Home. A word that carries so many associations and meanings. A place to disconnect from all the static and the noise and reconnect with what sustains. A place to keep all your stuff. A place for the rituals of cooking and self-care. More than mere shelter, a home should make you happy, should be easy to unwind in, should support you in being your best self. What that looks like for different people is, of course, different.

We've all seen those light and airy rooms. They don't need a "positive vibes only" sign because they clearly announce it. Conducive to positivity, to focusing on the good, to keeping on the sunny side. Bright, minimal, and spacious, it's easy to imagine walking into them and feeling like you've been given permission to exhale. 

There's a lack of heaviness, conveyed through the materials and objects chosen, the colors selected and the guiding spirit of self-restraint.

How do they do it?

House Seven Design

Step one is having the right positioning and windows that allow you the ability to emphasize natural light. Sky lights and high ceilings? Even better. Now, a space with a lot of daylight coming in through windows can go two ways. On the one hand, this makes the ideal situation for darker walls, as the light will shine off the paint (especially with higher gloss) and it won't lead to a claustrophobic feeling. For the light-and-airy seekers, though, it's the essential foundation.

Next up is the color palette. That's best summed up with the NTs: neutral tones and natural textures. These are the two keys to creating a harmonious vibe if your number-one goal for time spent at home is relaxing, recharging, and thinking clearly.

The neutral tones refer to the shades of white, off-white, grey, greige, and beige, accented by a little black for contrast and definition. Neutral tones create a soothing environment. 

For natural textures, integrating wood throughout the space in tabletops, shelves, furniture, found pieces like driftwood, and maybe even stacked firewood is a great place to start. Stone and clay with a little plantlife also go a long way.

The element of naturalism may extend to the light fixtures in a relaxed and unfettered way. That might look like geometry, like in our Silhouette family, or the suggestion of waves, like in our Sawyer family. Design aspects that reference things in nature contribute to the desired sense of ease. Science has made several conclusive links between time spent in nature and positive mental states. Referencing the green world and bringing in its materials is no substitute, but seems to similarly do something good for our brains and sense of self.

Design: Hella Design Studio | Photo: Michelle Johnson

A slight touch of glam and a hint of black give the space a little drama, a little edge, keeping it from becoming boring. Introduce a gold leaf finish or black handwrought iron with furniture accents and a central chandelier that doesn't have a heavy appearance.