Sensed Spaces

When designing any space for work, play or leisure, I trust in my senses to tell me how the space should look.

I imagine how I want to feel within the space: what views and imagery I’d like to see, what sounds I do (and don’t) want to hear, what scents I’d like to smell, and how the surfaces should feel for me to be happy within it.

When creating The Arienas Collective workshop space within my home, I wanted to retain a homely, welcoming and supportive feel where people could relax. Each workshop begins sat around my sofas, with me serving locally-sourced Shibui teas, Mr Eion coffees and snacks from my much-loved family china. I light an essential oil infused scented candle, and play specially-selected sounds as background music.

The space is filled with natural light from our skylight windows, which are kept open to let fresh air flow.

I believe that the way we curate our home plays has an important role in making us happy, and it’s a topic I’m exploring more at the moment. In case it’s something you’re interested in too, I’ve started a Sensed Spaces instagram account to share my thoughts, ideas and learnings and have added a link below. Sensed Spaces will also feature in My Musings.