A cozy bed, neatly made with fluffy pillows and a warm comforter. A video of someone organizing their pantry with clear, labelled boxes that gives you the brain tingles. A 30-second time lapse of a drawer being tidied and reset, color-coded… why do these visuals feel so satisfying? The answer is simple – our brain loves order. Give it a delightful visual and it releases the happy hormones, dopamine and serotonin, gently wrapping you in feelings of pleasure and relaxation.  

But what if we could use these visuals to motivate ourselves to take action? Let’s explore how aesthetics can help you get started when you feel stuck: 

Curating Images:  

Look for visuals that resonate with you. What colors calm you? What textures please your eyes? What elements in a room make you happy? Picking out these aspects will help you define the way you want your space to feel. Set up a Pinterest board, perhaps, or a dedicated folder in your gallery to put together visuals that speak to your needs and tastes. Visual motivation works best when it feels personal and achievable. So, rather than picking out images that feel distant from your life, choose ones that are closer to your reality. 

Inspiration, Not Recreation: 

Visual motivation is less about creating exact replicas and more about adapting ideas to suit your circumstances. Remember, the visuals aren’t standards, they should only serve as inspiration. They are there to bring forth positive feelings that can drive action on your part, not discourage your attempts by setting unrealistic aspirations. In short, they should be grounding, a guiding force that acts as a reminder of why and how you want to get your space in order.  

Create Your Own Images:  

Once you’ve gathered what inspires you, consider turning inward. No one says you can’t inspire yourself! Tackle a drawer or any other clutter hotspots in your home, say, your kitchen counter or your nightstand. Capture the transformation – click a before and after picture and save them in your gallery. The next time you want some motivation to get started, go back to these images. The satisfaction and pleasure you felt will flush back in and you might feel ready to begin again. 

Setting up an aesthetically pleasing home doesn’t mean extravagant furniture or expensive possessions. It is about finding beauty in the everyday and stopping for a moment to celebrate and appreciate it. And that might look as simple as adding a small potted plant to your dresser or getting a new bed sheet that complements the walls of your bedroom. Let your heart be the judge of what feels pretty to you! Own your space!