43 www.CharlestonWomenPodcast.com | www.ReadCW.com | www.Instagram.com /CharlestonWomen Desinger Lily Cannon planning an aesthetic. I t’s no secret that aesthetics have a psychological impact. In recent years, neuroscientists have studied the effects of interior design on mental health. Their findings linked physical spaces to outcomes related to productivity, mood, sleep quality and memory. When designing a space that promotes well-being and success, considering light, color, placement of furniture and organization is key. Local interior designer Lily Cannon, the lead designer at Margaret Donaldson Interiors, is well-versed in the connection between aesthetics and wellness. She started out as a psychology major at the University of South Carolina before graduating with a degree in interior design at the Art Institute of Charleston. “Space planning is an important first step, and lighting is an important factor to consider,” Cannon explained. Feng Shui, an ancient Chinese practice intended to bring harmony to a person’s space, is one way to approach this planning phase. Denise Leone, local Feng Shui practitioner and space clearing specialist, defines it as a holistic way of approaching interior design. “It is the art of rearranging furniture in a way that affects all aspects of your life in a positive manner,” she said. Getting rid of clutter before rearranging allows for clarity and energetic space. “Commit to keeping your space organized and remove broken items,” encouraged Leone. “In Feng Shui, the first principle is that Chi — energy — powers all living things. Consider the Chi like a stream of water, a small river, and the clutter and broken items are branches and leaves in the stream. The branches and leaves block the water and prevent it from flowing smoothly. So, if you have clutter in your home, the energy becomes stagnant.” A 2015 study out of the University of Texas Austin confirms the power of organization, finding it to be critical to cultivating a peaceful, soothing home. When spaces are easy to navigate, they foster social interaction and reduce anxiety and overwhelm. Another way to shift the mood in your home is to get intentional with color. “We see a lot of blues and greens in our Kiawah projects,” shared Cannon. “In the more coastal areas, people want to create a calm and serene effect. I’ve found a lot of people associate pinks and yellows with happiness, the more bold and saturated colors.” In Feng Shui, certain colors enhance emotions through the five elements. “Using the color red, a The feel-good home Put well-being at the forefront of your home design BY HEATHER ROSE ARTUSHIN Charleston Women in Wellness
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