Living with Intention: How to Create a Home that Reflects What Matters Most
In a world that often feels chaotic, it’s easy to overlook the spaces that surround us—the rooms where we spend our days, the places we gather, and the sanctuary we return to at night. But design isn’t just about how a space looks—it’s about how it supports the life you want to lead. Your home has the power to help you live with more intention, giving you the space to breathe, to slow down, and to gather moments that truly matter.
But how do you begin creating a space that aligns with your values? How do you move from the overwhelm of too many choices and clutter to a place of simplicity and purpose? Here’s a practical guide to help you uncover what matters most and design a home that holds it.
1. Reflect on Your Values and Priorities
Before making any changes, take a moment to think about what matters most to you. What are your top priorities? Is it family time, creativity, rest, or connection with nature? These values will serve as the foundation for every design decision you make.
Ask yourself questions like:
What activities bring me joy and fulfillment?
Where do I feel most at peace, and how can I replicate that feeling in my home?
How do I want to feel in my space—energized, calm, connected?
Take time to jot down your thoughts or even create a vision board with images that resonate with you. This can help clarify the direction you want to take and remind you of your deeper desires for your environment. For me, I need a balance of it all. I live a full life and sometimes I need spaces for movement and high flow whereas other times, I need the calm and quiet more than anything. I intentionally placed a cast iron tub at the foot of my bed so I could relax in the water while looking out my french doors. Some may say it will be bad for resale value, but I don’t live for someone else’s life. I live for mine.
2. Simplify Your Space to Reflect Your Priorities
Once you’ve identified your core values, it’s time to look at your space through a new lens: does your home support these values, or is it weighed down by things that no longer serve you?
Start by decluttering and removing items that don’t align with your values or priorities. Ask yourself if each item in your space enhances your life in a meaningful way. If it doesn’t, it might be time to let go of it. A clutter-free environment allows you to focus on what truly matters. I am not saying rid your home of everything. Really reflect on how you engage with items in your home. My husband always questions my collection of vintage dishes but they bring me joy and frankly, everything I make gets devoured and I believe that the dishes only enhance the enticings.
Focus on creating areas that serve specific purposes—a cozy reading nook, a dining table that encourages family meals, a serene space for meditation or reflection. Be mindful that each area of your home contributes to the life you want to lead.
3. Create Space for Slower Moments
In today’s fast-paced world, slow moments are rare. Your home should be a place that encourages you to slow down and enjoy simple pleasures. Whether it’s a cup of tea on the porch at sunset, collecting eggs from a coop, or a long conversation around the dinner table, your home should support these moments.
Consider how your spaces can be more conducive to rest and relaxation. Add comfort and warmth through textures—plush pillows, soft throws, and cozy lighting. Incorporate elements that create a sense of calm, like nature-inspired decor, minimalistic furniture, and plenty of open space to breathe.
4. Design for Connection
At its heart, a well-designed home encourages connection—whether that’s with family, friends, or yourself. Design spaces that allow for gathering, sharing, and bonding. The layout of your home can foster meaningful interactions, whether it’s a spacious kitchen island where family members can chat while cooking, or a living room designed for cozy movie nights and laughter.
To design for connection:
Create intimate spaces that foster conversation, like a sitting area with comfortable chairs and soft lighting.
Focus on communal areas where everyone feels welcome to come together.
Make sure there’s enough space for everyone to move freely, yet remain close enough to feel connected.
5. Embrace What Brings You Joy
Your home should spark joy, not just through objects but through the way it makes you feel. Surround yourself with things that make you happy—whether that’s a favorite piece of art, sentimental objects, or a color palette that lifts your mood.
Ask yourself, “What sparks joy in me?” It could be the scent of candles, the colors of your favorite flowers, or the feel of a textured rug beneath your feet. Incorporating these elements into your space helps create an environment that aligns with your inner peace and joy. I aim for things that bring seasonal joy. For example, every October I order a few Harvest Moon candles from Lightwell and it instantly brings that cozy fall feeling into our home. My family now associates fall festivities with this scent and I love it.
6. Live with Intention Every Day
Now that your home is supporting your values, it’s time to practice living with intention. Pay attention to how you move through your space and the habits you create within it. Do you spend time in the spaces that bring you peace? Are you taking full advantage of the areas that foster connection?
Here are a few ways to bring intention into your daily routine:
Start your mornings in a peaceful space, perhaps with a cup of tea or coffee in your favorite spot.
Reserve evenings for connection with loved ones—whether it’s cooking together, enjoying a meal, or sitting down to share stories.
Prioritize quiet moments for yourself, such as reading in a cozy corner or taking a calming bath.
By being mindful of how you interact with your space, you can gradually make each day feel more intentional.
You Have the Power to Create the Home You Want
At the heart of this process is the recognition that your home should support the life you want to lead. When you take the time to uncover what truly matters, design becomes a tool that helps you live with more intention—whether that means slower evenings, gathered moments with loved ones, or simply creating room to breathe.
So, take the first step: reflect on your values, simplify your space, and make room for the things that truly matter. You’ll be amazed at how a well-designed home can help you live with more purpose, joy, and connection.
