule Wassail, with the hope that light will always shine both inside and out.

Q. What is the story behind this recipe? Is it also the origin of a modern Yuletide tradition?

A.  The term 'wassail' originally meant to greet someone. The concept of 'wassailing' dates back to pre-Christian fertility rites. During these ceremonies, villagers would walk through fields and orchards in the middle of winter, singing and shouting to drive away spirits that might inhibit the growth of future crops. They would also pour wine and cider on the ground to promote earth fertility.

Over time, the concept of wassailing evolved into carol singing, which became popular during the Victorian era and is still practiced today in many nations. If you believe your family or friends would enjoy starting a new musical tradition, why not gather them together to go wassailing for Yule?

Foto by Francesca - @a_look_to_the_alps

Francesca told us about 'wassailing', an old tradition. But even in our modern times, at Christmas time, a group of people may have walked down your street singing carols. I don't know how many towns still do it, but where I grew up it was called "Chiarastella" (literally "bright star"). The nostalgia, that is often present around Christmas, brought back many childhood memories. Among them were the wonderful evenings spent singing from house to house. The tradition of singing together, involving whole streets and villages, has always warmed my heart, regardless of the type of song and the ancient ritual that gave birth to it. It is a time of belonging, of sharing, and in the eyes of 'me' as a child, a time when quarrels and problems fall silent. On the contrary, the houses often opened up to the group of cold people, they improvised snacks or dinners, went to the cellar for wine, salami and bread. It was a celebration.

This year I wish you that kind of celebration, where time, songs and good food are shared. Where we see everything with a little extra magic, like when we were children and walked at a slow pace to fully savor the beauty of this season.

Happy Solstice and Merry Christmas.

You can find @a_look_to_the_alps e @leafandtimber on Instagram!

Mini renovations!

Sometimes a breath of fresh air is exactly the thing we need to refocus and see things with a new perspective. We often think that a complete makeover is the key to bring something new to our home life. We look around us and what were once shiny new objects, newly installed furniture, particularly fascinating DIY projects, have now somewhat faded into the background of everyday life.

Whilst living them has also made them familiar, we miss that sense of excitement given by having brand new pieces of furniture.

To regain that 'holiday' feeling of a new setting, you don't always have to buy every single item on your wish list. Small changes can be enough to bring a breath of creativity and a new perspective even to the room you live in most.

Where to start from?

New arrangements!

Rearrange the items you use most, taking advantage of another point of view. You could move the sofa to the opposite side to create a more defined living area. Or change the side where you sit at your desk or the position of your favourite armchair. If you live in a small room where you think nothing can be moved, give it a try anyway! Very often seeing the result instead of imagining it shows you that it can be done!

Where does the eye drop?

When entering a room, figure out what the main focus is. Here is the first thing to change! You can replace the picture hanging on the sideboard with an ensemble of photos. Or instead the color of the flowers filling the vase in the center of the table and you can even move the wall clock.

Move your carpet!

Rugs help define areas of the home even in open spaces and draw the eye by highlighting the furniture. Consider placing one under the table to focus attention on the dining area. Or you can try placing two rugs in the living room: this will create a lounge area, including the sofa, and a more intimate area near the bookcase or window.

Do home shopping

Swap the place of your favorite objects: the fruit bowl can move from the kitchen countertop to the center of the table. The dear old vintage knick-knack could become a paperweight on the coffee table. And speaking of carpets, take them out or put them in, depending on the type of heating you have. We're all familiar with the (fake) bearskin in front of the fireplace: it's a little bit old money and a little bit mountain chalet, but it doesn't go so well with floor heating. In this case, a bare floor is better for optimal temperature. In case of a romantic evening, go for a lavish chaise longue.

What to keep in mind?

Keep it simple

Create an 'emptying' space. It can be a drawer in the entryway cabinet or a dedicated box in which you can put your keys, mail or whatever else you need when you leave or return home. It will help you keep the hallway free of the thousands of objects we hold in our hands when we walk through the door. You can also decorate it by hanging a mirror for a last look before leaving or a lamp with a warm light to soften the winter evenings when you return home.

Clear the shelves

Open bookcases and shelves can be great pieces of furniture or become dust nests overflowing with objects. A solution is to rotate the books, photos, vases and knick-knacks on display: highlight something that has never been on the bookshelf and save the rest for when you need to change. This simple rotation helps to maintain order, makes cleaning easier and is pleasant to see a bookcase that always seems to be full of new objects.

Good morning and good night

The bedside table holds the bed book we sleep on at night, the bed lamp, the water bottle, alarm clock, smartphone, charger and so on. Trying to switch off the alarm clock in the morning by knocking everything onto the floor isn't a happy wake-up call. Keep a basket or box next to or under your bed to put the bulky things you use often: your bedside table will stay clear and neat, and the few items in sight will give you a sense of order and calm.

Quite often we are absolutely sure that we have to buy something in order to have a TV-like home. However, a mini-project can sometimes give more satisfaction (and results!) than it appears.

And if you just don't know where to start, make a call! We at Leaf&Timber are open for restyling consulting even without replacing furniture. Try it for yourself!

Playlist dell'articolo

French Cafe, Youtube playlist