This Design Theory Can Help You Create a Happier Home

Imagine designing a space for yourself that no one else will ever see... In this video we're going to look at how the "secret room" theory can help you create a happier home. It's time to stop trying to impress other people and do what brings us joy!



Info & opinions are solely my own. Undertake projects at your own risk.

Thanks so much for watching!!!

#secretroom #designtips #joyfulinteriors

[l.]

That is exactly what I did 7 years ago after leaving an abusive marriage. I bought a small condo and had it completely gutted. I had owned 5 different homes in my life and knew what worked and what didn't for me and I knew that I would NOT be entertaining in this place because it is small. Every decision I made was for me alone. Seven years later and I'm still loving it. It is my refuge It brings me joy.

[KissMyFrog]

I've had a secret room in my head that has barely changed since I was ten years old. A soft cushy window seat thats big enough to double as a bed, thick warm rugs on the floor, floor-to-ceiling bookshelves all around, and a Do Not Disturb sign on the door.

[ldmatheson]

I want my home to feel like a warm bowl of maple oatmeal, with books, quilts and momentis. And unkillable plants

[millieolson]

I am repainting my apt, adding some new light fixtures, making a cabinet for the bathroom and more. I'm not telling anyone because I want it to be a secret and I dont want any unasked opinions offered to me about what I choose. So the idea of a secret room, new to me, seems spot on!!❤

[amsteensberg]

It is so interesting, how we arrange our homes to " impress" others ....ideally you should walk in your home thinking "ah, here are things that make me smile : my favorite colors my favorite books, my favorite materials, my favorite heirlooms, photos and posters, my collection of kitchy souvenirs, round pebbles, bottle-lids or what ever a place where you sre allowed to play ( do that polka- dotted wall...) , and where entering make you happy and relaxed ...We are under the influence and rules of others during our working hours, and that should be enough time I see a home or studio of an artist it is almost invarably a 'collection ' that is so individual, and not store- bought

[angelaehr]

I absolutely agree that a ‘Home’ is a place that is ours and makes us happy. It is a sacred space, a shelter from life’s storms and should be the one place on earth that welcomes us home and embraces us like a grandmother would. Intuition places such a huge role in designing that space. We are selling our place at the moment and it’s mind-boggling how many people have walked through and commented on colors (neutrals), furniture choices and how many Buddhas we have (apparently, one was too offensive) as opposed to looking at the actual structure on the market. Like I told a realtor…”Well, Sugar, when I bought this place and decorated it, I simply didn’t have you in mind”. That’s the way it should be, otherwise, we are living in someone else’s house. Thanks, Tara!

[evanor]

I have a Chess board as art in my Gallery wall (my Gallery wall is made of small shelves so its easy to swap things out) First real wood Checker board we bought so it means alot for us. Using it on special game events

[terriechastain]

I agree! My whole house is a secret room! I do what makes me happy and don't worry about what is in or out of style. 😊

[taramcdermott]

I rarely comment on videos, but wanted to express how much I enjoyed your video. It feels very refreshing compared to others. Thanks!

[sterlgirlceline]

🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟🏆I LOVE this 👏🏻👏🏻😊! It is so refreshing to hear this from a professional designer 💛. Grey is my favorite neutral (with black and white added in). I also love color as well. I have just never been drawn to the beige/brown color family. Thank you💛

[bokettooo]

Wow, Tara, I’ve been studying design and soaking up everything I could find on the subject for about 15 years, and this video is the first time I really felt that “AhHa!” freedom to find my own take and own it. Thank you! 😊

[Biome_Vintage]

Tara this really resonates for me! I grew up in a one-of-a-kind log cabin which really instilled a sense of "make it yours". Now, I encourage the incorporation of found treasures + storied pieces in ones space as they spark visual interest AND memories!
Thanks for sharing this video--I'm definitely going to speak to this term more often as it perfectly encapsulates my values around design.

[mantra_ephemera]

I think i have always just designed for myself. I use magazines and the internet for ideas of how but ultimately what I do is for me. I liked this video because there’s always ways to improve how we express ourselves and cultivate comfort.

[nimue]

So glad to see this talked about. So many people, my mother included, do the “Company is coming so I must furiously clean” thing. I never understood that because I wanted my home to be first and foremost for me. I do have a room that is just for me and I find myself shutting the door when company comes because it really is a room of comfort like an animal’s den. But any part of my home must make me feel good, not embarrassed or stressed or like I am looking at a task list.

And yes, sometimes things are messy and chaotic. That’s balance. I don’t worry about people seeing it, I’m just going to clean it up for my own cozy happiness when I eventually have time.

[traceyg]

No joke!!!…. I JUST started doing this and I’m 54 years old 😅🥸

[midoann]

Thanks. In Japan we build, decor and dress black, white, brown, beige, gray all year long. You made me think perhaps because influences : rushing rushing full isogashii (busy) stressful life and we need serenity. But culture and nature too affects how we are. loved your no criticism and free individual style but as you say we need to know all kind of decor styles and other topics related: architecture, art, history …. Wow! already tired though I too ❤ decor. Love from 🇯🇵

[defectivebarbie]

So cool. When we can respect what few possessions the unhoused have as more than trash & restore humans to shelter we can truly transcend in our understanding of interior design ❤️‍🔥 shout out to those renters a step above that and below home owners dreaming of their freedom. We all deserve better. 😘

[feedogmummy]

This was so helpful. I'm currently saving to have my attic converted into a bedroom....as it is just for me it'll be 'medieval treehouse' ....yeah, just for me, makes no sense to anyone else.😂

[Kay-uyxn]

I bought a limited edition print by Doug Hyde because it made me smile and still does over a year later. I had been struggling to find the perfect colour for the hallway and ended up using the background colour in the print! So the print was the inspiration for the décor - not vice versa

[GardenerPhyl]

So excited to discover that you’re a fellow Albertan. I appreciate your design style and find your videos to be inspiring. Thank you.