If you’d rather spend your free time anywhere but home, perhaps you need advice from design psychology coach and interior designer Rebecca West on how to make your space one that gives you joy.
Q: What should you do if what makes you happy does not make your partner happy, such as clutter and organisation?
A:
I see this a lot. The key is to have a conversation not about the clutter, but about combined goals. If the cluttery one expresses what the clutter brings to their life (happy memories, or maybe they need to see stuff to know it exists), and if the tidy one expresses how the clutter is a hardship (maybe it creates stress or embarrassment), then you can begin to understand what each person needs and try to find a way to solve the issues for both of you.
Maybe clutter goes into a few rooms, or maybe there’s a monthly tidying session. There is nearly always a good compromise if you begin by understanding where the other person is coming from.
Q: I have R3000 to spend on something for my home that will make me happy. What would you recommend to get the most “happy” for my money?
A:
I believe that having a happy home does not require a ton of money. I had to makeover my entire home on a recently divorced, unemployed budget before I launched my career, so I know it can be done.
Paint is one of my favourite makeover tools. It is amazing what a fresh coat of paint can do to a room and how you feel in it. I recommend is stepping back and asking yourself: “If I could wave a magic wand and change just one thing about my home right now, what would it be?”
The answer will be different for everyone. Sometimes it’s about getting rid of something, such as a piece of furniture that reminds you of an old relationship. Sometimes it’s about selling something that was “expensive” which makes you feel guilty for hating it and replacing it with something you love.
Q: What paint colours in a bedroom are joyful?
A:
When clients ask me this, obviously I can answer with colours I find joyful, but I’d rather dig into what you find joyful.
Go on to a site such as Pinterest and, without over-thinking it, choose 10 bedroom images that spark joy. Choose 10 rooms you would love. Then look at all 10 thumbnails at one time.
I’ll bet you will see consistencies in colour and design, such as all clean lines, a splash of colour and bright white walls. Or classic, traditional lines, soft and luxurious bedding and cosy-coloured walls. We all have things we find joyful; the key is to discover what that is for you.
If you forced me to answer? Pink. All the blush colours feel happy.