Declutter to Design: Your Neuroaesthetic Spring Cleaning Blueprint

Spring is synonymous with renewal, a time when we instinctively seek to refresh our surroundings. But beyond the surface sparkle, spring cleaning offers a powerful opportunity to lay the groundwork for a truly transformative living space, one designed to serve you.

At Elan Design, we understand that your environment directly impacts your well-being, and a clutter-free home is the essential first step towards achieving your ideal environment.

Control The Chaos: Why Less is More for Your Brain

Imagine trying to create a masterpiece on a canvas already covered in random markings. That's essentially what we do when we attempt to design a pleasing space amidst clutter. Visual chaos overloads the brain, triggering stress responses that hinder our ability to focus. Piles of papers, overflowing closets, and disorganized surfaces create a sense of unease. So instead of your home serving you, you have a constant sense of always having to serve or service your home. Endless projects make it difficult to relax and enjoy the every day tasks that we all have to keep up with.

Morning emails are easy to get through with a healthy breakfast and clean workspace in this guest apartment designed by Elan Design.

Neuroaesthetics teaches us that order and composition are vital for promoting mental clarity and emotional well-being. A decluttered space creates a sense of openness and airiness, allows the eye to rest, reduces mental fatigue and promotes a sense of calm.

Spring Cleaning as a Neuroaesthetic Ritual

This spring don't just clean, curate. Approach decluttering as a mindful practice, a ritual that prepares your home for a neuroaesthetic transformation.

• Start with a Purpose: Before diving in, identify what you need to do in that space and the feeling you need to have to accomplish those goals. Sleep better, feel motivated in your office, or have a sense of excitement when planning family meals? This intention alone will work wonders in terms of setting up your room with purpose.

  
  

• The Power of Purging: Set a timer for 20 minutes. Grab everything in that space that "bothers" you, or compromises the clarity of the room. Make piles of:

  • relocate to another room,

  • archive,

  • sell or donate

  
  

  The timer will help you to do a rapid sort so you can't linger on the guilt of having to keep something, at least in that particular spot. As you go through this exercise, ask yourself: "Does this item make me feel light or heavy? Does it serve a purpose? Does it contribute to the overall composition of the room?

  
  

• Get into the Zone: Designate specific areas for different activities. This looks like a reading nook, a meditation corner, a productive workspace, getting out the door for a fun weekend outing . How are your exercise resolutions doing from the beginning of the year? We shared this same advice with Vogue. Create those zones appropriately, allowing the design of those spaces to fulfill your intention, while also complimenting the overall composition of the home.

  
  

“Your home should not only trigger feelings of happiness and strength, but also serve you in completing your daily routines.” To that end, she advises getting real with yourself about how your space contributes to a sense of ease. Would adding a bench in the hallway encourage you to put on your running shoes? Would amping up the wattage in your desk lamp help improve your focus? “Changing something little can have the biggest shift,” Oruncak says. “The point is to be deliberate in identifying how you want to think and feel, and then thoughtfully set up your space to strengthen your mind and nervous system. Goals are easier to achieve without distraction, obstacles, or added steps.” -- Vogue, How to Make New Year’s Resolutions That Stick, Examine Your Environment, By Lauren Mechling and Christina Pérez, December 25, 2024

• Open the flow: A beautiful breeze, fresh air, the smell of our outside environment plays This year, as you find yourself instinctually spring cleaning, kick it up a notch to include this Neuroaesthetic Spring Cleaning Blueprint. major part in creating a pleasant atmosphere inside. Not only does this pleasant breeze release serotonin in your brain , opening the windows also moves the energy of the space. Having a connection to the outside, specifically in terms of air flow, enhances the sensory experience of your space.
  

  
  

From Clean Slate to Neuroaesthetic Sanctuary

Once you've decluttered, you've created a blank canvas, a foundation upon which we can help transform your rooms into a successful environment that creates success in your life.  Then introduce elements that truly resonate with your senses and promote well-being. Think color palette, natural materials and textures, thoughtful lighting, biophilic additions, and strategic art placement.

Elan Design: Your Partner in Neuroaesthetic Transformation

This year, as you find yourself instinctually spring cleaning, kick it up a notch to include this Neuroaesthetic Spring Cleaning Blueprint. Ultimately, your body and mind absorbs the conversation in the room.

Take it from one who hears this conversation clearly.

The thoughts and feelings that come from being in that space directly impact your health, wealth, and happiness. Let Elan Design help you create a home that truly supports your mind and regulates your nervous system. This feeling of alignment is almost euphoric.

Ready to take the next step?

• Room Reading: Let us assess your space and provide personalized recommendations for customized interior design. Schedule a Room Reading

  
  

• Consult with us for Full-Service Design: Allow us to guide you through a complete transformation of your home. Get started with a complimentary 20-minute Discovery Call