For Bobby Berk, interior design isnt about curating an aesthetic.
Its not about having the prettiest, cleanest, or most luxurious home.
And its not about what looks best to anyone but you.
Credit:Sara Tramp
For the design expert andQueer Eyestar, interior design is solely about the way your space makes you feel.
You see that and you start to feel like your space is inferior.
Right at Homedelves into the ways that interior design can be a form of self care.
Credit:Penguin Random House
It asks, What makes you happy?
And whats going to happen?
Its not going to make it through the day, says Berk.
Your home should be your phone chargerits whats recharging you.
Quoting Sheryl Crow, Berk says, If it makes you happy, it cant be that bad.
Oftentimes, you already have these items, but just arent featuring them prominently in your home.
Thats what your home should be about.
Those are the things that make you happy, says Berk.
Ive learned to get them to answer what makes them tick.
Whats their favorite sweater?
Whats their dream vacation?
Whats their favorite show?
Things like that really make them think about the things that make them happy.
Instead, as the title of chapter six ofRight at Homesays, lighting is everything to the designer.
When the lights dim, your body starts producing melatonin, a chemical that puts you straight to sleep.
He says that a quick fix, as simple asinstalling dimmer switches, helps a ton.
If youve tried dimming the lights, and you still cant relax, try tuning into your other senses.
For example, Berk says his moms happy place is the beach.
According to Berk, getting rid of clutter is all about living in the present.
Is it important to you in the present?
Is it making your life better in the present?
Or is it just something that you feel, emotionally, you should probably hold on to?
If its not fulfilling a need and making your life better in the present, get rid of it.
If a color or design doesnt make you feel your best self, move on.
I just knew that didn’t make me feel good.
I didnt know why.
I was a little kid in Missouri, and I had no idea what was going on.
But I just knew it didnt make me feel good.
Where Should You Start?
It really ties back to your mental health.
When you make that bed every morning, youre releasing endorphins.
Like, I just accomplished a goal I set out to accomplish.
These little wins can take you such a long way, but unfortunately the opposite is also true.
Your mind is already programmed that you failed, says Berk.
Right at Homeis heartfelt and thoughtful, and Berk has already seen its impacts in his own life.
