Does Your Home Have Soul?

Art from outsider artist, Scott Holloway, abstract artist, John Pagano and sculptures from Julia C R Gray from San Diego, California

Create a rich and inspiring environment that nurtures creativity, learning, and emotional well-being.

When we were shopping for a new home, I was admittedly attracted to home that had a lot of art in them. There was one particular home in Hopkinton, Massachusetts that absolutely stole my heart. It had everything on our checklist and then some. The homeowner was a designer and each room was a complete sanctuary. There was a 4 car separated garage where we saw art and music studios and even a little house in the way back of the yard made as a little house for kids that we imagined our grandkids playing in one day. The incredible arrangements of art and objects in this house gave it a soul. That soul sang when you looked at the photos and friends, when you entered the home, the orchestra just let loose like The Pops on 4th of July. This struck such a chord, with me. While I had always had art and objects in my home, the impact of looking inside other people’s homes and seeing the difference art made really cemented the mission and crusade we have at Juniper Rag. Get art in homes. It’s like a mission to help people live their best lives. Can we talk about the cat I let out of the bag? Zillow is my crack. I love the thumbnail pictures. I love talking to them like I could have done better. A bit of my inside voice—“That? That is your idea of the money shot? You lead with that when you have a water view?!! Ever since Zillow emerged, I have had this addiction. Friday nights at home? A glass of wine and some Zillow, baby. Ok, I am way off topic now, but have yourself a little gander at homes on Zillow and tell me I am not wrong. Don’t judge me, I’m a dreamer. I like artsy homes and I cannot lie. Let’s talk about why.

Creative Inspiration
Surrounding your family with original art stimulates imagination and sparks creativity. Each piece tells its own story, encouraging curiosity and conversations and people ask the craziest questions. Whether abstract or realistic, original art introduces unique perspectives, textures, and colors that can inspire children and adults alike to explore their own creative sides. It provides a sense of individuality, as no two original works are the same, making your home a reflection of personal tastes and values. The stories shared about acquiring the art is another wonderful way that art connects people and makes poignant memories. Hearing stories of visits to Turkey and burned churches, seven year old me can recount my Grandfather helping to sift through rubble and being gifted a set of cups. These copper cups were used as our water cups on the table when my cousins came to visit.

Emotional Well-Being
Art has a profound impact on emotional health. It can calm, energize, or offer comfort depending on its style and subject matter, many studies conclude. Filling your home with artwork that resonates with your family brings joy and emotional balance, helping to create spaces that feel welcoming and personal. Framing special pieces from family members can also be a very inspiration and rewarding way to honor them. A child that sees their art in a special frame on the wall is transformed into a famous artist in a second. Art also provides a therapeutic connection, giving family members a way to express feelings, ideas, or experiences that may not easily be communicated in words. Making art is also a very easy way to start conversations and develop creative thinking and problem solving.

Intellectual Growth
Books are a portal to knowledge, fostering lifelong learning. Plus they look rad on the shelf. Another thing I loved to do is snoop people’s book shelves. It tells a lot about a person when you see their books. A little window into the soul and you may find new things to talk after your snoop. Having books in the home not only encourages a love of reading but also promotes intellectual development, critical thinking, and empathy. Think of how many rainy days you have found yourself nestled in a corner with a book that you pulled from a shelf. Books provide access to new ideas, histories, and cultures, offering endless learning opportunities and the visual of a healthy bookcase elevates a space and brings so much conversation when you have guests. Obviously, the benefits of having books in your home don’t have to be explained, but it is the presence of books, the knowledge they represent and the collection of them displayed that can be so impressive. A beautiful home library is a dream. The bookshelf at my grandparents’ home was a never ending adventure when I visited and some of my fondest memories were of choosing books and Nat Geos from their collection. I was allowed three at a time and always had to account for them at the end of my stay. My Grandmother would always let me take one home to finish if I promised to return it. With her little identification stamp inside, Rita, the little librarian kept track of our borrowed books.

Cultural Connection
Both books and original art connect your family to a broader cultural and historical context. Art and literature expose family members to different eras, philosophies, and global traditions, broadening their worldview and fostering an appreciation for diversity. A home filled with original art and books becomes a sanctuary of creativity, culture, and connections that can last generations. In our family, being clued in to which pieces of art “can be mine when you die” is also an effective way of knowing its importance while we are in fact, alive. The conversations may never come up, if competition between siblings was not a thing.

“Filling your home with original art and books creates a magical sanctuary with soul like being surrounded by culture and history.” —Michelle May

Our last home with art from Brian Burris, Worcester and the late and still so great Jon Sarkin, Gloucester, Massachusetts.

BUY ART FROM LOCAL ARTISTS AND WELL, IT JUST MAY CHANGE YOUR LIFE

There is evidence that psychological benefits of looking at original art are profound. We know first hand that it is heightened when you have a personal connection to the artist or know the story behind the piece. This relationship deepens the emotional impact of the artwork, creating an even more enriching and meaningful experience. When you know the artist, everything we talked about above just becomes amplified in so many ways.

Deep Emotional Connection and Meaning
Knowing the artist adds layers of emotional significance to the artwork. Each piece may represent personal moments, struggles, or triumphs of the artist’s life that you can relate to or empathize with. This connection transforms the art from a mere visual experience to a deeper emotional one, as you’re not just seeing the finished work but are also aware of the creative journey behind it. This can evoke feelings of intimacy, pride, and understanding, enhancing your appreciation and personal connection to the piece.

Amplified Stress Reduction and Relaxation
Research shows that viewing art can reduce stress and promote relaxation. When the artwork is created by someone you know, this effect is amplified. You’re more likely to engage with the piece on a personal level, feeling a sense of comfort and familiarity. This emotional engagement can reduce anxiety and promote calmness, making original art an important tool for emotional balance and well-being in your environment.

Personal Inspiration and Motivation
Seeing art created by someone you know can inspire personal growth and motivation. It serves as a reminder of human creativity and the drive to create something meaningful. You may find yourself feeling motivated to pursue your own creative projects, knowing that someone close to you has done the same. This personal connection can spark your own creativity and curiosity, making art a source of inspiration.

Increased Sense of Belonging and Community
Getting out in your community and attending openings is a great way to connect and socialize. Art made by someone local fosters a sense of belonging and connection and you may very well be able to meet the artist at the openings. It becomes a symbol of shared experiences, ideas, or cultural values. When you purchase a piece from an artist, the impact on them is not just a financial one. They make this art because they have to, it is part of who they are. Showing art in public is letting go of vulnerability. Having another human love it so much that they want to take it home to their soulful sanctuary is the greatest gift to an artist. This act, this exchange is intimate and interesting because the artists always wants to know what resonated with the viewer enough to take out their wallet and want that piece to live in their personal space. This transaction between viewer and artist strengthens your ties to your home, the artist and the wider creative community, offering a sense of support and connectedness that enriches your mental health for all the days to come.

In essence, the psychological benefits of viewing original art are magnified when you know the artist. The emotional resonance, inspiration, and personal connection create a powerful experience that enhances both well-being and personal growth. When your home is filled with books and art, it just feels like it has a soul. To put a little more spice on this recipe, add some antique furniture, artifacts from travel and your space begins to reflect your soul and your personality, making it a sanctuary for your family and your visitors.