Everyday we are bombarded with messages of the latest fashion and interior trends, what’s hot this season and what’s the ‘it’ colour for items of clothing, to pieces of furniture. It’s hard staying up to date, let alone knowing where to start.
Nowadays we are also growing much more aware of our impact on global warming, human wastage, pollution and our need to tread lightly on our planet. There’s an ever-growing community of us who want to live a much more sustainable lifestyle, with growing self-awareness and a movement to minimalism.
Happily, this does not mean we can’t have beautiful homes and take pride in the pieces we own. Hills & West was born out of the desire to craft quality, timeless pieces, and collaborate with passionate Australian artisans. Doing this ensured my pieces had a story behind them (I regularly interview the people I work and collaborate with, which can be read on my blog) were unique, aged with character and sustainable. The practices of getting rid of the unnecessary and keeping the good, for the long-term, is the ethos that drives us forward and I have brought into my home.
So here are my five thought provokers to consciously shape your house into a home.
1. Minimalism is Always on Trend
Sprinkling your home with a few beautiful, key pieces that are in harmony together guarantees that you would be inhabiting a calming space. These key pieces are to be the cornerstone of your home. By building your base with a neutral colour palate and then personalise through furnishing with colour accents. Have a mix of keeping things cozy and textured for the cooler months and light and bright as things warm up. The colours white, blue, grey and green are always safe as are a mix of organic and industrial materials. This will minimise your footprint and maximise your pleasure.
About 8 years ago I was in a master class with Danish chef, Rene Redzepi, who said when he crafted his dishes he would always try to source the ingredients from the same place. This would make the dish have a synergy and flavour that was powerful and totally unique.
I believe if you have pieces with a story, that someway tie together, it creates a beautiful energy in the space it lives.
2. Functional Beauty
Scandinavian design is a huge inspiration for me. Since the early 20th century, Scandinavians have been driven by an aesthetic marked with minimalism and functionality. You can’t go wrong with white on wood.
When you are next acquiring something for your home think whether the piece is functional, timeless and if that piece will round out and bring joy to the way you use the space it will reside in.
3. De-cluttering is Cathartic
Is it time to assess the things in your life?
Possessions, although many are wonderful, can have the tendency to tie us down mentally and physically. De-cluttering can make you feel refreshed, opening your mind and outlook.
For someone who has had to move 6 times in the last 2 years, decluttering has become part of my everyday. Now, when I look around me, all pieces have a story, are timeless and bring me joy. I have had to cull and be ruthless, but I am grateful because I love everything I have and don’t own anything without meaning. A great place to start is the wardrobe.
A space in itself needs to be thoughtful and considered. It can be beautiful without ornamentation or decoration. Maybe there is someone out there who needs it more, gifting in place of throwing away will give you a whole other sense of joy.
We are about to embark on our next move but have locked in 2 years so we are super excited to share our new space with you soon.
4. Buy Local
According to Smart Company, nine out of ten Aussie consumers prefer to buy locally made goods. Not only are we then supporting local producers, we can have a direct connection with the makers and know that the products are ethically sourced and made.
Buying something local, handmade, that is not often instant purchase gratification, can have much greater long-term benefits.
My tip is to be curious and knowledgeable – always know where your fashion, interiors and food come from. It makes everything so much more enjoyable and delicious 🙂
5. It’s all about balance
In the pleasant quest of trying to craft a balanced life, finding the right amount of conscious buying, slow design, and realism in what you can afford, is not about what you are not doing, it’s the baby steps towards what you can try to change.
In your pursuit of happiness, functional minimalism, a decluttered space and knowing what you eat and wear is ethical, all helps to minimise distraction and allow you to focus on your purpose — whatever it may be.
A beautifully designed space that inspires me to be creative, sparks joy and enables me to think of what’s ahead rather than distract, is definitely essential in the way I live in my home.
Love to hear your passions for making your home, homely.
Do share so we can forever inspire and create more consciously.
Big love.
Aisha
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