Designing a Supportive Space

Budding trees, blooming flowers and brighter days signal the arrival of spring. The environment outside sets the tone for warm, summer days ahead.

Take a cue from nature and create an environment inside that supports, and even encourages growth.

The environment you’re in affects your mood and motivation. If you’re feeling restless in your own home or distracted while in your office, it’s time to take a look at how to create a more supportive space that fits your lifestyle and your goals. Kate Fessler, our expert on change can help you with that.

Start with a clean slate. Designing a supportive space doesn’t mean you have to throw away all your furniture, but it is helpful to clear it out of the room to start. I know this is going to make a big mess and will feel like you’re making things worse by making a big mess but trust me. Taking everything out of the room allows you to envision how you want the space to look and feel. It’s easier to make decisions about color and texture without anything cluttering the space. It’s also easier to identify the items you really want in your space. Leave out the ho-hum items that are taking up space but not contributing to your overall goals.

Be Intentional with color.  Color is very important in relationship to the space you’re in.  Colors like bright greens and reds are considered high energy colors, which makes them good choices for moving people along in a fast-food setting. Restaurants that want you to stay a while and enjoy the full dining experience will utilize darker, more subtle hues because those colors are more relaxing and calming. There are meanings behind every color. There is the psychology of color, spiritual meanings of color, and the physical interpretation of color; meaning how the body reacts to a particular color when you see it or feel it.  Any of these theories can work and support you but be sure and do some research before you grab that paintbrush.

Add texture. Velvet, plush blankets and pillows in any color feel cozy and inviting. Furniture made from leather can feel a little more masculine and library-like in a traditional style and leather upholstery in a contemporary style will be more sleek and firm. Your personal style will determine your furniture preference, but it’s also important to consider the intention for the space. If it’s to relax, plush textures would be a better option than a leather Chesterfield sofa. Although a classic piece, the Chesterfield sofa was originally designed for libraries and gentlemen’s clubs, not for long periods of relaxing.

As you consider the changes you need to make to design a more supportive space, don’t forget to look at the room or space as a whole. The color chosen for one room could affect the flow throughout the entire house. Introducing too many textures in throw pillows and blankets could feel overwhelming in the room when combined with the drapes, floor coverings and furniture.

If the big picture makes your head spin, or you’re uncertain of the changes you should make to create a supportive space, I can help. Send me an email michele@bayleandco.com and let’s chat!

More about Michele: Bayle & Co. is a boutique firm specializing in residential and light commercial interior design. Owner Michele Bayle hails from Washington wine country, so it’s no surprise that her designs reflect her deep love of farmland and the outdoors. Michele’s mission is to create fresh, new ideas that reflect your best self by dovetailing a variety of styles and cultures, building on the innate strengths of each. “How you live and work in your space is essential to your creativity, comfort and productivity,” she says. “I believe your space should be an extension of your personality.”