Studio Revamp: Stepping it Up
I teach that our home is a mirror of our life. Our goals and obstacles are reflected in our environments.
So, when I embarked on the revamp of my wellness studio, I knew that I would be taking myself through both an internal and external process. It is a process of letting go, decision making, commitment and more letting go.
Our home can be a messenger—a reflection of the places where we are stuck, as well as an opportunity to draw what we are seeking into our life. As a wellness professional, helping people clear their hidden obstacles in their home and life, I am at a stage where I am seeking simplicity and clarity, as I continue to expand my business.
My former studio space badly needed a redo. With its cream damask wallpaper that had a sweet, vintage vibe, it had dictated much of my other design choices. The room was not in alignment with my brand, or the depth of the client work that I do in the space, which called for more intentionality and simplicity.
When I first had a vision for the future room, I saw monochromatic whites—a far cry from my usual colorful, bohemian taste. In my mind’s eye, I also pictured a large portrait of an owl, as the main focal point. From that vision, I began to let the rest of the space emerge.
The wallpaper removal process discovered three layers of paper—a wink and a nod to the deep layers we encounter, once we make the commitment to shift our life.
Though the space would be all white, it was important that it feel very warm and comforting. That meant bringing in other nature elements and lots of texture—such as faux fur throws and sheepskin rugs.
The process of finding the owl became much more tedious than expected—again, a reflection of my deeper process of resistance and commitment.
After spending hours online, searching for art, I discussed a possible commission with three different artists, before I landed on this photograph by Sean Merewood.
Once I made my selection, I was thrilled to hear the story of this particular owl.
Emma is a barn owl that was photographed at the Carolina Raptor Center in North Carolina. Her story was that she was imprinted by exposure to humans, at a young age, and could, therefore, no longer be in the wild. But, because of her history, she has proven to be a great teacher, because she is so comfortable with human interaction.
What I love about this deeper symbolism, is that my work with clients is also about the imprints we carry from our various human experiences, and how we can release any limiting beliefs, caused by those imprints, and be our best self. Emma is a great reflection of overcoming obstacles, to empower our self and be a guide for others.
The room has proven to be very comfortable, and comforting, for me and my clients.
