The connection between home and mental health

Creating your Home Sanctuary Space

By Kaleigh Chiasson

It’s no secret that we have spent more time in our homes over the last year (and more) than ever before. And it might not be a surprise that this has led us to rethink the function (and oftentimes design) of our homes and apartments. I think it's safe to say that after this last year, we all deserve a little rest and restoration in our homes.

Over the past five years, Kaleigh Chiasson has completed many different home projects to make her living space more functional and appealing to our lifestyle. #interiordesign #homedecor #fengshui

Small Changes, Big Impact

While I am no professional designer, I am confident in the connection between our home and our mental health. It is well documented that your physical space reflects your mental space. If we are distracted, we tend to lose things. If we are disorganized, the piles begin to collect.

If you think about the ancient Chinese art and science Feng Shui, you may know it's based on the principle that an individual's destiny is connected to their environment, and links specific areas of your home to specific areas of your life. One of the basic tenets of Feng Shui is that harmony in your living space is key to living a harmonious life.

Over the past five years, my husband and I have completed many different home projects to make our living space more functional and appealing to our lifestyle. We’ve spent a lot of time on main living areas such as; a TV room update, creating a playroom for our son, a necessary home office and gym space, and a lot of heavy lifting outdoors in the way of planting and digging in the backyard. While these areas all felt really good to update and make our own, the renovation with the most impact has been our bedroom and bathroom ensuite.

The reason this room made such a big impact is because the space has become our sanctuary. Every single day we rest, relax and recharge in this room. While the backyard is a lot of fun for entertaining and the office and home gym were necessary during lockdowns- our ensuite update has completely changed my love for our home. I love waking up in the morning to the sun streaking the moody terracotta walls. Doing the mundane flossing and washing in a space where my toiletries are organized exactly where I want them, and there are plants growing in view from every angle of the room.

Get inspired by nature - you’ve probably heard it before, getting outside in nature is a natural mood booster and de-stressor. #outdoordecor #homedesign #patio

If a big bathroom renovation isn't in the cards for you right now, perhaps some of these small changes can inspire your own personal sanctuary and give you that big impact feeling:

Change your frame of mind - you’ve probably heard it before - what you think about you bring about. Your home is no different. Do you approach your space from a place of love and joy or from a more negative space?
Start small and don’t be afraid to try - My husband constantly makes jokes about how many times I move our furniture around. I will move furniture all around the house, to different spots and rooms until it feels right. There is no harm in trying and you can always move it back.
Get inspired by nature - you’ve probably heard it before, getting outside in nature is a natural mood booster and de-stressor. Bringing elements from the outdoors into your home can have the same effect. Plants and greenery are great pieces, as well as adding dried flowers and leaves, palms or cotton stems.

My favourite approach to design and renovation is that yes, you can spend a LOT of money, but you do not HAVE to spend a lot of money in order to make a big impact.

Getting inspired by nature, working with items you already own and reframing your thinking about a room's form and function can really make a big impact on how you feel about your living space.

Kaleigh Chiasson currently lives in Halifax N.S., with her husband, two-year old son, and their loyal pets, dog Lenny and cat Lucy. Kaleigh’s background includes a Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, a Master’s Degree in Applied Health Services Research, and 10+ years as a Personal Fitness Trainer and Lifestyle Coach.