4. Your own inspiration board.

I recommend gathering some inspiration images of how you want this space to feel. Check out this Pinterest board – office… to get you started!

You can also think about some of these design ideas or get my Interior Design Soul Styles Guide and see which combination of styles speaks directly to you:

For example.

Minimalism – save space, great for small spaces keeping it simple clean and open.

Transitional- light and bright a mix of traditional and modern vibes.

Midcentury- historical feeling, strong lines and thoughtful design.

Eclectic- found objects and treasures collected from travel.

*If you work in an industry where a physical inspiration board would be productive for you then you should get a tack up board for this process and hang it up!

Lets talk about practical matters now that we have a pretty picture of how we may want our new space to feel for us!

1. What about my home office desk?

   We all (right now especially) are working with what we have. In regards to space, if possible I would recommend having at least three feet wide of desk room, but if all you use is your laptop you can get away with less than this!

2. What about shelves, storage and home office organization?

   What do you need to have access to in your work? In my case I have inspirational magazines and books I like to keep on a bookshelf, and a pin board of what I’m working on currently.

3. Your chair!

   Probably the most important aspect of your space. Do you already have your favorite chair. Make sure the one you find is upright and supportive for you.

4. Functionality.

   It’s important to make sure that you have everything around you that you will need.

   – Do you need a printer

   – Is your internet strong in the space you are working

   – Do you need a filing system

   – Do you have access to outlets

   -Are your cords organized so that you have access to everything you need?

   – Are your cords hidden so that they are not in your way or distract from your space?

5. Lighting!

   Just as important as your chair is your lighting. The best case scenario is having a setting by a window for natural light. If you do not have access to a window I would suggest having different levels of light. For example using your overhead canned lights for the room as well as either a floor lamp or desk lamp.

Now that you have thought about the vibe and the function of your space think about what you may already have in your home that can help you create what you have envisioned for yourself.

If you still need some pieces to create your environment I would suggest first looking at second hand options like Facebook Marketplace, Goodwill, and Salvation Army. Then you can use what you find there, and if your still have holes in your vision you can turn to retailers to find that perfect piece for you.

Now back to the fun part again. We now have the vibe we are looking for and we have analyzed what we physically need to get our work done, now we can focus on the details of what makes us happy.

I know for me that it is so important to surround myself with objects that I love. Little memories, art and books that inspire me to be my best self.

-If you are a plant lady, green it up! If plants give your energy and joy make sure to incorporate them in your space.

-If you are a writer make sure to have your favorite authors books to inspire you somewhere in your home office space.

-If you have a favorite place in the world that brings you peace and serenity maybe you should have a picture of that place near your desk.

These extra things can be anything at all, all they need is to resonate with you deeply.

If at the end of this article you are wondering how to functionally work with the space that you have to work with maybe you may want some specific help for your home office layout? Check out my services page to see if you may be a good fit for my design process I would love to help you out.

I would love to hear what things you absolutely need to be your best self in your home office space. Its these special elements that truly make it your own. Say hi to me here!

Thank you so much for reading I hope you liked it!

Love,

Catherine Rose

Most people don’t understand what the Yin Yang really symbolizes or how understanding its duality can be used as a beautiful tool in their life!

By understanding your main energy leaning (yin or yang), you can help begin forming words around your individual needs and better understand the needs of others around you!

When you look into some deeper self subjects, like what the Yin Yang symbolizes, it helps you to discover your inner self. This is such an important subject because we live on planet earth so we are constantly surrounded by duality.

Duality is: an instance of opposition or contrast between two concepts or two aspects of something; a dualism.

“the photographs capitalize on the dualities of light and dark, stillness and movement” -dictionary.com

By understanding the way that the underlying energy polarities work you can better understand the world that you live in, and perhaps most importantly recognize where you naturally lie, give yourself grace for that space, and push yourself to become more well-rounded energetically. Because, in truth, all of life carries both of these poles and for us to become the best versions of ourselves we must reconcile all parts of who we are.

If you are new to the concept of yin and yang, no worries, I’m going to go over the basics!

Think of Yin and Yang as Black and White. Both are necessary, both have intrinsic value, and neither could exist without their opposite…

Think about it like this… Dark and Light. Could either of these concepts exist without their counterpart? Or Dry and Wet, Hot and Cold, Fast and Slow. The list of opposites can go on forever. The more you understand about yin and yang the more magic you discover about the universe.

This concept has been around for thousands of years but I find that it is helpful to have words around how people show up in the world and understanding where on the continuum you may fall. In regards to design in particular, it’s another fun way to approach the often overwhelming concept of your own design aesthetic. Which is a necessary component in creating the environment of your dreams. (If you are interested in discovering your own design aesthetic read this article here!)

Without understanding yourself, you cannot create an environment that supports you…

By engaging with this Yin Yang concept you can now have more understanding of the personalities of the people around you and how to make them comfortable in their environment. Also, when you understand the basis of yin and yang you start to have a deeper respect for how people naturally show up, and the value that every different facet of humanity holds naturally. Basically you begin to see the world from a birds eye view. Instead of continuing to be someone that on the ground level reacts to those around them, when you understand the whole energetic system, you begin to understand why certain people always seem to trigger you. And that it’s always because you feel inadequate energetically in some way, and this process is intrinsically linked to where you naturally show up on the Yin Yang continuum. P.S. if you feel called out right now just know when I was writing these last couple of sentences I was speaking to myself too! All of us do this!

Once you understand your specific leaning, you can start to engage and create things that support who you are and give grace to yourself around subjects that may not come as easily to you. When you understand the basics of duality you can see where you naturally fit in to the larger universe. Also, you see exactly the places in which you could benefit from the most growth. The places in you that may still be unconsciously driving your behavior.

When you engage with understanding yourself and others, both yourself and others will be more supported in who they are. Learning about yin and yang can color your whole world and give you a new perspective on current world events as well as your own personal conflicts. It also can gift you a deep well of inspiration for any creative endeavor you may be contemplating.

If this concept isn’t for you I would recommend looking at some other personality posts here instead… any of these topics are an inspiring and individual basis for your accessing your own creativity. This is an abstract idea and may not be for everyone!

1. The concept of the Yin Yang is super simple and exceedingly complex at the same time!

   “In Ancient Chinese philosophy, yin and yang is a concept of dualism, describing how seemingly opposite or contrary forces may actually be complementary, interconnected, and interdependent in the natural world, and how they may give rise to each other as they interrelate to one another.” Wikipedia

   Often in western culture I see the meaning completely overlooked. When you search “what is the meaning of the Yin Yang”, you see this query coupled with questions like “Which side is the bad side… Yin or Yang?” which completely destroys the entire point of this concept, (and in my opinion gives rise to deeply harmful attitudes in our culture). From patriarchal ideas, the race issues, toxic masculinity, and toxic positivity, in the United States in particular. I feel that misunderstanding duality and its purpose is at the basis of the world’s most pressing challenges.

   Yin represents: feminine(energy not pertaining to sex/gender), negative charge, black, shade, night, the moon, water, cold, wetness, autumn/winter, faded, discreet, indirect, rounded, softness, flexibility, inactivity, stillness, calm, slow, tired, frontside, left-side, internal, interior, closed in spaces, mental, even numbers, intuition, storage, quiet, receptive, death, higher pitches.

   Yang represents: Masculine (energy not pertaining to sex/gender), positive charge, white, light, day, the sun, fire, heat, dryness, summer/spring, vibrant, obvious, direct, straight, hardness, solidity, activity, movement, energetic, fast, lively, backside, right-side, external, exterior, open spaces, physical, odd numbers, logic, usage, loud, giving, life, lower pitches.

   Now understand that these “opposites” cannot exist without each other. Which set of words resonates with who you are more do you think? Yin or Yang? Often people will identify more with one side which is totally normal. This means that your energy naturally tends more toward one or the other energy. This highlights your strengths but be warned, this also highlights your weaknesses within the other side! It’s important to recognize that every human being is capable and carries each of these concepts within them! None of these concepts are “good” or “bad”. The Yin Yang is a concept that seeks to illustrate the inherent oneness of the universe and is here to show you back to the oneness within you and all of life.

1. Specific personality traits of a Yin leaning person are: Wisdom, imagination, peacefulness, relaxation, satisfaction, persistence, introversion, right-brained, inward focused.

   I imagine most Yins take things slower, tend to think before they speak, enjoy time alone and take pleasure within their own inner world over the outer world. Some weaknesses may include asserting themselves, the concept of worldly success, and constantly “doing”.

   P.S. this is just an example, human beings are beautifully complicated and cannot be put into boxes!

2. Specific personality traits of a Yang leaning person are: Action, ambition, courage, extroversion, excitement, adventurousness, doing things, outward focused, left-brained.

   I imagine most Yangs jump right in, say whats on their mind, enjoy spending time with many different people and enjoy engaging with all the world has to offer. Some weaknesses may include sticking their foot in their mouths, putting achievement over relationship, and burning out when they should have rested.

   P.S. this is just an example, human beings are beautifully complicated and cannot be put into boxes!

3. A thought I’ve held for a long time is why don’t we have a dating site based off energy…? (ps. if you capitalize on this idea, I will find you! haha). The concept of opposites attract is totally at play here. Often people who lean Yang are attracted to people who lean Yin and visa versa! If you can learn what describes how these opposite energies express themselves in you you can use basic attraction (positive vs negative charge) to intuit relationships.

   This concept applies within familial relationships. Often people will behave along either Yin or Yang lines as to make up for the weaker spots within the family unit.

   This concept applies to macro concepts as well. Think about different countries values and personalities! For example the USA definitely leans Yang placing importance on individuality and achievement, while a country like Japan leans Yin placing importance on the collective and mutual respect.

4. Now for the design element! These energies can be used to describe many different design elements!

   For example:

   Color- Cool colors are often associated with Yin energy, While warm colors are associated with Yang energy.

   Shape– Rounded and softer forms are often Yin energy, While structured and rectilinear forms are Yang energy.

   Feel- Softness and fabric is associated with Yin, While firmness and hard surfaces are Yang.

   Look- Thin and see-through elements are Yin while Solid and stiffer fabrics are Yang.

   Texture- More freeform and natural elements are Yin while more aligned and designed elements are Yang.

   Also, if you are designing a space with another individual, understanding what energies you each lean towards can allow for more understanding and respect when creating your new environment together. If you would like more help mixing aesthetics with another, check out my article “Design as Couple’s Therapy”

   If you have already created an environment for yourself and thinking about re-designing, take a look around your space. What colors do you use, what are your furniture forms, how do things look? All of these elements will give you clues to which way your energy leans either Yin or Yang. You should take this into consideration when choosing new elements. You should also think if your space leans heavily toward one energy, how could you challenge yourself to add in some opposite elements for visual interest and balance?

5. First step is read the list in #1. See which energy holds the values that are closer to your heart.

   It is quite likely that you lean toward that specific energy.

   If that doesn’t seem to resonate, ask your friends and loved ones! Have them read the lists and let them tell you which one sounds more like you naturally.

   If you still feel like that doesn’t fit, have your people give you some examples of WHY they think you lean one way!

   Also remember that every single person shows up differently on this energetic continuum, it’s exceedingly hard to describe the complicated vibe of a human being (this is why I love pretty much every personality concept for different reasons!) No one can be described completely in black or white terms.

   Think of this only as another concept that allows for more understanding, never a definition!

By understanding my energetic leaning and knowing what I need in the world to feel comfortable, I can show myself more thoughtful and intentional grace.

Knowing my partner’s energetic leaning I can form more depth of understanding around their own needs and behaviors and hold space where they may need more from me or their environment.

For example I consider myself a Yin leaning person with some Yang tendencies. So how this physically manifests for me is that I enjoy calming spaces with natural materials and cooler colors. I’m someone who likes to sit back and observe a situation before jumping in. I’m someone who has to take a second before responding to a pointed question. I’m someone who after a loud party needs some space (and will often take some physical space at the party!) I often enjoy one-on-one conversations more than group conversations. However my Yang tendencies pop up when I feel as though someone is being treated unfairly, I can be extremely assertive. Also, if I have made up my mind ahead of time that something needs to get done, (like my friend getting to the front of a concert mob on their birthday) I will get there!

Knowing these things about myself I have a partner that complements my energy. He is mostly Yang energy but definitely has inner Yin leanings. This way as a unit we feel as though we can take on any moment in the world together. Because we know in which ways we are each more comfortable we can let each other take the reins in different situations. 

This concept can easily be used to understand your own friendships, family bonds, and even your work relationships and dynamics!

Let me know if you guys found any of these tips helpful. I would also love to hear how you all think you fall along this contrast and play of duality, and why you believe that you lean towards Yin or Yang!

Thank you so much for reading!

“The problem arises when we start insisting on one side of duality while rejecting the other.”

— Anon

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Consider exchaging some energy with me to support future offerings!

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*I’ve been studying this system intensely since 2019 and embodying what I’ve learned within my own life, relationships, and supporting my clients. I’m an Intuitive Empath, Autistic, and also a 4/6 Projector. The Projector energy is literally designed to see deeply into others.

I think everyone is searching for the answers. I love personality exploration and depth psychology and I’ve found this system that really resonated with me on a deep level. Human Design for me is a new perspective on some of the other personality systems like Myers Briggs or the Enneagram. I think all of these systems hold much wisdom and I recommend everyone look into each and see which resonates with them. Actually, go and find me some new ones and tell me where to find information about them!

Human design is a lot like your birth chart because it uses your birth date time and location to assess your energetic map or circuitry.

The human design system shows you what your energetic DNA is… It is just another gateway to understanding yourself on a deeper level. But I know firsthand that the chart can be difficult to understand at first glance so I wanted to go over the basics when you are just starting out! I’m going to break down each of the sections of a chart and how you can further explore your own!

As a 4/6 Projector, I’m easily obsessed with systems like this. Within the first couple of hours of finding Human Design I deep dove into my own chart and really unlocked some subconscious patterns within the first couple of days for myself!

I think everything can be used as a tool for your individual growth. Less because a particular system or teacher or therapist has all of the answers… and more because all of the answers are always already within you. 

Your ability to use thought forms as a jumping-off point to assessing more internal knowledge about yourself can radically change how you operate in your life and give you the insight and tools to improve your life and the life of those that you intimately interact with as well. Your openness to learning and holding space for new ideas is the foundation for expansion and evolution. We never stop learning and should always be seeking to deeper understand ourselves and the world around us. 

If you look into Human Design and it doesn’t resonate with you, totally fine (great actually because you know yourself) But I would tell you that there are many other systems out there that you may like to take a look at instead (especially if you are planning on making a big life change or starting a design project!)

Here’s my article on personality and Interior Design, if you are interested in other systems!

If you are interested in uncovering your inner creativity through exploring your inner depths (through subjects like this), you should reach out!

Your Human Design Chart Breakdown…

*disclaimer I am not a Human Design professional, these are personal insights from my own exploration. I am open to correction if I’m off base on anything.

feel free to correct me or just strike up a conversation with me! I love discussing these concepts!

So first step. We need your chart! I used this website here.

You type in your info, specifically your birthplace, date, and time. (similar to a birth chart in astrology)

And your results will be a chart that looks something like this:

Now I get where people go what the heck is this, what’s going on?!

This is the spot where people often say cool but I can’t read this thing so I’m going to move on…

Here’s where I would like to help you out!

I’m first going to go over the separate parts of the chart, and then how they work, then how I started looking into the specific meanings in my own chart:

If you used the website listed here

…you will see a section to the left that says Chart Properties

The Chart Properties are as follows:

1. Type:

• Generator- (70% of the population)(open and enveloping aura have a defined sacral center)

• Manifestor (or a Manifestor Generator)- (9% of the population)(closed and repelling aura with defined throat)

• Projector- (20% of the population)(focused and absorbing aura with an un-defined sacral center)

• Reflector- (1% of the population)(resistant and sampling aura, completely un-defined energetic centers)

*more on this here.

2. Strategy:

*more on this here.

3. Not-Self Theme:

• Generator- Frustration

• Manifestor- Anger

• Manifestor Generator- Frustration + Anger = Impatience

• Projector- Bitterness

• Reflector- Disappointment

4. Authority:

The Authorities are:

SOURCE

5. Profile:

ie. my profile is 4/6: The Opportunist/The Role Model

These profile numbers also color your design and personality planet numbers like 52.6, the .6 tells you that that gate (or number) has the character of The Role Model in this case (but these numbers changes according to your own chart):

1. The Investigator – You study things deeply, you love to research and get to the bottom of things

2. The Hermit – You hold back and wait for the right moment, or call

3. The Martyr – Learning by trial and error

4. The Opportunist – Your relationships within your network

5. The Heretic – Creative rebel, you can network easily with strangers

6. The Role Model – You live through three phases first you learn by trial and error, then you integrate, and then you share your wisdom with the world

SOURCE

6. Gates:

Look up each number that is circled or connected to a defined gate for yourself.

Check out this site here that explains each gate and its meaning!

7. Channels:

Gates are listed in pairs when you are looking them up like 30/41

Check out this site here that explains each channel and its meaning!

8. Definition:

8a. Channel and Gate Definition

If you have multiple definitions in your chart it is important to know where these connections are located and also if they are connected to your

inner authority or not.

Sometimes multiple definitions can create tension between the character of the defined channels. 

**Be wary of defined gates (numbers) in undefined centers! These themes can become troublesome since you are susceptible to conditioning (outside messaging) in the energetic center that that gate calls home. I have found this to be true for my own circuitry personally!

For example, I have a split definition which means that I have a fully connected (colored in) channel in two spots in my chart. The first one is from my Ajna to my throat, and the other is from my solar plexus to my root which then connects another channel from my root to my splenic center.

The channels I have defined are:

17 – 62 (the gate of opinions + the gate of details = the channel of acceptance)

and

30 – 41 (the gate of the recognition of feelings + the gate of contraction = the channel of recognition)

+

18 – 58 (the gate of correction + the gate of the joy of life = the channel of judgment)

What this means to me personally is because my Ajna/throat channel is not connected to my inner authority (solar plexus/ Emotion) that there is no real power in this channel. I have a propensity for giving unsolicited advice that doesn’t help anyone because that person has not asked for it!

Oops, guilty as charged.

Now my channel connecting my solar plexus to my root holds my true power, which is the ability to understand my own emotions and pull my energy back to witness. When I operate out of this place, I feel as though I am really connecting to my personal power (since this channel is connected to my Authority)

When channels are completely filled in they become fully formed aspects of us.

It’s important to understand that what color your channel is colored matters as well… it lets you know whether or not that space is conscious or unconscious for you. More on this in #10

8b. Half Defined Channel

When a channel is only half colored in, it means that you are defined in the gate that the channel starts… but that the energy is searching for its completion

(the gate on the other side of the half-open channel).

9. Energetic Centers

Head- Inspiration, Anxiety, Mental Pressure

Ajna- Conceptualization

Throat- Communication, Manifestation, Action

Heart- Ego, Will Power

Sacral- Sexuality, Life

G-Center- Self, Direction, Love

Splenic- Intuition, Instinct, Fear, Immune System

Solar Plexus- Emotions, Feelings, Nervousness

Root- Life Fuel, Pressure, Stress

SOURCE

9a.Definition in Energetic Centers

9b. Un-Defined Energy Centers and (De)conditioning

Each energetic center shows up negatively sometimes when it’s un-defined. It’s important if you have un-defined centers that you are aware of these tendencies and work on using your Authority and Strategy to get into alignment with your energetic blueprint:

Be warned the Un-defined centers may be saying…

Head- “Am I trying to answer everyone else’s questions?”

Ajna- “Am I trying to convince everyone that I am sure?”

Throat- “Am I trying to attract attention?”

Heart- “Do I have something to prove?”

Sacral- “Do I know when enough is enough?”

G-Center- “am I looking for direction and love?”

Splenic- “Am I holding on to things that aren’t good for me?”

Solar Plexus- “Am I avoiding truth and confrontation?”

Root- “Am I in a hurry to get things done so that I can be free of the pressure?”

SOURCE

10. Red and/or Black

If you received your chart from the link HERE,

you will see certain aspects of your chart colored in black or red or a mix of both In this specific chart:

Red denotes your Design (or subconscious pattern)

+

Black denotes your Personality (or conscious pattern)

-White: which means they have no definition for you

-Red: which means that they have an unconscious  definition for you

-Black: which means that they have a conscious definition for you or…

-Striped black and red: This means this channel has both conscious and unconscious definitions for you.

10b. The planets in Red vs. Black

You can see on either side of your chart a list of planets with a corresponding number. 

There’s a Red Design list and a Black Personality list.

The first thing to know here is the planets’ correspondences or basic meanings. (These are just basic I would recommend looking up all the meanings!)

Sun- Your Identity, personality, expression, or purpose

Earth- Soul, grounding, balance

Moon- Emotions, drive

North Node- “north star” destiny, direction, future

South Node- Past, past direction

Mercury- Expression, and communication

Venus- Love, pleasure, and values

Mars- Assertion, immaturity, mutation

Jupiter- Authority, knowledge, law, protection

Saturn- Maturity and discipline

Uranus- Awakener, unusualness, expansiveness

Neptune- Spirituality, magic, illusion

Pluto- Rebirth, regeneration, the truth

Your black numbers represent your conscious personality that you have and correspond back to…
• The main number corresponds to the gate of that number… (see gates #6)

Your Red numbers represent your subconscious design that you have and in the same way, your personality does, corresponds back to…

• The main number corresponds to the gate of that number… (see gates #6)

It’s fun and helpful to compare and contrast your Design numbers (gates) and your Personality numbers (gates). Write them all out for yourself in order and see if you can realize for yourself where the conscious personality themes show up in your life, as well as if you can hold space for the unconscious design themes too! It’s the reconciliation of these two themes within you that can really help the productive development of you!

So putting it all together…

If we are reading your Design (red column of planets), your moon represents your emotions, and your gate number is 30. You look up this gate and it says: “Gate of Recognition of Feelings is the energy to recognize feelings that are pushing for change. Once recognized, the emotion to change is conceptualized into action that will relieve the pain or sadness and create real change”. – source and your decimal is a .3 which denotes The martyr line 3 which faces the world through trial and error.

This basically means that subconsciously your emotional self, through trial and error, will guide you toward recognizing your own feelings so that you can then take action towards real change!

*The more you learn about your subconscious design the better you can integrate it into your personality, becoming the best version of yourself.

11. Big Arrows:

In your chart floating up around your head are x4 larger arrows.

A. Arrow #1 top left = Digestion (includes food as well as digestion of new information)

– If your arrow is pointing toward the right: Active digestion, you enjoy routine

– If your arrow is pointing to the left: Passive digestion, you take life as it comes (and should eat intuitively)

B. Arrow #2 bottom left = Environment (what kind of environment suits you best)

– If your arrow is pointing toward the right: new experiences serve you

– If your arrow is pointing to the left: consistent steadiness serves you

C. Arrow #3 top right = Awareness (how you view the world)

– If your arrow is pointing toward the right: right-brained creativity

– If your arrow is pointing to the left: left-brained logic

D. Arrow #4 bottom right = Perspective (your manifesting power type)

– If your arrow is pointing toward the right: General Manifestor (you manifest from the general idea or feeling of things)

– If your arrow is pointing to the left: Specific Manifestor (you should find the exact thing that you want before trying to manifest anything)

12. Small Arrows:

Now on your chart, there will be small arrows floating around your numbers in your design/ personality lists. These arrows indicate that whichever gate they are located at (the number) that that gate is held either in its exalted or detrimental state.

• an up arrow denotes exalted (positive attributes) of the gate it’s next to.

• a down arrow indicates detriment (negative attributes) of the gate it’s next to.

13. Asterisk *

If you have an asterisk next to one of your numbers this denotes an emphasis in both an exalted and detrimental state of that particular gate for you. To me, this means that this gate is especially important that you understand for yourself as well as how it’s connected to the rest of your energetic circuitry!

14. Cross of Incarnation

Everyone has their own specific cross of incarnation. Each cross has a different meaning. It reflects your life’s trajectory. I would recommend looking up your specific Incarnation Cross online for more specific insight! This Cross is not “fate” it can just be a theme for your life. There are four gates (numbers) listed next to your Cross of Incarnation that are important!

This PDF is extremely helpful in looking up your Gates further!

Here is my own incarnation cross as an example:

“The Right Angle Cross of Service (17/18 | 58/52)

Your Cross brings four logical energies together. The leading energy is opinion. With opinion energy, there is a great drive to correct and organize things so you can live a healthy, longer, and more joyful life. You serve people through the logical energies of guidance, organization, and correction. There may be a drive to feel as if you are a healer, but it is important to understand that you are the guide and each person must take their own steps to truly heal.”

Source

15. Godhead

“Look for the gate of your Personality Sun to find your Godhead and its theme. This archetype is what keeps you from recognizing how deeply conditioned your perceptions are about your life. Where you can get into trouble is taking the conditioning to its distortion and thinking that your Godhead is THE God.” -SOURCE

This site lists the Godheads and their themes.

16. Mandala

The human design system also corresponds to the hexagrams of the I ching mandala (which plays with the themes of yin and yang or duality… more on the yin-yang HERE), pictured below. Each gate or number corresponds to its numbered hexagram shown in the wheel below. The hexagrams or set of lines are made up of split lines (yin) and solid lines (yang) energies.

PS…I’m still learning the significance of this but I’m a sucker for a beautiful mandala so here you go!

Ok, we’ve gotten through a lot of the main concepts in Human Design here to get you started!

I would strongly recommend if you have just looked up your own chart that you take some time for yourself to discover how your circuitry is all connected. Human Design is meant to be understood as a whole and not as all of these many, separate, parts. It’s all about how everything is connected to each other! (and to the circuitry and auras of those around you!)

If I was you and just starting I would use this framework and do your own write-up, hire a friend to do it for you, or strike out on your own and start to make sense of everything yourself. Use all of the sources I’ve listed here for more context!

If you start on this journey I can pretty much guarantee that you will discover some awesome things about yourself!

My personal takeaways…

I’ve been a lifelong seeker and enjoyer of systems like Myers Briggs… to the temperaments… as well as my birth chart etc. I’ve found great verbiage for describing how I feel about my experience from each one (if you are interested in these other subjects check out this blog here!).

However, when I found Human Design I felt as though my energy and how I reacted to the world finally made sense. As soon As I found Human Design I spent countless hours (and still am haha) pouring over these concepts and trying to figure out what it means to me personally. Now don’t get me wrong… I hold the sovereignty and true worthiness of the individual above all things. Including following any outside teacher or system. And I will never support believing anything or even listening to anything that doesn’t resonate with your deeper self.

But in regards to having a conversation around energy usage, I found this concept to be deeply healing for me. 

Learning where my authority was, as well as where my defined channels were, very quickly helped me to synthesize my knowledge of how I feel as an Empath in the world and why I was holding on to my abilities to understand others as a sense of worthiness. I was using my natural gifts as a crutch to feeling good through others and getting feedback from the outside world without consulting my inner authority first.

A recipe for my personal energetic disaster!

This was just one specific example of an epiphany I had within Human Design! There were many more, including some regarding my partner’s energy which is really fun.

I’m grateful to Human Design for giving me an awareness of this pattern in my life.

I can tell you, with confidence, that this concept can help you discover new depths within yourself. I know for me it has really dovetailed quite nicely with my other spiritual and intellectual inspirations and I feel as though it has come into my life at the perfect time!

I hope that this (pretty extensive haha) intro helped you too!

Let me know if you guys found any of these Human Design Distinctions helpful. I would also love to hear about your personal discoveries within this framework!

…Or if you took my advice and started looking into this for yourself!

Thank you so much for reading!

If this helped you at all I would really appreciate any support for my work here.
• Buy Me A Coffee •

✦If you would love some personal help regarding your own

Human Design chart reach out to me for your reading, or at the -Free Guidance Consult- button to the right with any questions!✦

*Update as of February 2024, I’m thinking of revisiting this subject in more detail (after more years of experimenting) with an updated “How to Read Your Human Design Chart” or “Things I’ve learned about human design (through readings and years of experimentation)” I would love to hear your thoughts below!

***Also calling all PROJECTORS specifically who have studied this subject themselves… and would like to try their hand at reading someone else’s chart (but may have been scared to). I have an offer for you! Consider this an invitation from one Projector to another. Reach out here with Projector as your subject line and a little about yourself in the message! I hope to hear from you soon.

“And you… When will you make that long journey into yourself?”

— Rumi

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“SACRED SPACE . A sacred space is first of all a defined place, a space distinguished from other spaces. … the helpful metaphor of sacred space as a “focusing lens.” A sacred place focuses attention on the forms, objects, and actions in it and reveals them as bearers of meaning.”

-encyclopedia .com

A sacred space is any safe spot that you have created for the care and keeping of your inner world and soul. It is a space to take time to go inward and reflect. It truly can include anything and everything that brings you happiness. It also is a place where you are in charge and control the environment, even just for a brief moment. This is a place that is yours.

When you hear the words “sacred space”. What do you think of? Maybe a church, a temple, Stonehenge, how about the forest behind your home or even your gym? I personally think of the beach and my home and seek to create a sacred space that elicits the feelings of both. This means that anywhere can be sacred if you place your intention on it.

An element that you can use in your sacred space decor is an altar. Dictionary.com defines an altar as “A table or flat-topped block used as the focus for a ritual”. Which allows you freedom to DIY altar ideas of your own in your home including anything you wish, pretty much anywhere!

Creating your own sacred space is all about setting up and using what brings you serenity and joy. 

You can focus on the five senses and the elements when carving out your special spot or using your altar ideas to get started and to help you engage all parts of your consciousness.

Touch:

What do you want to be touching when you are interacting with your space? Do you love a fluffy knit blanket. Do you have your mothers favorite scarf as a tablecloth. Maybe you have a stone you found as a worry stone, or a strand of mala beads to help in your meditations. Lots of textures that help you connect back to your sense of touch will help to ground you in your body and in your sanctuary.

ex. I have seashells that remind me of my favorite beach back home that I pick up and play with feeling their textures, smooth on the inside, rough on the outside.

Smell:

What scents help you to relax and zen out? You could always light some incense or add your favorite essential oil to a diffuser to fill the space. Do you like floral, woodsy, sweet, smoky, herbaceous, bright, or clean scents? Maybe it is a bottle of your grandmothers perfume? What is your favorite flower and could you have it planted in a pot or in a vase in your space? Take time to experiment with smells and find some ways to incorporate them!

ex. I pick a gardenia (my favorite flower) from the bush in my front yard and place it in a small vase on my altar it always releases its beautiful scent into the room.

Sound:

What music brings you joy? Set up a playlist you can load up when you are settling down to take time for yourself. Intentional sounds help clear the air to make way for your higher vibrations. Some sounds that may be fun to explore for you are chanting, acoustic guitar, Native American flutes, and binaural tones.

ex. Some other fun elements that I have incorporated in my space are a singing bowl and bells that I ring to settle in.

Taste: 

What can you taste that brings you happiness. This could be a delicious dark chocolate bar or your favorite smoothie. A beautiful taste that is fun to explore is brewing yourself a pot of tea. There are so many flavors to choose from like green tea, peppermint tea and camomile tea, and the act of slowly sipping really takes you into the present moment.

ex. When Im settling in to my special space I really enjoy bright fruit flavors like a ripe juicy nectarine!

Sight:

Gather all of the items and trinkets that have significant meaning for you and lay them out in a way that you can interact with them. Use colors and patterns that bring you joy. Gifts and items you have collected that spark joy for you should be included here for you to see in your sacred space. Statues that represent important ideas, sacred geometry forms, spirit animal totems are some things that could get you started.

ex. I have a crystal altar space as well as a small bowl of sea glass I’ve collected over the years that I love to look at.

my personal altar

Air: 

Is your special spot set up by a window, if so opening up your space to the outdoors is a good way to incorporate air. Make sure your space has nice air flow to it to help clear you.

Ex. I have a large feather for wafting the palo santo wood I burn to clear my space 

Fire: 

Having a candle is always a nice way to incorporate fire energy into your space. Watching the flame flicker is a beautiful way to engage with the present moment.

ex. I always have a favorite color candle lit in a votive in my sacred space.

Water:

A small desktop fountain or a fish bowl are sweet ways to incorporate water energy into your space.

ex. I have a small statue of a mermaid that reminds me of my childhood at the ocean 

Earth:

What earth elements bring you joy? Perhaps there are some plants that you love and wish to incorporate into your environment. Crystals, sand and earth collected from your favorite places also bring in the earth element. Anything that speaks to you that you have found in nature can represent earth.

ex. I have some sand collected from my favorite beach I have in a dish with which I lay out some of my trinkets.

Some other things to think about are activities and images.

Activities:

What will you be doing while engaging with your space. Do you need room to lay out your yoga mat to move freely and to practice. Or will you just be sitting on a pillow in front of your meditation altar. Or maybe this is the space for you to be creative and write in your journal or paint a piece of artwork or dance. Whatever it is that you need space for to be your best self allow space for that here in your sacred space.

ex. I keep my inner work journal in my space charged by all of my favorite things

Images:

Do you have a religious practice and want to incorporate images or objects of your faith?. Are you inspired by a particular artist? Do certain images illicit positive vibes for your spiritual altar? Do you want a beautiful photograph of your favorite place or person to be here with you in your environment? Include it!

ex. I have a statue of the Nike of Samothrace that inspires me on my altar.

These are all ways to help you get started creatively on creating a sacred space for yourself. But remember you do not have to incorporate any of these elements, you must only include objects and feelings that speak to you! Any space no matter how small can be set up as a sacred space for you. My current space is on the bottom level of my bookcase, but it could be a corner of a room, or your desk or even the inside of a drawer. Any place you take a moment to check in with yourself is sacred.

If you would like some more inspiration I’ve included a link to my pinterest board for more Sacred Space examples!

if you would like help from a designer in helping you to create your own sacred space in your home reach out to me I would love to hear from you! Contact me!

Thank you so much for taking the time to read this post! I wish you peace and serenity in your sacred space retreat, wherever that may be in this universe.

Love,

Catherine Rose

“SACRED SPACE . A sacred space is first of all a defined place, a space distinguished from other spaces. … the helpful metaphor of sacred space as a “focusing lens.” A sacred place focuses attention on the forms, objects, and actions in it and reveals them as bearers of meaning.”

-encyclopedia .com

A sacred space is any safe spot that you have created for the care and keeping of your inner world and soul. It is a space to take time to go inward and reflect. It truly can include anything and everything that brings you happiness. It also is a place where you are in charge and control the environment, even just for a brief moment. This is a place that is yours.

When you hear the words “sacred space”. What do you think of? Maybe a church, a temple, Stonehenge, how about the forest behind your home or even your gym? I personally think of the beach and my home and seek to create a sacred space that elicits the feelings of both. This means that anywhere can be sacred if you place your intention on it.

An element that you can use in your sacred space decor is an altar. Dictionary.com defines an altar as “A table or flat-topped block used as the focus for a ritual”. Which allows you freedom to DIY altar ideas of your own in your home including anything you wish, pretty much anywhere!

Creating your own sacred space is all about setting up and using what brings you serenity and joy. 

You can focus on the five senses and the elements when carving out your special spot or using your altar ideas to get started and to help you engage all parts of your consciousness.

Touch:

What do you want to be touching when you are interacting with your space? Do you love a fluffy knit blanket. Do you have your mothers favorite scarf as a tablecloth. Maybe you have a stone you found as a worry stone, or a strand of mala beads to help in your meditations. Lots of textures that help you connect back to your sense of touch will help to ground you in your body and in your sanctuary.

ex. I have seashells that remind me of my favorite beach back home that I pick up and play with feeling their textures, smooth on the inside, rough on the outside.

Smell:

What scents help you to relax and zen out? You could always light some incense or add your favorite essential oil to a diffuser to fill the space. Do you like floral, woodsy, sweet, smoky, herbaceous, bright, or clean scents? Maybe it is a bottle of your grandmothers perfume? What is your favorite flower and could you have it planted in a pot or in a vase in your space? Take time to experiment with smells and find some ways to incorporate them!

ex. I pick a gardenia (my favorite flower) from the bush in my front yard and place it in a small vase on my altar it always releases its beautiful scent into the room.

Sound:

What music brings you joy? Set up a playlist you can load up when you are settling down to take time for yourself. Intentional sounds help clear the air to make way for your higher vibrations. Some sounds that may be fun to explore for you are chanting, acoustic guitar, Native American flutes, and binaural tones.

ex. Some other fun elements that I have incorporated in my space are a singing bowl and bells that I ring to settle in.

Taste: 

What can you taste that brings you happiness. This could be a delicious dark chocolate bar or your favorite smoothie. A beautiful taste that is fun to explore is brewing yourself a pot of tea. There are so many flavors to choose from like green tea, peppermint tea and camomile tea, and the act of slowly sipping really takes you into the present moment.

ex. When Im settling in to my special space I really enjoy bright fruit flavors like a ripe juicy nectarine!

Sight:

Gather all of the items and trinkets that have significant meaning for you and lay them out in a way that you can interact with them. Use colors and patterns that bring you joy. Gifts and items you have collected that spark joy for you should be included here for you to see in your sacred space. Statues that represent important ideas, sacred geometry forms, spirit animal totems are some things that could get you started.

ex. I have a crystal altar space as well as a small bowl of sea glass I’ve collected over the years that I love to look at.

In the interior design industry too many people are forced to comply with existing design styles and the design aesthetics of the designers that they hire! I find this tragic because I believe in the sovereignty of the individual and I know deep in my soul that every single person has a beautiful creative voice. Everyone deserves to explore this creative voice in their own life through their environment. Don’t allow yourself to be sucked into the narrative that you need to sell your soul to these interior designers own aesthetics, or the popular culture of what is “correct” in design, or allow the people selling furniture to tell you what you “need” in your own environment! Only you know the answers to these questions in regards to your own environment. I want to empower my clients and anyone who watches this video to take their own creative power back. A true creative individual lies within you!

I’ve written out this design aesthetic discovery process below:

Process of How to Find Your Design Aesthetic:

#1 get a piece of paper, or a notebook if you are long winded like me! Make a yes and a no column…

#2 Gather Inspiration.

-design magazines

-photos of rooms (both that you love, and hate)

-places that you love

-your social media feeds

-photo albums

-camera rolls

Also think about…

-the things you love

-the activities that you love

-your sense of fashion

-your morals and values

-your art sense

**anything and everything you are inspired by that I have missed here!**

#3 Save these images, collect them, cut them out, save them on your desktop or anywhere in yes and no piles.

#4 NOW REACT! How do these spaces, images and things make you feel? record what you are reacting to and write these things down. Good feelings into the yes column, bad in the no column. Amazing feelings at the top of your

yes column.

#5 Think about why you feel these feelings specifically!

#6 Keep doing this for every image and activity that speaks to you!

#7 Now you have your own rules Darling, written from your soul directly!

#8 Design your space empowered by your own design aesthetic!

“It’s all connected. Your gifts, your circumstances, your purpose, your imperfections; your journey, your destiny. It’s molding you, embrace it.”

— anon

Hi there. I don’t know if you know this but window treatments don’t actually have to freak you out. 

Would you like to be able to confidently pick functional window treatments for your different environments. Based not only on the way things look but how they actually work for you too? Then this article is for you!

I know why you have been avoiding this part of finishing the design of your space. Maybe more than anything else is interior design, window treatments can be quite challenging. There is a lot to consider. But I promise if you consider these things you can go confidently in the direction of your window needs.

From woven wood shades to sheer drapery I’ve helped my clients choose the right types of window treatments for their environments over the years. But through this post I want to empower you with some information so that you don’t have to outsource your aesthetic to anyone else! By understanding some basics about window treatments you can choose a solution that actually works for you in every way.

By taking your power back you don’t have to worry about getting stuck with something that doesn’t work for you just because someone wants to sell you a product! You can purchase your window dressings confidently by understanding what you need!

If you don’t mind having a salesperson pick out an integral part to your environments function and style, this article isn’t for you.

First thing is think about your own window situation!

1. What is the sun doing?

   In the room in question what direction is it sitting, how does the sun move throughout the day.

2. What do you do in here?

   Is this an office where you need lots of light? Is this your kitchen where the sun loves to bounce off your shiny countertop blinding you when you are preparing for dinner? Is this your bedroom where you need pitch black to sleep?

3. Is the sun being bad?

   Is the sunlight ever at odds with what you wish to be doing in this space?

4. How do you want to feel in here?

   Cozy, fancy, productive etc.

5. Which do you actually like?

   By looking at the examples I explain below which do you like to look at? Which fit in with your aesthetic? Can these window treatments be created to solve your sun or light problems?

I went through these questions as an example for you!

Let’s say I have a bedroom with a desk in it for working from home. The sun blasts in early in the morning and moves over the home into the evening. This means I get woken up too early for my taste but not a lot of light stays in the space during the day which I need to work, I also want some privacy during the day since this room is on the first floor. I want to feel both restful and peaceful at night but productive and happy during the day so I can get my work done. 

As a solution in this space I may think about a double drapery rod where I hang some sheers underneath a set of drapery that is lined with blackout fabric. This way I can completely black out the light in the early morning by drawing everything closed, and in the afternoon I can have just the sheers drawn so that I have a little bit of privacy, but allow for the most amount of light to filter into the space for my work! Drapery also fits my aesthetic because I like my space to feel soft and elegant.

Below I will go through some of the most common window treatments as well as their potential up and downsides for you!

Some common terms I will be using throughout this post are:

Set Outside the frame: Shades that are mounted higher and wider than the window frame.

-helps cut down on light bleed

Set Inside the frame: Shades that are set within the frame of the window.

-more modern streamlined look

-can bleed light around the edge of the shade

Different Window Treatments:

Shutters:

Shutters are often wood, or composite and can either be set inside or outside of the window frame. Common finishes are wood finishes, or white. They lever up and down so light can be adjusted, and often can be completely opened up as well like a door. Shutters can be expensive depending on the quality of the craftsman or the material themselves. 

Some upsides to shutters are that they block a fair amount of light, they have a classic look, often last long, good for blocking the view into the home from the outside.

Some downsides are that they are pretty bulky on the window and can block light even when open.

Woven wood shades:

Are often beautiful. When I worked in a beach town design studio this was an option I used frequently. Woven shades can be set outside or inside a window frame. Woven woods come in a variety of colors as well as weaves and are often made with sea grass etc. They are a great way to introduce some natural texture into your space. Some upsides to woven wood shades are: that they are made of natural materials, you can choose a finish that reflects your color palette, because they are woven they look beautiful dappling the light into the space. Some downsides are they do bleed light, you shouldn’t line them with blackout or lining because you will lose a lot of the beauty.

Cellular shades:

A practical option usually set within the widow frame. Also know by the name honeycomb shades, or pleated blinds. They help to insulate the window from temperature changes into the room. They are often made with semi opaque fabric which allows for some shadows and light. Because they are set within the window frame there is some light bleed around the edges. Some upsides to cellular shades are that they are practical, they help insulate the room. Some downsides are that they aren’t very stylish, not a lot of options to express yourself with.

Venetian blinds:

If in wood they are called wooden blinds. Can also be made from composite, metal, vinyl, or plastic. Are horizontal slats that can be flattened and pulled up as a whole unit, or released down to lever open to let light in. The slats can also be tilted to allow different angles of sunlight in. In order for these to function they need to be set within the window frame, which does mean light bleed. Some upsides to these are functionality and privacy. Some downsides are the levers can get twisted depending on the material they are made with, not a lot of different style options, and can collect a lot of dust!

Vertical blinds:

These are vertical slats suspended from a track. You often see these over sliding doors. Like Venetian blinds you turn the slats so they lie parallel to each other and then you pull them to the side to open them up kind of like a drape. These let a lot of light in around the edges but also block light and all view where the slats are. These are often made out of plastic, faux wood, or stiff fabric. Some upsides are pretty easy to use and quick to use, and pretty good for privacy. Some downsides are that these are pretty noisy if any breeze comes through the window and they lack any style.

Shoji screen:

Created first in Japan, shoji screen window treatments are traditionally a thin wooden frame of rice paper that hangs on a rail within the window frame. The paper allows for privacy but still allows for light filtering. Because the frame is often squared off and flush within the window frame, there actually isn’t a lot of light bleed around the edges. The wood can be stained to match the decor and you can choose paper that works for you. Some upsides are they look beautiful and elegant and are easy to use. Some downsides are you block half of your view even when they are open because they can’t collapse on themselves, and they are a very specific look.

Panel tracks:

Are vertical panels of typically fabric that are connected at the top and the bottom of the window frame by a track that allows the panels to be slid open and closed. They can either be hung by the ceiling or from inside the window frame. Often they have some sort of light filtering to them but they can be made out of a wide variety of fabrics. These, like vertical blinds, function well on siding doors and large windows. Some upsides to these are that they are easy to use, look very clean, and come in a variety of fabrics for your style. Some downsides are that they are fixed so you can’t completely clear the view unless they are mounted to the ceiling with enough wall space next to the window to accommodate the stacked panels.

Roman shades:

Roman shades are fabric shades that are stacked either at the top or the base of the window and can be pulled together for more light or dropped for privacy. Roman shades can be made in so many different fabrics! They pretty much must be made in a fabric because the panel needs to be able to fold back on itself. They have a classic look. Some upsides to these are you can pick a patterned or colored fabric perfect for your style, and they are very easy to use, they can be set within, or outside the the window frame depending on your light needs. A downside is you pretty much have to use a fabric.

Roller shades:

Are shades that retract by rolling up on a roll at the top of the window. They can be made with solar fabric, blackout, or a variety of colors of stiff fabric made for them. Some upsides are that they are very simple to use, they are low profile (great for a sleek modern look inside a window frame), allow for different levels of light filtering when they are down depending on the material. A downside is that they can be kind of boring.

Drapery & sheer drapery:

One of my personal favorite treatments is drapery. Drapery gives your space a sense of elegance. Drapery is basically wide panels of fabric that can be drawn back to open the window. If you hang drapery correctly you won’t block any light or view. If you love the look of drapery but don’t need any help blocking any light you can go with sheer drapery that gives you a soft and airy feel. Check out my post on how to hang curtains correctly and how to hang curtain rods correctly Here. Some upsides to drapery is you can really express yourself with pretty much any fabric at all, its extremely easy to use, it allows you to vertically take advantage of the height in your space. Some downsides are sometimes window placement doesn’t allow for the correct use of drapery and you may have to compromise on partially covering view out the window if you don’t have enough wall or rod space to stack the panel over. Some tips on drapery for ease of use would be to get a metal rod (wood is hard to have drapery rings slide on) and get drapery rings that have clips or metal hooks that hang into the pleats to hang them up because when you put the rod into the curtain pocket itself it also gets hard to slide and open them!

Cafe curtains:

Cafe curtains are basically drapery that is hung on a rod in the middle of the window. This allows for you to have light come in from the top of the window but block light and the view down where people are living. This is a practical option for people who aren’t looking to block a lot of light but don’t want people looking into their home. Some upsides here are you can use a wide variety of fabrics and they are easy to open all of the way up. A downside would be that they are a very specific look, and they really look best on large windows with high ceilings, unless of course you are actually a cafe, or the window is in a dining area or kitchen.

And that concludes my parade of window treatment options! I hope this was helpful in demystifying the land of window coverings!

If you are looking for estimates on how much some window treatments will cost you check out this article here https://happydiyhome.com/how-much-do-blinds-cost/ !

If you consider these points and follow what you like I have complete confidence in you finishing off your space beautifully with some window treatments.

When thinking about you absolute bravery in tackling this for yourself remember this quote!

“Be afraid, and do it anyway.”

— anon

Your environment will love you back for your effort I promise!

Thank you so much for reading!

• If you would like to read some of my own random journal entries go to •Musings•

• If you are interested in more Interior design, deeper self, wellness, or psychology posts…

• If you are looking to see more post like these in general you should join the community by signing up below!

I would love to connect with you deeper!

Love,

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Sharing musings and holistic design ideas, created by me, inspired by your inner intentions.

“Your vision will only become clear when you look inside your heart. Who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakens”

— Carl Jung Posts in Deeper Self How to Uncover your Deeper Symbols How to choose art for your environment Inner De-conditioning Affects Interior Design Are you, energetically, a Yin or a Yang? How to read your Human Design Chart

I think everyone is searching for the answers. I love personality exploration and depth psychology and I’ve found this system that really resonated with me on a deep level. Human Design for me is a new perspective on some of the other personality systems like Myers Briggs or the enneagram. I think all of these systems hold much wisdom and I recommend everyone look into each and see which resonates with them. Actually, go and find me some new ones and tell me where to find information about them!

Human design is a bit like your horoscope because it uses your birth date time and location to assess your energetic map or circuitry.

Read More Intention

Re-pin and click to get your free interior design soul styles guide!

Read More Before you design your interior… Do you know your WHY?

Do you feel stressed when you think about designing your space?

There is no reason that this process cannot be fun and exhilarating for you!

There is one deep secret that I need to share with you dearest reader.

Identifying your deepest desires is the key to good design.

You too can create a beautiful connection to your environment by focusing on how you want your space to feel. Deep down you need to hold this high above everything else. Use it as your northern star BEFORE beginning a new design project.

I know first hand from my clients when they first come to me how stressful thinking about creating your space can be. It’s so easy to be overwhelmed with how do I even start, what do I focus on, is what I like even “correct”, and how are all of these pieces going to work together? We are all inundated by “perfect” spaces created by “perfect people”, it almost seems unattainable to create a space that looks like some of these rooms.

But this couldn’t be further from the truth.

Read More Interior Design as Couple’s Therapy

Sharing musings and holistic design ideas, created by me, inspired by your inner intentions.

“Your vision will only become clear when you look inside your heart. Who looks outside dreams, who looks inside awakens”

— Carl Jung Posts tagged strategy How to read your Human Design Chart

I think everyone is searching for the answers. I love personality exploration and depth psychology and I’ve found this system that really resonated with me on a deep level. Human Design for me is a new perspective on some of the other personality systems like Myers Briggs or the enneagram. I think all of these systems hold much wisdom and I recommend everyone look into each and see which resonates with them. Actually, go and find me some new ones and tell me where to find information about them!

Human design is a bit like your horoscope because it uses your birth date time and location to assess your energetic map or circuitry.

Read More

This is a deeper version of what design styles you are interested in and it will keep your space in alignment with how you want to express yourself. Because holistic spaces look good still (don’t worry haha), they just are in actual alignment with who you are and what you like.

This post explains the difference between a design style and aesthetic and is a great place to start!

If you don’t feel like deep diving into your design aesthetic:

Here is a shortened guide on how to discover this for yourself!

1. expose yourself to many different spaces, both ones you like and dislike!

2. react to them! Do you like them or not?

3. write down your likes and your dislikes on a piece of paper.

4. think about who you are, what you like to do, your values, and your personality, people that you admire and why etc. add these things to your list. (here is another post on personality exploration!)

5. look at your social media feeds for more clues of what you like (patterns, color schemes, activities, meaning, etc…)

6. search more images according to your specific likes that you have found.

7. write on your list what feelings come up for you when you see the specific things you like, and dislike.

8. make a mood board that reflects the awesome feelings that you have outlined for yourself!

9. You did it, you have figured out your design aesthetic!!!

If you engaged with this activity, at this point you have a solid idea of what your actual design aesthetic is, which actually expresses who you are as a person, next we will think about how to incorporate what you love to do.

2. Second Step is understanding how YOU want to use your space.

This is super important because just like putting figuring out your design style over digging deeper into your design aesthetic. Often a rooms traditional use takes precedent over how you actually want to live! In holistic design it is important for you to get clear on how you want to use your spaces. Make sure your home reflects and supports the activities that make you feel like more yourself! Holistic design always supports the people living in the environment, it doesn’t compromise to create a false image of perfection.

For example, lets say you have a formal dining room. but you hate cooking and anytime you have friends over you eat at the kitchen table. You should think about how you can use this to make you happy! Maybe this dining room can be made into a cozy lounge for more informal entertaining instead! This about what holistic decor will help you create this space.

Now that you have broken the sad chains of you “should” use your space like this, next lets think deeper about what you care about.

3. Third Step is figuring out how can you use your spaces to express your values.

Think about what in life matters to you the most. How can you create a space for yourself that resonates with the deeper parts of who you are? Maybe you have decided that a minimalist lifestyle speaks to your deeper values. You have realized that you enjoy feeling clarity in your mind and space to grow in your environment. You have been actively removing yourself from the never ending consumer spiral, and you have been enjoying the calm that this lifestyle brings you. Think about how can you best incorporate this style into your home environment!

Now that you have explored your values in your physical environment let’s think about who you want to become!

4. Fourth Step, how can you best use your space so that you can be the best version of yourself that you can be?

Lets say you have recently discovered yoga. You enjoy the peace and serenity that your practice brings you and you wish that you had the space to engage with it within your home environment. Do it! Make space for the things that light you up. Things resonate with you for a reason, they are there to guide you in the direction of your best self! When you prioritize your higher self you will always be rewarded. This is the backbone of holistic wellness, put yourself first!

5. Fifth step, understand that you are energy…

“Your intention creates your reality” -Wayne Dyer. When you are in alignment with yourself and create from that deep space inside you, you are in alignment with the rest of the universe. Your attention can create holistic healing in your space. Trust your power.

Do not create from a place of lack, unworthiness, striving or proving unless you want to invite these energies into your home to live with you.

The only rules with holistic design, are to stay in alignment with yourself no matter what. Create spaces that support your mind, body and soul through all of the things that resonate with you.

Thanks to this, Beginner’s Guide to: Holistic Interior Design, you don’t need to sacrifice what truly matters to you to create a beautiful space for yourself! And now you have some tools to support you.

As you read here in this article, incorporating holistic practices into design can mean the difference between an environment that just looks good on the outside and one that supports who you are as a person on a much deeper level.

Now you have everything you need to get started incorporating holistic ideologies into your own space. I hope you have found this holistic design inspiration helpful!

Before you get started on analyzing your own environment make sure to leave a comment to let me know if this resonates with you and how you want to explore these ideas further in your own environments!