beauty as a basic human need
Our brains never stop analyzing. We are receiving constant feedback that often goes unnoticed by our conscious minds but this valuable information tells us so much.
Our senses are hyper-focused on one thing; survival.
But what does it mean to survive as a human? It means that our basic needs are satisfied.
For those unfamiliar with Maslow’s hierarchy of needs these are physiological, safety, social, esteem, and self-actualization.
Physiologically, we need to be safe, have shelter, and have enough food and water, sleep, and clothing.
Safety includes our needs for protection, financial security, stability, and health.
Social needs are our need for love, belonging, connection, friendship, and relationships.
Esteem includes our need for respect from ourselves and others, achievement of goals, and recognition.
Self-actualization is our need for fulfillment and purpose.
While it seems like art is missing from this list it actually pertains to every level.
Interior design is a celebration of fulfillment of our needs and not just at the level of surviving, but of thriving.
By selecting art to decorate our homes with we are giving our subconscious subtle clues that we are, in fact, safe.
The feeling of peace, when we look around a space we have decorated, can soothe our nervous system.
This is a concept I love to play with in my own home.
Those familiar with my work will know I embrace bright colors and bold patterns in my art. For me, there is a feeling of vitality that is palpable just by viewing something colorful. It makes me feel alive. Reminding my subconscious that my physiological needs are fulfilled. Did you know that bright colors in nature were a sign for our ancient ancestors that nutrient-dense foods were around? Our brains still react this way to color.
When we see a bright, bold array of colorful patterns it reminds us at our most basic deep level that abundance is around us.
This is a subconscious reminder of our safety. It assures us that we are provided for, and will continue to be provided for.
While the simplicity of minimalist, zen spaces brings many a sense of peace, for me the bright eclectic array of colors and shapes brings a different kind of peace. It’s not the peace of space and blank canvas, but the peace of nourishment and fulfillment.
Colorful aesthetics in my art and my home reflect my experience that life is a rich tapestry of feeling and experience. For me, there is no chaos in the extraordinary. Rather, there’s life.
Love and belonging decorate the walls of my home too, a testament to the social needs I have deep satisfaction in.
Art is in my blood. Since childhood, I stood in awe of my mother’s artistic expression and was left with a sense of power and trepidation that her talented lineage flowed through my veins. Her talent was intimidating. Truthfully, it caused me to abandon my art for many years. Not wanting to live in her shadow and fearful I couldn’t rise to her ranks.
Now, alongside my own work, her pieces hang with pride in my home. A reminder of the beauty she saw in the world and reflected through her work. Knowing that I belong to her lineage of creation inspires a feeling of connection that goes beyond how impressive I find her work.
That connection flowed down to my own children too. I have their childhood art displayed and framed throughout my home. Art has brought me joy and peace throughout my life, so to see my children find that same solace through creation reminds me that it will live on. As a parent you want your children to be happy, and enjoy the best of life, and these framed “masterpieces” from their childhood show me that those seeds were planted within them.
We all have the innate power to express our experience of life through art, and seeing that within my kids through their art enlivens the walls of my home.
I also feature my own artwork as part of my decor. It’s a reminder that I’m on my path. Creating art that represents my feelings and beliefs about the world. It’s important to me. Reflecting on the importance of it on my walls keeps me motivated and shows up to create more.
So I encourage you to look around your space and see what signs you’re sending to your subconscious. Perhaps updating your decor will help you communicate with yourself and bring you a little more joy, peace, and satisfaction.
How we decorate matters.