Living as a source of strength
- Andrea Hartmann
- Jun 26
- 3 min read
Living as a source of strength -
the underestimated energy of home.
We are constantly surrounded by home inspiration: on social media, in magazines and when browsing design trends. But how often do we really ask ourselves: Does my home suit me? Does it give me strength, or does it rob me of energy?
My approach goes far beyond interior design. For me, it's about quality of life, atmosphere and authenticity, and ultimately, how living impacts our well-being.
Rooms can sustain us or exhaust us.
I often meet people who cannot relax properly in their homes, and they often don't even know why. It's not just about the furniture or the colour of the walls;
it's about the whole picture. Rooms can calm or overstimulate, inspire or hinder.
Our environment directly influences our nervous system.
Scientific findings from environmental psychology and neuroarchitecture demonstrate that colours, lighting conditions, proportions, and materials directly affect our well-being. The design of a room influences our heart rate, sleep and concentration. Rooms that are not harmonious can cause stress.
It is more a question of identity than style.
I begin every project with a detailed discussion. I want to know: Who lives here? What are their needs? What does their everyday life look like? What works for them? After all, I don't only
design flats – I design living spaces that suit the residents' personalities.
A room can end up looking completely different to what you initially thought. Sometimes, during the conversation, it becomes clear that the initial idea does not correspond to the residents' vision – in which case, I like to suggest alternatives. This often results in a much more harmonious and authentic living experience.
I always ask if there are certain rituals. Rooms can support these rituals: for example, a spot for morning coffee, a quiet reading corner in the evening or a window with a view.
We feel supported when our living spaces support our daily habits and needs.
This is how a room becomes a valuable asset.
Function and energy flow.
Rooms must be able to breathe, as must we.
A harmonious room is not only pleasing to the eye, but to the body too. We sense it when paths are blocked or proportions are off. We may avoid a room without knowing why. I therefore often optimise floor plans and analyse so-called 'traffic zones', redesigning the flow of space to make rooms more beautiful and functional.
A wide array of colours, materials and wallpapers
can be used to shape spaces intentionally.
I often wish people would be more daring with colour, given that colours have such a significant impact on our well-being – even subtle shades can work wonders. And what about wallpaper? To me, it's an emotional surface. It draws us into the room, calms us and tells a story. It's important that everything is tailored to the residents' needs and personalities.
The result is not a showroom, but a soulful home.
Living well is all about self-care. In a time of sensory overload, the home becomes a source of strength. A space that reflects us gives us peace. A supportive room allows us to flourish. When you come home and close the door, you should enter a room where you can relax and recharge. A home is powerful when it is authentic. Rooms tailored to the residents' personalities are not only powerful, but also more sustainable.
InteriorMind: holistic living.
InteriorMind is about more than just beautiful living. It is a concept that harmonises people, spaces and needs. It combines functional design with emotional sensitivity. InteriorMind is founded on the belief that everyone deserves an empowering environment. It's not just about furnishings –
it's about how we want to live.
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