 Moving away from Boston about a year ago I recently visited after being away the longest period of my life. I’ve come to realize that home is not a physical location, it’s a state of being of comfort, familiarity, love and support. I’ve committed to that way of being now being away from “home” for nearly a year now. It isn’t easy and I’m still working through this part of my journey and the biggest support has been creating a deep love within myself. It was a great visit overall and very challenging at the same time. I quickly saw myself fall into patterns of spreading myself thin and trying to have it all. I saw the challenges living on two different coasts with it being difficult to be present and enjoy the moment. I reached out to a dear friend of mine to get her perspective of “home”. Magalie launched Magalie René-Hayes Interiors and Kid-Smart Spaces in 2012 and has been transforming spaces ever since. She works on a variety of residential, commercial, and institutional projects in the New York Tri-State area, Los Angeles, and across the US, including several elementary and middle schools. 1. How would you define “home”? Home is less a place than it is a feeling and a choice you have the power to create. It's the sense of peace, contentment, clarity, and joy you feel when you say "I feel so at home." That saying is perfect because when you think about it, with practice, we can choose to create that level of ease, comfort, and happiness whenever we want. 2. What does a sanctuary mean to you? Sanctuary is one of my very favorite words. First, because it has such a soft, relaxing ring to it. But also because I believe you are your own sanctuary. You are your own haven. For me, sanctuary means seeing the beauty in myself, bringing joy to others and being on the journey to my purpose. Those things keep me grounded. On the practical side, a sanctuary supports whatever you're working to accomplish in life or whatever means the most to you. Whether that's your peace of mind, your family, your health, your business goals - your sanctuary honors and supports those things. It's a reflection of you. 3. How important is physical space to creating results in your life? That's a tricky one because anything you truly want to create in life must first come from within. It's inner work that begins with your mindset and your choices. That said, it's also true that what you surround yourself with reflects back to you and contributes to what you create. If you want to level up in your business surround yourself by people who are driven, focused, and inspiring because like attracts like. Right? The same goes with your home. What is it attracting? Is it clean or cluttered? Is it thrown together haphazardly or does it have a cohesive flow? Are you surrounded by unattractive, meaningless objects that don't serve any function or does your space bring you joy? Is it all function without any beauty, color or art to speak of? I can also get granular and ask whether it's easy to find your keys and cellphone so you glide off to work in the morning or if an inconvenient layout is contributing to your already stressed life. Both practically and energetically speaking, your space can be an impediment to your success if it doesn't align with what you say you want in your life and who you truly are. 4. How do design and personal development intersect? One word: Intention. Personal development is all about living intentionally and mindfully. I refer to myself as a ‘Conscious Designer’ because the service I provide is more than just designing stylish spaces. I deeply believe every space I design should be rooted in what my clients want to create in their life, business or learning environment. With personal development having an intention for every action you take creates momentum, responsibility and inner peace. Before you know it, you're living a fulfilled life. Apply the same philosophy when it comes to your home. First, be intentional about what kind of atmosphere you want to create. Then, choose powerfully what elements stay, go and/or get brought in. As with conscious living, if you're clear on your intention, you don't even need to know the "how to". Just trust yourself, take one step at a time, and before you know it you'll have created a joyful, focused and peaceful space. You may even catapult your life forward in a big way. 5. If you could choose one piece of furniture to describe you... what would it be? :) Definitely the egg-shaped Himalayan salt lamp I have on my nightstand. It's curved and feminine but rock solid and strong. And, when the light inside it shines you can see all the cracks and imperfections and that where its true beauty lies. And of course - it's good for your health!! It’s very clear to me environment really can dictate behavior and feelings. I felt a lot of emotions seeing places I haven’t seen in a long time. Streets, buildings or neighborhoods that reminded me of memories. Being grateful for it all because without those experiences I wouldn’t be where I’m at today. What I’ve learned most about myself is I am able to adapt and trust myself and I created my home away from “home”. For more about Magalie check out her website: www.magalierenehayes.com  |
