How to Give Your Space Good Vibes in 2020

You know how the saying goes: New year, new you. When it comes to your home, the need for a reset can feel especially urgent. However, the effort of pushing out the old and pulling in the new is equal parts emotional and physical, which is precisely why giving your space good vibes is a multistep process—and why there’s no better person to help you refresh the energy of your home than an energy healer.

Bridget Ambrose hasn’t just created her own sanctuary, speckled with houseplants, brass accents, and Southwestern decor—as an interior stylist (as well as a tarot reader and energy medicine healer), she helps others to do the same. Follow the Missoula, Montana–based pro’s tips, below, to revitalize your home.

Clear the Air

The first step involves crystals and a smoke ritual, which can help to reset the energy in your home. “Selenite is an easy-to-find, affordable crystal, which has a beautiful way of clearing the space. It’s the perfect stone to keep near your front door or any room you want to maintain a positive vibe,” says Ambrose.

For the smoke cleansing, a wide array of herbs will do—just be sure to buy only sustainably sourced, ethical options (mugwort is great) and burn them intentionally. If you use herbs grown in your backyard, even better. “Home is really an extension of your heart. We all need a safe place to discover ourselves and, in turn, those we love,” says Ambrose. “It begins with an environment we can learn from, and from there, we are able to hold our energy no matter where we are.”

Tidy Up Clutter

Ever take a look around and know that you should clean up, only to find yourself totally unable to do so? “Energy in our homes, just like in our bodies, can become stagnant, leaving us feeling overwhelmed, distracted, unsatisfied, anxious, and exhausted,” Ambrose explains. “Pay attention to any passive chaos (unattended messes, clutter, anything that annoys you), which can build and lead to stagnant or negative energy in our home and lives over time.”

She also recommends taking a Marie Kondo–esque approach to sorting out which things you need and which you don’t by asking yourself a few key questions: Do the memories of the things in my home weaken or strengthen me? Do they inspire or overwhelm me? Do I love [this object] or is it time to let it go? Understandably, you might not be able to part with everything that fails to spark joy (does a printer or bulky vacuum elicit an emotional response in anyone?), so when you can, stow these kinds of items where they’ll be out of sight until you need them. 

Figure Out Your Style

“Every item in your home is holding energy that is being reflected back to you. And while design details and products can accent any space, feel is something only you can create,” Ambrose says. Mapping out your personal style can be trickier than it seems, especially when you’re blending your taste with that of your significant other and additional family members, so “trust your intuition and pay attention to what you’re drawn to,” she notes. “I begin every design with just a few key elements I love and think about how to expand that vibe into the room.”

Bring in Extra-Personal Elements

As a self-described “sanctuary maker,” Ambrose prioritizes elements that create a comfortable atmosphere. That doesn’t just mean piling your space with blankets and pillows (though, admittedly, those can help). It’s the small details that add a personal touch that makes all the difference.

“For me, sanctuary is really anywhere you feel safe, grounded, and loved,” Ambrose says. “Some essentials are things that remind you of your inner light, of love, and of spirit—anything that lifts your energy, no matter how small.” Think: crystals, plants, glass, feathers, art, photographs, family heirlooms, and handmade items.

Make Your Own Decisions

“My healing work and home styling passion are aligned with the idea of investing in yourself and your environment—paying attention to what you choose and how it makes you feel,” says Ambrose. “Choice is the one aspect of our lives that we have control over.”

This can be as simple as selecting a sofa in a fun color (even if it might not be the most practical option), treating yourself to a pricey piece you’ve had your eye on for ages, or even just following your own design sense instead of sticking closely to trends. After all, it’s your home—it should look and feel exactly how you want it to.

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