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This month we are delighted to bring you a guest blog from the amazing Laura Basnett, otherwise known as The Lady Painter, specialising in beautifully painted interiors and bespoke wall murals.
Laura also has a sister company, SoulSpace, a holistic and home wellness company that blends design with Feng Shui, energy balancing and mindful living.
We absolutely love Laura's work and philosophy which resonates so much with the work that we do in helping people declutter, organise and style their homes to create calmness and clarity.
We really hope you enjoy this article as much as we did.
Holistic Living: The Power of Your Homes first impression - by Laura Basnett
Your home is more than just a physical structure; it is a sanctuary that reflects who you are, supports your vision for your future self and sets the tone for your daily life. In holistic living, the relationship between you and your home is crucial. How your home looks, feels and functions isn’t just about aesthetics - its about energy, emotions and balance.
We have 2 homes, one is our mind and the other, our living space, and they are so tightly entwined and connected. How our home makes us feel on a daily basis will 100% show up in our life’s outside of it.
One of the most impactful areas of our home, often underestimated is the frontage/entrance and hallway. These spaces are your homes first impression - not only to guests but to you. Let’s explore why this matters and how you can elevate these areas to support a more harmonious life.
What does your home say to you?
When you approach your home, it begins speaking to you before you even step inside. Become really inquisitive of the detail. I say this because our minds have around 70,000 thoughts a day and shockingly around 80-90% of these are subconscious. The squeaky front door, the dog ball in the bushes, the dead plants in their pots, although you may not actively notice these on a daily basis, your subconscious does, and those things still create an emotional response in your body.
So just take a moment, is your front door inviting? Does it welcome you with warmth or does it feel neglected? The external appearance of your home sets the stage for how you feel when you enter.
According to the holistic principles such as Feng Shui, the entry way is the ‘mouth’ of ‘energy' or the ‘Chi’ as they say. This is where opportunity, positivity and abundance flow in. A cluttered, poorly maintained entrance cam subconsciously make you feel stressed or uninspired. On the other hand, a bright and welcoming entryway communicates calmness, safety and joy.
Ask Yourself:
- Does my home feel like a safe haven when I see it?
- Does it reflect who I am and where I want to be in life?
Your home should be a mirror of your aspirations and truest self.
Why the hallway matters
The hallway is often treated as a pass through space., yet its the first thing you experience when you step inside. This area holds immense potential to influence your mood and set the tone for your time at home and going into the world.
Imagine walking into a narrow dimly lit corridor with shoes and coats piled everywhere. Now contrast that with stepping into a well-lit, organised and thoughtfully styled space that feels open and uplifting. The difference in energy is undeniable.
Holistic living is about mindfulness and this includes being intentional with your surroundings. When your hallway is inviting and calm, it immediately grounds you after a long day, it tells you. ‘You are Home. You are safe’.
Tips to transform your entry and hallway:
Curb Appeal
Upon sight, your home should spark moments of joy. I am not saying have a total rebuild, but things like door colour and door furniture creates positive moments in your mind, and in turn, positive emotions.. Maybe invest in a luxury door knocker and change the colour to something that makes you feel good.
Black - Promotes sophistication, elegance and timelessness. Suggesting the homeowner values privacy and security whilst making a bold, high end statement,
Navy Blue - this represents stability and reliability, This colour can also bring a calming effect for busy households.
Deep Greens - Connected to nature, renewal and harmony. A Deep forest free or sage colour can bring a sense of calm whilst symbolising wealth and good fortune. Creating a peaceful yet prosperous energy for your homes entrance.
Warm Red - This evokes warmth andpasion. In Feng Shui the colour red is a very bold and positive colour that is believed to invite positive energy and good luck.
Pinks - A feeling of femininty and creativity. Stylish yet full of personality
Warm taupe and grieges - really exude understated luxury, and provides a real calming and grounding effect
White - A crisp white door represents clarity, cleanliness and simplicity. It concrete a sense of openness and lightness making the energy feel fresh and bright - note: always keep it clean, white shows up every mark, so if you don’t mind a weekly sweep and wash down this is a lovely timeless way to go.
Declutter and simplify
Remove any dead plants, clean up any pots, clean door and windows/ledges. Clear out porches of shoes/coats and give it a good clean down. Then only put back what’s used daily. Keep only essentials like a shoe rack, coat hooks or a small table. Clutter blocks the energy flow and creates a sense of overwhelm upon entering and exiting the home.
Light it Up
Natural light is ideal, but if that is not possible, add warm and layered lighting. Soft, ambient lighting creates a welcoming atmosphere,
Incorporate Nature
Plants and flowers can breathe life into your hallway. Nature has a grounding, calming effect that enhances holistic well-being.
Choose meaningful decor
Display art, photographs or objects that tells your story of who you and the people who live there are. A beautiful mirror can expand the space and reflect light, just be careful not to have it directly facing the door as the good chi coming in will bounce right on back out the home!. Your favourite artworks and quotes will remind you of your values and dreams. A side note: which is a real bugbear of mine! Be careful what your quotes around the house are saying to you. Signs like ‘Welcome to the Madhouse’ and ’Nobody leaves sober’ speak to the subconscious and tell it the story.
Focus on scent
The first smell of your home can transform your mood instantly. Use natural scents like essential oils, fresh flowers or soy candles to create a calming or energising aroma.
Ultimately the goal of holistic living is to create spaces that feel like an extension of yourself, spaces that nurture. Your home is your ally in life, a place that can recharge your energy and remind you of your purpose. The entrance and hallway are more than just transitional areas, they are the gateways to a lifestyle that supports your mental, emotional and spiritual health. By giving these spaces the attention they deserve, you can create a powerful foundation for a holistic and abundant life.
Remember: Small intentional updates can transform not just your home, but your life.
Laura xx
About Me
I’m a Cotswolds- based painter known as The Lady Painter, specialising in beautifully painted interiors and bespoke wall murals that transform your space. I help people with colour consultations or designing a wall that needs that more personal touch. The Lady Painter also runs alongside its sister company ’Soul Space' which is a holistic and home wellness company that blends design with Feng Shui, energy balancing and mindful living. Through SoulSpace I offer holistic home consultations, curated design services and later this year I will be launching workshops and online courses that help people to create spaces that support their well-being and future vision. Whether I’m refreshing a room with a coat of paint or guiding clients in designing their space to nuture both their body and mind, my passion lies in crafting a home that feels as good as it looks.
Website: www.soulspacehome.co.uk
Find me on Instagram - @theladypainter1 & @soul_space_home
About New Leaves
We are Sue and Claire and we are professional oranisers and home stagers based in the Cotswolds. We've been helping people across the Cotswolds organise, declutter, and style their homes since 2015.
If you're moving house, downsizing, renovating, or going through a life changing event such as having a baby, retiring, or relocating, we can help bring order to the chaos!
Do reach out to us to find out more.
Best wishes
Sue & Claire
Facebook/Insta @newleavesinteriors
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