I Am Home
Our homes offer us a lot of things like shelter, safety, and comfort. But what makes a strong, positive self-place connection? If you asked 5 different people, you'd probably get 5 different answers because what makes home, home is unique for everyone. Our homes aren't just aesthetically pleasing, but psychologically, socially, and culturally pleasing as well. Some people need complete tranquility, others need to be continually stimulated, and still others need a mix of both. I always say you don't really know someone until you've seen where they live. So I created a new series, I Am Home to showcase those elements that make people connect with their homes.
For this installment, I’m interviewing Jennifer Fuchs, IT project manager and consultant for a global cosmetics company, and artist! I was so happy when Jennifer agreed to participate in this series because her creativity so clearly extends to her home. She showcases her whimsical and witty paintings, and sells them so you can add a fanciful touch to your home too!
Some of her recent projects include a painted matchbox series, (Cauute!)
painted polaroids,
and virtual backgrounds which include her art, to use for zoom or other virtual calls— so in other words, she can help you fix your computer problems, and make it look good too!
Here’s what Jennifer had to say about home.
Trulery: How would you define home?
Jennifer: I think home is where you can exhale and feel most comfortable being your authentic self. Home is also where your favorite people and dogs are!
Truerly: What makes your home feel like home?
Jennifer: I absolutely love the process of making a house feel like a home. For me, it's a very slow process of searching for unique items. There’s always a mix of thrifted, new, and DIY. I love the thrill of the hunt, searching for old items that are one of a kind. My home is also filled with art. I love to buy directly from the artist or create my own. I constantly change things around based on season or a new find that inspires me to switch up the room.
Trulery: What's one thing you learned about yourself as it relates to your home?
Jennifer: This is a tough lesson for me because I love my stuff. But it's best to let 1 or 2 larger pieces stand out and be the focus rather than having a mishmash of 10 small trinkets. It’s just more difficult for the eye to focus— if everything is the focus, then nothing is!
Trulery: What's one piece of advice you would give to anyone struggling to make their home feel like home?
Jennifer: I would say to focus on the room that's most important to you. Or, find a small spot you can make your own and start by having 1 thing you love to be your inspiration starter. Trust your gut and don't ask for too many opinions. It's more important to do what you love ! But there's also nothing wrong with starting a search on Pinterest to gather possible ideas!
So let’s recap what we learned from Jennifer:
Home is a reflection of our authentic self.
The process of creating home is a slow process of searching and changing things up as needed.
It’s important to let pieces stand out.
Focus on what’s important to us and trust our instincts.
From a design psychology perspective, these tips highlight the importance of home as a place to fulfill our psychological needs. That is, a place where we find self-expression, love, and a sense of belonging. Often times, there’s a pull to get the home decorated quickly, but this is a reminder that it’s okay to take our time and get what we love rather than get something quickly, but not so great. ♥
To see more of Jennifer and her work, you can find her on Instagram at @JenniferFuchs.
