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Behind the Design

The secret's in the synchronicity

By Susan Pantaleo, ASID -- Furniture Today, April 15, 2007

The book "The Secret" by Rhonda Byrne is making a big splash these days. The basic idea is that we create our life experience by our thoughts and emotions. "You have all of the power within you to create your life the way that you choose, through the Law of Attraction," Byrne writes. The Law of Attraction states that "like attracts like," and "your current thoughts are creating your future life."

If our thoughts and feelings create our experience, it stands to reason that we can mold our experience by adjusting our environment to feel good and think good thoughts. Our home and work spaces can support feelings of well-being, happiness and security. Renewed interest in the ancient practice of feng shui is based on energy flow between a physical space and its inhabitants.

Interior designer Jan Hubbard, ASID, specializes in the design of religious spaces. She notes a recent cross-over into residential. "People are more in touch with their spiritual side; it's the next step in our evolution," she says.

Our enlightened clients care about the details that encourage their spiritual connections.

So, how can we help them make those connection?

The "secret" lies in appealing to all five senses, as well as to the sixth sense — that intuitive sense that something feels right, or not. I like to call this "synchronized design."

How well does the environment resonate with the individual? Synchronization goes both ways. The design can influence us, and we can influence the design. Spaces that feel good will certainly encourage positive thoughts that will bring more happiness into our lives.

The ultimate goal is balance between the inner self and the design. Ommmmm!

What enhances well-being at home

Distinct, separate spaces for quiet reflection and family gathering.
Colors that enhance the mood — blues and violets to sooth, reds and oranges to energize.
Meaningful art and symbols that trigger spiritual responses.
Furniture and fibers that feel good to the touch.
Materials that are natural and that respect the environment.
Elements from the outdoors that encourage a connection with nature — water, stones, sand gardens.
Scented candles and scented laundry rinses for aromatherapy.

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