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Sentimental homes: why they can make us happier

By Jen Bishop •

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Interior designer Sarah Yarrow, believes that displaying sentimental objects is important and can have a positive affect on our wellbeing. And we wholeheartedly agree!

Here, she shares her tips:

Why incorporate sentimental items into your home?

I’m a big believer in the power of surrounding ourselves with beautiful things – whatever the meaning of “beautiful” is to you, because it’s different for everyone.

Displaying sentimental objects in our homes make us feel good; they trigger happy memories and momentarily transport us back to a moment in time. That kind of reaction releases endorphins, the happy chemical in our brains. By looking at our special objects, we literally receive a little happiness hit! How cool is that?!

Having a home which makes us feel good has such a positive impact on how we conduct other parts of our lives too. Our homes provide the foundation and stability for the rest of our lives.

Impact on our wellbeing

When you’re surrounded by things which are familiar, they provide comfort and comfort leads to a relaxed state of mind. The more time we operate our lives from a place of relaxation, the more happiness and good energy we’ll generate inside ourselves. When we’re able to look after our own state of mind and take control of creating our own joy from within, that’s when those good vibes are put out into the world for others to feel. Good energy creates more good energy and I feel like as a human race, that’s our ultimate goal – to collectively raise each other up.

What items to display?

Whatever makes you feel good! There is no right or wrong here, it’s whatever objects make your heart sing. That could be a comfy vintage chair which has been passed down through generations where you sit each day to enjoy your morning coffee; special objects your children have made or outgrown and no longer use anymore; old photographs framed and displayed somewhere you can admire each time you walk past; or items you’ve collected from your travels which remind you of a certain place and moment in time.

I think it’s important to note, objects don’t necessarily need to be old, weathered and vintage to hold sentimental value either. Age is really irrelevant, it’s so much more about the feeling the item ignites inside you when you see, feel or touch it. That feeling will be different for every person, which is why it’s so important to only display things in your home which have meaning to you.

How have sentimental objects changed the way we design?

I think sentimental objects have greatly enhanced and personalised the way we design our homes. Incorporating pieces with so much meaning into your home shares a little glimpse into those who lives there. It’s a really special thing to be able to create a space entirely reflective of you.

Mixing your older or more cherished pieces amongst new purchases creates the most inviting and personalised spaces, it avoids your home feeling like it’s a show home or that you’ve stepped inside someone else’s house. Home needs to feel like you, it’s your sanctuary after all.

My own sentimental space

My own home is a treasure trove of sentimental pieces! There’s vintage furniture, artwork and accessories my husband and I have inherited from our grandparents but then there’s also numerous newer treasures I’ve collected from the past decade of travels. Travelling is one of my greatest inspirations and desires in life so the items I’ve collected from those precious times hold a special place in my home.

Probably the most sentimental pieces I have on display though would be photographs in my home office; these are of my late grandmother, me as my younger self with our beloved Great Dane and of my husband and I on our wedding day. These are displayed haphazardly in mismatched frames above my desk. I love glancing up at them, when life is going well and especially when things seem challenging, knowing that I’m not alone. A smile immediately lights up my face and I’m filled with warmth within! That’s the power of displaying sentimental objects, the impact on my wellbeing in those moments is profound.

Your home should always be a reflection of you and what you love, regardless of the trends or what the neighbours have done. Tread your own path to create YOUR sanctuary!

If Sarah’s words resonate with you, find out more about her here.

Sarah Yarrow
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August 20, 2020

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Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylis Located in Melbourne’s Elsternwick, this stylish home was renovated recently with @keenarchitecture and @studio_esar at the helm. Brimming with fun, functionality and colour, the home is shared by ex MasterChef contestant Peter Kritikides, his wife Erica and their two children. 

Occupied by the family since 2015, the renovation brief called for a sympathetic yet modern upgrade to the heritage listed original home as well as the demolition and rebuild of the back of the residence.

Want to see the kitchen? Head to the blog via link in bio.

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A home that got all its extra special details AFTE A home that got all its extra special details AFTER handover with stunning results!

When Emma Fuller built her family home five years ago, she went with the ‘basic’ package with a view to elevating the spaces in a more budget-friendly manner down the line. Knowing that she couldn’t afford her entire wish list upfront, she made allowances within the plans so that she could add all the special details later.

“Although the builder could have incorporated every detail we asked for, we knew it would have blown our budget, but that didn’t mean I was going to let the dream go,” says @hamptonsinhighfields 

Patience and hard work have definitely paid off and today on the blog we are showing you how she did it from adding a fireplace, bench seat, wallpaper, french doors, a mudroom, built in bookcases, fretwork, kitchen island trim, IKEA wardrobes and more!

Via link in bio now.

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Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or bo Flatpack definitely doesn't have to be basic or boring!

The latest @kaboodlekitchen trends release, in collaboration with stylist @jono.fleming, are anything but. These are just 4 of 6 new colours for the brand, sold in Bunnings.

Head over to the blog via link in bio to see the others (hint: one of them might be pink! 🩷). You'll also find out how to get a free copy of the latest Kaboodle edit magazine sent to you, chock full of inspiring real projects like my navy laundry!

Which of these is your pick? Would you venture outside of a white kitchen? What colour is yours?

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Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own Block judge @darrenpalmerofficial launched his own rug range this week and they're a bit gorgeous! 😍 These are the kind of beautiful, neutral, textured, natural, ethically and sustainably produced rugs that will stand the test of time.

Pop over to the blog via link in bio to read our chat with him.

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Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost pe Steph and Gian's master WING won them an almost perfect score on the Block last night.

Even if their bedsides weren't exactly generous, they were bigger than most last night. What was going on there?!

As ever, love to know your thoughts. See more, read the judges' comments and shop the looks via link in bio now.

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The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designe The latest pieces from @mockaaustralia are designed to give your home an endless summer feel ☀️

The Dilllon rattan bedhead is $399, the Blair buffet (swipe) is $469 and (swipe again) the rattan Canyon cabinet is $259.

See more on the homepage now via link in bio.

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My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! Bu My home is not always photoshoot ready, guys! 

But check out my navy laundry looking perfect in the new issue of @kaboodlekitchen's edit magazine (and the reality!).

Two years on, we're still loving this room!

You'll also see the entertainment unit we created with the same Berry Blue Kaboodle.

Get a free hard copy sent to you (it features many other gorgeous projects using Kaboodle flatpack) or download the digital version via link in my bio now. Enjoy!

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▶️ Swipe for before! Bathroom of my dreams 😍

Overcrowded with fixtures and with very little natural light, this main bathroom was in need of an update. The existing window was removed and replaced with custom steel bi-fold doors with clear glass above and ribbed for privacy below. “They provide an abundance of natural light and connection to the beautiful garden and incredible view. Indoor or outdoor bathing is now optional!” says Darren Genner of @studio__minosa 

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About Jen Bishop

Jen Bishop is our owner and publisher and an experienced journalist and editor. Interiors Addict has been her full-time job for more than 10 years. She is mum to two young boys and lives in Sydney.

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