Filling your home only with things that make you happy is a good rule of thumb to turn your home into a relaxing place.
Blogger, freelance photographer and content creator Hannelore Veelaert knows all about what makes home such a wonderful place. In her popular blog Au Pays des Merveilles, Hannelore photographs and writes about worldwide architecture and interior design that inspires her. We sit down with this Antwerp-based expert to learn about her own home and the habits she’s created around it.
Your blog focuses a lot on how other people design their homes. But we’d like to know: what’s your favourite space in your home and why?
My living room! Mainly because it’s where my couch is located, but also because it’s the one room that’s the most finished. I moved into this apartment less than a year ago and although I love interior decorating (what did you expect from an interior blogger?), I haven’t been able to finish every room of my apartment yet. I doubt my interior will ever feel truly complete, but the living room comes pretty close.
That’s completely relatable. Are there any specific ways you like to unwind in your favourite room of the house?
After a busy day, I’ll change into something comfy and put on good music. Recently I’ve picked up reading again, and I have a soft spot for beautiful books and magazines. Whenever I want to relax, I pick up something from my bookshelf before I curl up on the sofa with a cup of tea.
We can definitely get behind that practice at the end of a hectic day. Is there anything you do at home to prepare yourself for your busy schedule in the mornings?
I always start with a little bit of yoga. Each morning I try to spend half an hour on the mat, but even when I’m in a hurry, I’ll do a quick 10 minute yoga routine. Taking time for myself in the morning sets the tone for the rest of the day and makes me feel both calmer and more energetic.
We’re all about taking time for yourself at Rituals and getting that work-life balance right. You work from home—how do you manage to shut off work mode while still being “at the office?”
It’s important to change the mood from office to a home. My tricks to do so are making myself some tea, dimming the lights, changing the music to something calm and lighting a few candles. Maybe I’ll watch a movie, write about what’s on my mind or even turn my bathroom into a home spa and enjoy some me-time with a hot shower and a face mask.
Sounds lovely. Finally, as an interior design guru, what is your advice for making a home the best place to relax and recharge?
Filling your home only with things that make you happy is a good rule of thumb to turn your home into a relaxing place. Obviously not everything you need in your home will make you happy (hello cleaning products and tax papers), but tucking those distracting items away behind closed doors will help a great deal!
