The Energy Edit: How to Design a Home That Fuels Creativity and Calm

When I’m feeling overworked and overwhelmed, my husband and I joke that “Hurricane Kristen” likes to make an appearance in our home. That is—dishes pile up, clothes are endlessly draped on an armchair in our bedroom, and my various belongings are strewn over every inch of floor we have. I’m never proud of the state our home is in during a “Hurricane Kristen” time, but it’s a very clear picture of what’s happening in my mind. If my energy is off, then our house is a disaster. Cue a personal retreat day! No one wants to live in an environment that causes anxiety or dread—but let’s be real, it happens sometimes. And more often than not, we all have at least one space in our home that may cause us to want to hide under the covers and never come out. 

Your home is a reflection of your energy, your mood, and your creativity. If your space feels chaotic, uninspired, or simply “off,” it might be draining you more than you realize. The good news is there are simple changes you can make in your home to support your well-being, and it all starts with an energy edit.

What Is an Energy Edit?

If spring cleaning is all about deep-cleaning your home, an energy edit is making sure your home isn’t draining the life out of you. Marie Kondo was very clearly onto something when she wrote her first book, The Life Changing Magic of Tidying Up and encouraged her readers to ask one simple question: “Does this spark joy?” Tuning into the way a room or an object makes you feel is a fantastic marker for whether or not it deserves to take up valuable space in your home. 

To do your own energy edit, simply start by walking from room to room and notice how you feel. Ask yourself: Does this space bring me peace? Joy? Stress? What’s depleting my energy here? Try not to think too hard about it, stay in your body instead of your head. 

Once you pinpoint all the things in your home that drain your energy, you can then work to change them. Here are a few common energy drainers to be on the lookout for as you edit.

3 Common Energy Drainers To Watch Out For:

1. Clutter

Research shows that a cluttered home can cause stress and anxiety. It can even lead to a constant, low-grade fight or flight response, which is obviously an ultimate energy drainer. Looking at your pile of clutter can make it hard to focus, so do your best to stay organized.

Start small and set a timer for 15 minutes to do a quick declutter. Or, block off a Saturday afternoon to tackle a big project. At the very least, keep your clutter out of sight until you can organize it. Keep your laundry in bins with lids, hide cords with covers, and utilize cabinets with doors. My life changed when we swapped our open shelved tv stand for one with doors—the simple switch hid our cable box and router. These things weren’t exactly clutter, but keeping them out of sight calmed my nervous system. Consider anything out in the open as decor and display the items that make you happy.

2. Harsh Lighting

Lighting can make a room feel warm and cozy or harsh and grating. The right balance of light in a space can completely shift its energy, so be sure to pay attention to that during your energy edit. Swap any cool-toned bulbs for warm, soft-white options and add dimmable bulbs to soften the light as the day progresses. Most of the bulbs in my own home can dim, and they’re even set on a timer to soften when the sun sets. It’s so helpful for winding down at the end of the day. Adding as much natural light to your space is also a wonderful way to keep the vibes high.

3. Uninspired Decor

I’m a firm believer in your home reflecting your personal style. Your home should tell a story and your decor should make you feel happy and uplifted. As you’re doing your energy edit, notice if there’s decor you’ve outgrown or pictures that need updating. Even sentimental items can sometimes lose their luster after a while. Consider swapping any uninspired decor for something that makes you smile, whether it’s rotating different photographs in a frame or new throw pillows in a favorite color.

I had a recent epiphany about not wanting to cook in my kitchen, simply because the space itself was a bit draining. I did my own energy edit and now I’m making an effort to add kitchen decor that feels fun and fresh—paving the way for more home-cooked meals.

3 Ways to Add Vitality to Your Home

Once you’ve done your energy edit, you’ve hopefully created more physical space in your home for things that will add to you and your family’s zest for life. Here are a few ideas for adding vitality and joy to your space.

Introduce More Color and Texture

When it comes to design, a room that doesn’t have the right balance of color or texture can feel a bit off. Infuse your home with soft, natural hues or energizing pops of color—whatever aligns with the mood you want to create. Anything inspired by nature makes us feel good at home, so bring in natural textures like wood or stone. Add pops of color with throws, pillows, artwork, or a bouquet of flowers. You could even paint a wall or two if you’re ready for a big change!

Open The Windows and Bring The Outside In

New energy can flow through your home, simply by opening a window. Start your day by allowing fresh air to circulate, even for just a few minutes. Add greenery and indoor plants to keep the energy in your space alive. Pothos and snake plants are perfect low-maintenance, beginner-friendly plants.

In the market for a larger plant? Opt for a fiddle leaf fig, or a black olive tree. Camille has a black olive tree in her living room and it’s stunning!

Make Space for Rest and Joy  

Your home should support relaxation and inspiration. If you’re able, designate spots in your home for both. Create a space that nurtures creativity, like a reading nook or journaling corner. Cozy up a spot on the sofa with an extra fluffy pillow or throw for the ultimate napping spot. Keep your bedroom clutter and technology-free for optimal rest. Keep your nightstand minimal with only the essentials. When you create space for rest and joy, your home becomes an invitation to indulge in them both. 

Your home should be a source of restoration, not depletion. With a few thoughtful changes, you can shift the energy of your space and, in turn, elevate how you feel every day. Whether it’s clearing out clutter or simply lighting a candle at the end of the day, small adjustments can create a big impact. Start where you are, trust your intuition, and watch as your home transforms into a place that lights you, and your family, up from within.