“The state of the collective is in great need of cooling and quieting” says Vedic meditation master Thom Knoles. The more we can do this in our own lives, the more it helps create more worldwide coherence. This month we want to share a few ways that we can do this in our spaces and in turn create a haven for personal “cooling and quieting”. Because when we all take a second to slow down, it gives us a chance to get more in tune with our goals and to be more mindful with our words and actions. We hope some of these ideas inspire you to try out one or two! And if you want a daily visual reminder to slow down and make peace, we’ve created a custom mobile wallpaper for you here.
RESIDENTIAL SPACES
ORDER
One of the best things we can do for our spaces is to make them clutter free. By releasing things that no longer serve us (or never have) we not only reduce clutter in our homes, but we also make room for peace and new opportunities to come into our lives. Start by eliminating items you no longer need–you can start as small as ‘the junk drawer’ or tackle an entire room. Donate those things that can still be of use to someone else, and dispose of those that no longer function, always giving thanks to the items you’re giving away for the time they did come in handy and serve you. Keep only what you need and regularly use, or those things that “spark joy” as Marie Kondo says. Reorganize the space in an intentional and functional way, displaying the things you love or use most. See how much peace and calm this brings to your daily life.
SANCTUARY
In a chaotic world, home should be the place where we can find peace. Creating a sanctuary in your home is one of the most important things you can do. A sanctuary should be a retreat in which you can unwind and center yourself. We usually recommend using neutral colors and soft textures, but a sanctuary should also be very personal to you. Most importantly, it’s a physical space that reminds you to take 10 minutes to do nothing and just be – which is very powerful. This space itself becomes a visual queue to wind down.
DAILY ROUTINES
Having a daily routine is a great way to keep peace within your life. If your routine incorporates nature, it’s even better. Opening the blinds to let in natural light as you make your morning coffee or tea, or a daily walk in the park connects us with the outdoors and has immense calming and mood boosting benefits.
A routine that makes space for quiet and connection can work wonders, too. Creating a cell phone box for family to disconnect from their devices for meal times or during game night invites conversation and connection with loved ones.
Many people also find daily mediation to be helpful. Ten to twenty minutes each morning and evening allows us to quiet our minds, and connect with ourselves, which helps us feel refreshed in a world where we are constantly being pulled in so many directions.
COMMERCIAL SPACES
CHILL OUT ROOM
Taking a quick break to recharge during the workday not only keeps employees sane, but has also been proven to increase productivity and reduce stress levels. Within an office space, create a pocket of peace by including a chill out space. This is ideally a separate, enclosed space, where lights can be dimmed. Include additional ‘cooling and quieting’ touches such as a scent diffuser, or soft seating to give employees a space where they can briefly disconnect and become centered before returning to work recharged.
SOCIAL AREAS
Connection to others can be a haven in and of itself. Giving employees designated space in which to collaborate and converse is so important for company culture, but also for wellbeing. When planning an office space, include open areas with soft seating where employees can have conversations face to face in a more relaxed way than at a conference table.
PRIVATE AREAS
In an office setting, especially one with an open floor plan, it’s crucial to give employees quiet spaces where they can have a private conversation of just a moment of quiet alone. Including phone pods, or even desk dividers can help employees to get the peace they may be craving throughout the day.
SEEN + HEARD
This month, we want to highlight some ways to help those in Ukraine who are most in need right now.
Surface sent out a mailing highlighting artists auctioning their work on Instagram to raise money for Ukraine. Those involved include Eny Lee Parker and Alex Proba. Though many of the auctions are now closed, Surface also recommended donating to Nova Ukraine and United Help Ukraine.
As designers we know so well the importance of home. That’s why we love the idea of using Airbnb to send immediate aid to those in need by way of booking a rental in Ukraine without intentions to visit. We first saw this idea on @quentin.quarantino’s instagram – and since then the amount of people contributing and the responses are overwhelming. Many of the Ukrainian people are using the money to directly pay for much needed supplies for those unable to leave or resisting the occupation.
Gala Magriñá Design works with clients that understand the importance of creating a beautiful space and want to work with a no-nonsense design team that is able to clearly chart the best way forward. What separates or approach from other designers is our extensive knowledge of how people live and how best to create a customized space that nurtures that. We aim to merge cool and beautiful interiors with a holistic, mindful and intuitive approach to design that results in powerful, healthy spaces that elevate and transform people’s lives. For more information please visit www.galamagrinadesign.com.