HOW TO TRANSFORM YOUR HOME INTO A PEACEFUL AND HAPPY SANCTUARY

Recently, I had the pleasure of being interviewed by a wonderful community Women Together Online. Some questions were very introspective, I really had to sit down on a peaceful afternoon, and choose from all the women who have had an impact on my life just a few, or which are some of the main obstacles I’ve had to overcome in life. Things that I like to think about while sipping a cup of chai latte tea in my own sanctuary, my home, which has become more so over the past months. I’ve always loved to be at home, although I cannot deny that I love an adventure, traveling and don’t mind being away from home. But making it a place you actually love to be in has become more of a priority to a lot of people, and I love to think of it as a retreat, as that “safe place” you return to when the world is turning upside down. I’ve noticed myself filling spaces with pictures of travels from the past to transport me to those places that bring me joy, framing photos of my friends and family that I haven’t seen for a long time (like my dear sister), or lighting candles in the evening to create an ambience of relax and meditation. Our home that gives us so much, that transforms in minutes from a chef’s kitchen, to a gym, to an office, to the coolest place in town to invite and entertain closest friends and family when everything closes down in the evening. So here is a small excerpt from this interview, with questions that we don’t tend to ask ourselves usually, but are a great way to discover more about what has shaped us to be who we really are in essence…

Tell us about your professional career…

I am part of a wonderful team called Femont Galvan Designers, which is dedicated to the design of high-end residential projects in Marbella, Spain. Throughout these years I have observed and learned a lot, and recently I decided to create a space (www.alexandra-studio.com) that is about sharing inspiration and knowledge of the world of interior design. I find myself in a constant desire to add value somehow to people’s lives and I love being able to do so through this creative space and hopefully it will inspire many people, especially in these times that home has become our retreat, a safe and and sacred place, a space that we enjoy more than ever and therefore want it to be as pleasant as possible.

What are some of the main obstacles that you would say you’ve had to face?

For 8 years I worked in the field of fashion, which was a world that I liked a lot but I realized that I was not completely passionate about it. One of my biggest challenges was realizing that what really filled me was a world closely related to this sector, but at the same time different: the world of interior design and architecture. I decided to leave behind what I had built up to then in fashion and change the course of my professional career.

Name some of the women who have had the deepest impact on your life and tell us why.

It is a difficult question to answer, since there are so many female relatives, professionals and friends who have impacted my life in a positive way. Here are just a few:

• My mum, a creative soul, a passionate woman. She motivated us since we were little to cultivate everything that was the world of art through dance, music, literature, theatre, fashion… She therefore gave us the key to appreciate the world of art and personal expression.
• Andrea Forsström, my sister, together we undertook a project, Sisko Akt, which made us more united and enhanced eachother’s strengths. We immersed ourselves into the world of fashion, productions, we experimented, and above all, we had lots of fun!
• My grandmother Nona, a woman who taught us how to get up after falling, and that family is what always remains.
• Bernardita Verdugo, a strong and dreamy woman. She was the first person to bet on me in the world of interior design and for that I am very grateful.
• Ivonne Galvan, an empowered woman, an amazing professional in the field of interior architecture from which I have learned and continue to learn a lot.

What advice would you give to yourself from 10 years ago?

Everything is happening for a reason, trust that even if right now you don’t understand why, one day you will understand and you will be grateful for it.

The best advice you’ve ever been given?

My dad always told me, during the course of your life, dedicate yourself to anything you want, but do the best you can giving 100% of yourself.

 

Quick questions:

1. A TIP TO TURN YOUR HOME INTO A SPACE OF PEACE AND HAPPINESS?

When decorating a house, I love integrating elements in spaces that make you feel good, either through objects or photos of a trip, incorporating fragrances with aromatherapy or candles, or through the sound of a water fountain that encourages relaxation in order to awaken sensations that bring happiness and peace to the day to day of our lives.

2. AN INTERIOR DESIGN ESSENTIAL?

I love the power that mirrors have to transform spaces. You can gain a sense of space in a small room, light in a dark room and incorporate rhythm and depth in a space without much aesthetic interest.

3. ITEM OR BEAUTY STEP THAT NEVER FAILS?

I always remove my makeup at the end of the day. No matter how tired I am, I always have micellar water on my bedside table – my favorite one is from Bioderma.

4. LAST BOOK YOU READ?

The Success Principles by Jack Canfield. I have read it several times and I always rescue something new. It’s definitely one of the books that changed my life!

5. A FASHION MUST-HAVE?

When I don’t know what to wear, jumpsuits are my life saviour! I love the models from SSTRÖM By Gem.

WHICH HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST OBSTACLES IN YOUR LIFE?
WHICH PEOPLE HAVE HAD THE BIGGEST IMPACT ON YOUR LIFE?
AND DO YOU HAVE ANY RITUALS TO MAKE YOUR HOME A MORE HAPPY AND PEACEFUL PLACE? I’D LOVE TO KNOW IN THE COMMENTS BELOW!

IMAGE 1
Photography: Aleksander Santo
Location: Heaven 11, La Zagaleta by ARK Architects
Make Up & Hair: Jorge Sanchez
Outfit: SSTRÖM By Gem
Published in Society Magazine

IMAGE 2
Location: Femont Galvan Designers

IMAGE 3
Photography: Juanlu Rodriguez
Location: My Casting Model Management

IMAGE 4
Photography: Aleksander Santo
Location: Heaven 11, La Zagaleta by ARK Architects
Make Up & Hair: Jorge Sanchez
Outfit: SSTRÖM By Gem
Published in Society Magazine