Ask ten different people what art is, and you’ll get ten different answers. To some, it’s a painting on a gallery wall, a perfectly sculpted form, a framed print that ties a room together. To others, it’s a worn guitar in the corner, a playlist that sets the mood, the way afternoon light spills across a well-loved table. Art isn’t just something you hang—it’s something you feel. And in times of stress, uncertainty, or just the general chaos of daily life, it’s something that can quite literally change how we function and how we heal.
There’s science behind this. Studies show that surrounding yourself with colors, textures, and artistic elements that resonate with you can reduce stress, lower anxiety, and even boost cognitive function. That’s why hospitals use soothing color palettes and why music therapy is used to help with everything from PTSD to chronic pain. Your home—your everyday space—should be just as intentional. The right color scheme, contrast, warmth, and flow don’t just make a room look good; they make it feel right.
But here’s the thing: art is personal. What speaks to you might not speak to someone else, and that’s exactly the point. A carefully chosen painting might bring someone peace, while a bold, unexpected mural might energize another. Some people feel most at home surrounded by earthy, muted tones, while others thrive in a space full of bright colors and eclectic patterns. Maybe your version of art isn’t visual at all—it’s the presence of an antique grand piano, the buzz of vintage speakers, or a tall stack of vinyl records that instantly takes you somewhere else.
In a time like COVID, political tension, and everything else that makes the world feel heavy, these little things matter more than ever. Our homes aren’t just places to sleep and eat—they’re where we recharge, reset, and reconnect with what matters. And the art we surround ourselves with? It’s one of the most powerful tools we have to make our spaces truly feel like home.
Next time, we’ll dive into something just as meaningful: the power of nostalgia and sentimental objects—the things that don’t just look good but spark memory, joy, and maybe even that giddy, butterflies-in-your-stomach feeling like a new relationship every time you walk in a room. Because a home filled with personal, meaningful things? That’s where the magic happens.
Until next time, surround yourself with something that makes you feel something—music that moves you, a texture that soothes you, or a color that sparks joy. ✨
Homework for next time: Take a walk through your home and find one object that holds deep meaning for you—something that sparks a memory, brings you comfort, or reminds you of a specific moment in time. Maybe it’s an old book, a piece of jewelry, or even a chipped coffee mug that’s been with you through everything. Bring it front and center. Next time, we’ll talk about why these little things matter more than we realize.
Stay weird, stay wonderful.
Stephanie
