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Decluttering our Inner and Outer Worlds: Why Intentional Design Matters There’s something undeniably magical about a freshly decluttered space. It’s like a breath of fresh air that sweeps through, clearing away old energy and making room for something new. Over the last few years, I’ve decluttered much of my house and come to realize that this magic isn’t limited to our physical spaces—it’s equally true for our inner worlds. After working with a coach last year, it occurred to me that releasing old trauma, limiting beliefs, and anything that no longer serves us can create a similar spaciousness within, opening up possibilities we might never have imagined. But here’s the catch: once we create this openness, this fertile ground, we’re left with a choice. If we don’t intentionally design what fills this new space—whether it’s a room in our home or a part of ourselves—life has a way of piling on new clutter. Without conscious design, that beautiful blank slate can quickly become overgrown with weeds.  The Garden of Intentional Design Imagine our minds, hearts, and environments as gardens. When we clear out the weeds, we’re left with open, rich soil—a blank canvas of sorts. But if we’re not mindful, the wind will scatter seeds from anywhere, filling the space with whatever drifts in. In the same way, our inner and outer worlds need intentional design to flourish. Rather than leaving them to chance, we can actively choose what grows there. Intentional design goes beyond simply setting an intention; it’s about actively shaping both our environments and our inner worlds to align with what truly matters to us. It’s a process of bringing beauty, meaning, and purpose into the spaces we inhabit—whether those are physical rooms or inner mindscapes.  Designing with Intention So, what would it look like to design both our inner and outer worlds with intention? For our outer spaces, this might mean creating areas that nurture us, filling them with objects that carry meaning, and arranging things in ways that feel calm and inviting. For our inner world, it means intentionally cultivating thoughts, beliefs, and practices that bring us joy, peace, and empowerment, rather than letting old patterns or “weeds” take root again. When we approach life this way, we’re not just clearing space—we’re actively designing our reality. We’re creating environments that not only look beautiful but also feel deeply aligned with who we are and who we want to become. Creating a Life of Beauty and Purpose Ultimately, intentional lifestyle design is a path to creating a life that’s full of beauty, meaning, and purpose. True transformation isn’t just removing what doesn’t serve us; it involves choosing, with care and thought, what does. As you go about clearing a drawer, a room, or even a part of yourself, remember: it is not only about creating space; it’s how you fill that space in a way that reflects your highest vision—a life that feels as beautiful as it looks.  As you consider designing your life with intention, remember you don’t have to do it alone. Sometimes, an extra set of eyes—both for our spaces and for the inner landscape—can bring clarity and fresh perspective.
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It occurred to me—what if our homes mirror ourselves? What if each room represents a different part of us? The office might symbolize your headspace, the kitchen your stomach, and each corner could carry its own unique energy, much like our physical bodies. This idea occurred to me as I undertook a transformation of both my home and, in many ways, myself.
In 2020, we began to slowly renovate our space, but actually, it started even earlier—in 2016. We replaced the downstairs carpet with wood flooring, replaced the siding thanks to a storm, and took the opportunity to update the exterior with a fresh new color.   Slowly but surely, I went room by room, decluttering, swapping out the upstairs carpet and bathroom floors, and giving the bathrooms, guest rooms, bedroom and dinning room new life with fresh paint and décor—even the kitchen got some much-needed attention. It was a labor of love, and much elbow grease—and I did it myself for the most part, with help from my husband.
Last winter, I turned my attention to a space that had become a catch-all room for my before-and-after art shows, instead of being my gallery room—and transformed it into my design office. It’s now a place for me to think, create, and coach my clients on Zoom. Slowly but surely, our entire home, and myself, transformed.  My new design office But one room remained untouched: my art studio. The horrendous yellow paint had bothered me for years, but the heavy texture on the walls made repainting it incredibly challenging. I tried shortcuts, hoping they’d make a difference, but nothing worked. Every time I stepped into that room, I felt its resistance. It was the project I kept avoiding, yet I knew I couldn't ignore it forever. I had planned to tackle it in the winter, but, as often happens, other things took priority. By the time July came, I was eager to return to painting. After spending the last four years focused on design, personal growth, and renovating our home, I longed to get back to creating on canvas. Standing in my art studio, I couldn’t help but wonder, “How did I manage to create such beautiful pieces here before?” The room that once inspired me now drained my energy. Even though the summer sun was calling me outdoors, I knew I wouldn’t be content until I tackled the studio and banished most of the mustard yellow that had been there long before me. So, I made the decision to face it head-on and just do it—not postponing it as another winter project for who knows how long.
The minute I decided I was going to make my studio beautiful—and truly my own—something inside me shifted. A pattern I was previously unconscious of was revealed—and I finally understood. Inside me was a little girl, patiently waiting for her turn to come. For years, she watched everything and everyone around her get prioritized, and being the good girl that she was, she adapted and dealt with it, never saying a word, never expressing her needs—hoping that one day someone would notice that she wanted things too. And even I didn't notice her. And on that sunny July day, she was finally happy. I couldn’t help but cry, realizing how long she had been patiently waiting for it to be her turn. With the decision to paint my studio (=my heart), everything changed. Forever.  My heart. My Studio. I invite you to follow along as I continue this journey, transforming not just my home but my life.
Have you ever noticed how your environment reflects your inner world? What spaces—both in your home and your heart—are you ready to transform?
Yesterday, I went to Missoula’s Parade of Homes, and aside from a couple of standouts, I have to say, I was utterly underwhelmed. No offense to whoever designed them—I’m not claiming to be better or worse, just different.
My friend kept telling me that “browns are back” and that it’s all the rage in showrooms right now (I’m still wondering which showrooms she’s visiting because I go to design markets every year, and I’ve never seen such a bland array of meh). But maybe that’s the point: I’ve always been more of a visionary, never one to follow trends. And honestly, I don’t think it’s about brown making a comeback—it’s about how you harmonize it with other elements, not just with fifty shades of other browns. What really blew my mind were the kitchens that looked straight out of the early 2000s. You know, those brown-on-brown kitchens with brown countertops that we were all painting white and gray just a few years ago... only to revert right back to the same old look. Really?? Don’t we have anything better to do? Why not infuse some personality into it instead of recycling the same design every decade? One of my superpowers as a visual alchemist is translating your vibe, needs, and desires into visual form. One that’s brimming with personality—yours, not mine. So, if you’re a homeowner looking to inject your essence into your space, or a builder or contractor in the Missoula area wanting to stand out from the crowd, reach out! Let’s create some magic together. 
The universe speaks to those who are quiet enough to listen...
This post originally appeared on The Art Stylists.
I love crystals. What exactly do they do beyond what we're told? I'm not sure, to be honest, but I'm drawn to rocks, and I love beautiful things, so why not? And I keep buying them. A couple of weeks ago, I found myself in a quaint crystal shop in Santa Barbara. There, a particular beautiful blue and green crystal "called to me. They wrapped it up, handed me an information card upon my request, and I stowed it in my purse and laundry bag to keep it safe during my travels, only to forget about it. After returning home, and got the flu and didn't unpack for a week. It wasn't until I was finally feeling well enough to tackle some laundry that I stumbled upon the little package I had completely forgotten about. The information card inside caught me off guard. Over the past few years—since I started engaging with social media for my business—I've been wrestling with a desire to remain private while also finding a voice to share my work, and to return to my painting roots, infusing them with a larger message of transformative beauty to help people change their lives. The ongoing inner work and efforts to put myself out there have been a constant battle of balancing these aspects of my life. 
CHRYSOCOLLA
Comes in deep, bright blues and greens. A teaching stone, Chrysocolla encourages us to reveal our highest knowledge so that others may benefit from our experiences. This may come in the form of speaking lovingly to a friend and offering insights, a teacher to a student, or by simply modeling the power of words, chosen wisely with knowledge of their impact in the world. It is also a valuable tool for those who speak for a living. Call upon the energy of Chrysocolla... ~To access your highest knowledge and insights. ~For assistance and inspiration with painting, writing, crafts, music, or acting. ~For encouragement to stay home and get comfortable with your own body's energy. ~To lessen negative energy and thoughts in troubling situations or relationships. ~For increased temperance, patience, and tolerance. Reading about the properties of Chrysocolla, I was nearly moved to tears. The message felt like a direct sign from the universe—that it was time to step out of my comfort zone and actively engage with the world, sharing my gift. It's moments like these that make me question: Is there really such a thing as a coincidence, or, if we listen closely enough, does our path reveal itself to us in unexpected ways? I invite you to reflect on this. Have you ever experienced a moment of guidance that felt like synchronicity? Or do you believe it's all just coincidence? Share your thoughts and stories. I’d love to hear how the universe has spoken to you, and perhaps together, we can uncover the hidden threads of our journeys. #Synchronicity #CrystalMagic #UniverseWhispers |
Author Hello there! I’m Ivette, an artist, designer, and intuitive guide . A Visual Alchemist passionate about transforming lives through art, design, and intentional living. 
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