Why do our couches face walls instead of windows?

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Why is it that…

• In all of the homes we’ve owned and renovated.

• In most of the spaces I save on Pinterest.

• In a lot of the Airbnb’s and short terms rentals we’ve stayed in.

….. the furniture faces away from nature. Typically oriented towards the wall?

Google tells me it’s because of:

1. Space optimization

2. Visual stability

3. Feng Shui principles

4. And a “Cozy feel”

But for me, I know it’s been about the TV.

Don’t worry- this is not a technology rant

(but it does feel like a subtle commentary on what we’ve subconsciously been deeming as most important- right?)

Listen- I love my TV time. (I’m currently bingeing High Potential… SO good and a problem for my sleep because I can’t turn it off 🤣)

But as I’ve been slowing down, getting more intentional and tuning into myself - I’ve also noticed a pull to pivot my priorities, the way I’m spending my time and to bring the outside in.

(I mean not literally right now because it’s FREEZING here in Cleveland ❄️ but looking at the snow fall is beautiful when you’re cozied up!)

And that’s the point. As we’ve been living in our house more- not just using it as a landing pad to crash in at the end of the day- but as a space that:

• We LIVE in.

  • A place we read books together on the couch in.

  • A place we play, learn, unschool and explore in.

  • A space that we rest, relax, connect, create and breathe in…

I’m realizing that there is so much more out there that I’m often missing.

I don’t want to get so wrapped up in the things around me that I miss the beauty in front of me (in so many ways- more than just my view at home but in my mothering and creative expression too.✨)

This beautiful world we’re creating within our home belongs intertwined with and expanded by the world outside too.

That’s why we’re focusing on debt-free living, traveling and being out in nature more when we are home.

So as we’re designing our dream tiny-ish house…

Here’s what I’m doing differently- how I’m intentionally creating our space our way:

(And maybe it’s a prompt for you to look at your space in a more aligned way for you too.)

• Less square footage- a space that has just what we need and allows for more time together.

• LOTS of windows and sliding doors that we can open and that our furniture faces so we’re integrating nature and the outside world- inside our world.

• Natural elements like wood ceilings and cabinets and house plants galore.

And who knows what else- as we continue on this journey! We’ll see what else influences our design.

And if you didn’t check out my recent post on why we’re going debt free you can read all about it here.

So now I’m curious….

👇🏻 How are you creating your space, your way?

I’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments and see pictures of your favorite rooms in your home! It’s so fun to see design examples and share in community: