An illustrated guide to harnessing interior design as a tool for personal transformation
Change your home to change your life. That's the simple but powerful promise of Spatial Alchemy, the debut book by acclaimed "design therapist" Olga Naiman. In this book, Olga synthesizes her twenty years of experience as a stylist for major design magazines, her degree in clinical psychology, and a lifetime exploring diverse spiritual practices and alternative healing modalities into a one-of-a-kind program to transform readers lives through the power of home design.
Olga begins by encouraging readers to explore what it is they want out of their life, and what's preventing them from getting it. Then, she reveals the myriad ways readers can use their homes to support those ambitions. Like the ancient alchemists turning base metals to gold, spatial alchemy is the process of upgrading your home to better serve your personal needs and goals. Looking for a partner? Then make sure your home is welcoming to love: instead of a single nightstand by the bed, invest in a matching pair. Take things a step further by layering pleasurably textured throws and linens in deep, calming colors onto the bed to encourage comfort and intimacy. Are you trying to grow your business? Consider what clients will see behind you when they log on to a video conference call, and add a "power object": a bold design statement that bolsters your confidence and telegraphs success. Keep the momentum going by investing in a solid, heavy desk that infuses the room (and your future business endeavors) with stability and strength. Are you craving a sense of greater calm and stability? You need what Olga coins an "emotional regulation chair"-a special, cozy spot that's ready to embrace you like a hug at the end of a long day. From small upgrades to total renovations, readers will learn how to use their homes to restore work-life balance, break unhealthy habits, foster creativity and connection, and so much more. Olga Naiman has been a New York City-based magazine editor, freelance stylist, and interior designer for twenty-five years, and her work has been featured extensively in publications such as House Beautiful, Domino, the Washington Post, and Real Simple. Her unique approach to design, which unites the spirit, psyche, body, and home for the purpose of self-realization and transformation, is called Spatial Alchemy. She currently lives in the Hudson Valley with her partner, two children, and pet bunny. Preface
Introduction
The Foundations of Spatial Alchemy
Part One: Energy Matters
Part Two: Dissolving Past Selves
Part Three: Small Moves, Big Shifts
Part Four: Designing for Emotional Balance
Part Five: Prioritizing Pleasure
Afterword
Further Reading
Acknowledgments
Index
Photography Credits
