#009 — Creating comfy living space
Insights on graceful responses, small space living, and benefits of houseplants. Enjoying mental wellness podcasts and timeless design.
Welcome back! Good to see you all again! We hope this week has been filled with nothing but good days and positive experiences. As usual, on Saturdays, we come with a dose of recommendations aimed at making the upcoming days and ultimately life itself better.
In this latest edition, you'll find insights on what to do when you're unsure how to respond to an uncomfortable suggestion or comment. We'll also prove that a small living space doesn't necessarily mean boredom or lack of comfort... and speaking of comfort, we'll also delve into the power of houseplants in enhancing our living spaces and recommend a podcast to help you cultivate a healthy mental space as well.
Wishing you all a peaceful weekend! See you on Wednesday! ☀️
Cover photo: An Installation by Elisa Ossino for Officine Saffi – Design Milk.
Our finds. Take care of yourself! 🧘🏻♂️
✻ Have you ever been rendered speechless by an insult, only to conjure up the ideal witty response two hours later? Of course you have, and there’s a physiological explanation for it. According to Kerry McBroome, a psychologist from Brooklyn, “When someone says something offensive or harmful that wounds us or a member of our cherished community, our nervous system can become activated. The areas of the brain responsible for generating clever or witty retorts simply aren't functioning—they're on edge, perceiving a threat”. In moments like these, having a comfortable, safe space at home can help us recharge and build resilience to handle such situations with more clarity and grace as well.
✻ Think your apartment is too small to be an inspiring and beautiful space? Think again! Designer and carpenter Marijn Kruikemeier, along with his partner Liya, transformed their once-empty shell in the heart of Amsterdam into a bright, contemporary oasis. They tackled the challenge of a narrow floor plan by integrating custom-built furniture, including a standout curved slatted oak wall unit that conceals a hidden bathroom and storage niches. A floor-to-ceiling cabinet in the living room hides a TV with an electronic lift mechanism. The sunlit bedroom features a built-in terracotta-colored wardrobe and leads to a tranquil backyard, extending the couple’s living space in warmer months. It should not be any surprise that a well-designed living space, no matter the size, can positively impact your mood and productivity in the end.
✻ Bring the outdoors in: the power of houseplants in creating a serene living space is highly underrated. Did you know that incorporating greenery into your home can boost your mood, reduce stress, and improve air quality as well? Studies have shown that indoor plants can help create a calming environment and even enhance cognitive function. If you're looking to elevate your living space, consider adding some low-maintenance houseplants like cacti, snake plants, pothos, or ZZ plants. Not only do they look great, but they'll also contribute to your overall well-being! Check out those guides on the best indoor plants for every room in your home, including some beginner tips! 🪴
Easiest houseplants that anyone can grow ➤
✻ Looking for a podcast to enhance your life? Join an award-winning audiobook narrator in Optimal Living Daily, delivering daily episodes filled with wisdom and practical advice from leading voices in self-help. It’s not just a podcast; it’s a daily habit empowering you to live your best life, one insightful episode at a time. Want to start your day with a dose of inspiration and guidance from the best personal development experts? This podcast is the perfect companion on your daily journey of cultivating a healthy mind and a fulfilling life.
✻ Here at Slow Escape we are obviously huge fans of everything beautiful — and we try to share all that with you at any chance we get. And let’s be honest — who doesn’t enjoy breathtaking views outside or priceless art? Speaking of art, great design is an art itself too. And we’re definitely suckers for any great design. Guilty as charged! One of many timeless design works can certainly be connected to Dieter Rams. This German industrial designer probably deserves his own issue, but that doesn’t mean we can’t share some brilliant products that he designed for the Braun company anyway. On this website you’ll find many Braun products, all properly categorized and described. It’s a real eye-candy, at least for us. But don’t just take our word for it — check it out, judge for yourself and get inspired this weekend!
As we're on this journey together, it would be an honor to hear what you think about our issues and about things that inspire you. Feel free to suggest topics or share stories you're interested in!
Please leave your honest opinion in the comment section, so we can improve!
“The home should be the treasure chest of living.”
– Le Corbusier
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