A Home Well-Managed Is a Life Well-Lived
A White House among Trees. Unknown, 19th century. Courtesy the National Gallery, London.
The beauty of a home is not found merely in its form, but in the rhythm and care that give it a soul.
From a young age, my passion was for interior design. I have always valued living in a beautiful home, believing that our surroundings have a profound impact on our sense of well-being. My career pursuits, from consulting to business ownership, even led me through the world of decorative objects and the principles of creating aesthetically pleasing spaces. I understood the power of a well-designed room. What I failed to realize for many years, however, was the significance of the invisible framework that holds it all together.
I have learned that you cannot have a truly beautiful home unless it is also a well-managed one. A thoughtfully curated space loses its power to restore and rejuvenate if it is not cared for, tidied, and organized. The two are inextricably linked; the art of homemaking and the art of design are two halves of the same whole, working in concert to create a true sanctuary.
The Foundation of a Refined Life
This realization has been a cornerstone in developing my philosophy of a refined life. It’s not just about embracing minimalism or curating beautiful objects; it’s about understanding the daily, intentional practices that create the foundation for our best lives. Homemaking is a critical component of this foundation. It is the active, ongoing process of optimizing our sanctuary to ensure it functions as a place of rest and restoration for ourselves and our loved ones.
When our home environment is orderly, it positively impacts our mental and physical health. The psychological benefits of living in a tidy, uncluttered space are well-documented, from reduced stress to improved focus. This is why homemaking is not simply about cleaning; it’s about creating the conditions for well-being. It is the practical application of the principle that our home should feel like an embrace, a safe harbor in a chaotic world.
The Freedom of a Tidy Mind
My deepest appreciation for this truth was forged during a difficult period when I lost the ability to control my own home environment. Living for years with someone who had hoarding tendencies was like being freed, only to find yourself living in a cage. It was in that cage that I began to truly value the freedom I had once taken for granted: the simple ability to know where things were, the ease of welcoming a visitor into a tidy space, the profound sense of calm that comes with cleanliness and order.
During that time, visiting the homes of others—whether they were immaculate or just maintained a simple, everyday tidiness—felt like a breath of fresh air. I would return to my own home, and the contrast was palpable. That experience solidified a core belief: the state of our home directly influences our state of mind. A well-managed home is not about rigid perfection; it is about creating a baseline of order that allows our minds to be at peace.
The art of living well begins where we live. The daily, sometimes unseen, efforts we put into managing our homes are not separate from our pursuit of a larger, more purposeful existence—they are essential to it. A home that is managed with intention and care becomes the very platform from which a beautiful, refined life can be launched.
How does the state of your home impact your state of mind? I invite you to share your experiences with me on Instagram and Substack.
