Weekend Design & Wellness Project

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This weekend take a look at the lighting around the house to check for efficiency and proper accent lighting for special areas. Make sure the task lighting is bright enough to reduce eye strain and soft enough as to not induce headaches. For accent lighting, find areas of interest and use directional lighting to cast a subtle spotlight. Adjusting accent lighting will make your favorite areas stand out as you pass through creating some intrigue. For inspiration on directional and accent lighting, visit a specialty market or shop to see how the lighting is adjusted to highlight featured products. This type of lighting is typically more yellow than blue creating warmth and an inviting feeling. Once you open your eyes to the lighting around you and the lighting that lures you to products, your eye for lighting will forever be changed. You’re welcome!

Rhythm of the Light

Photo by: Insung Yoon @insungyoon

Photo by: Insung Yoon @insungyoon

Circadian Rhythm is the body's internal clock on a 24-hour cycle that controls the release of melatonin in preparation for sleep and cortisol to get the body started in the morning. Limiting technology and dimming lights after 7pm allows the natural circadian rhythm to work its magic by providing the deepest and most restful night’s sleep. Zzzz!

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

Photo by: Inside Hughes @insidehuges

Photo by: Inside Hughes @insidehuges

Sofa shopping! Shopping for furniture can be fun and stressful at the same time considering all that is necessary in making choices instead of just what you find attractive. Measurements end up being a deciding factor when dealing with a small space so compromises are needed. The fun part is testing the comfortability of beds, chairs and sofas, WEEEE. This weekend, whether you’re in the market for a new sofa or not, go polish your sofa judging skills. Casually doing comfort tests with furniture that you’ve only admired from magazines or your screens will help narrow down the choices for when you’re actually on the hunt for new pieces. It’s a much more enjoyable process when you’re not under the pressure of making a potentially pricey decision on the spot. Simply inform the salesperson you’re in the early stages of testing out the sofas and you will not be making a purchase today.

My recommendation is to try the Cloud Sofa from Restoration Hardware (be sure to leave all credit cards at home). The Cloud Sofa is so far the most comfortable and expensive sofa I have tried and yes, I was hypnotized by its magnificence that I briefly considered selling my soul and ruining my credit score. Thankfully, it was too large for my space at the time or I would still be paying that bad boy off today. Practice self-control and move in the research mode to enjoy the testing only process!

Take a Nap

Valerian Root is known to calm the amygdala reducing stress, headaches and inducing relaxation for deeper sleep. Taking valerian to aid with insomnia or restlessness will allow you to wake up with ease the following morning. There are no drowsy effects or nightmares associated with valarian. Valarian root comes in a few forms; pellets, hay-like texture, liquid drops, pills and gummies. Sleep well!

Photo by: Elle Hughes @ohforkyes

Photo by: Elle Hughes @ohforkyes

Valerian contains a number of compounds that may help promote calmness by reducing GABA breakdown, improving stress response and maintaining adequate levels of mood-stabilizing brain chemicals.” - Healthline.com


***Be sure to consult a physician before taking any supplements.

Weekend Design & Wellness Project

Photo by: Munro Studio @universaleye

Meditation pillows, cushions and rugs are a comfortable way to prepare for a meditation of any length of time. This weekend, decided on what would make a great meditation pillow, cushion or rug for you.

First, look around the house to see if you already have something that could be used as a proper cushion. Consider creating your own cushion if you have basic sewing skills. If not, check out some of these affordable options…