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SoulSpace: Transform Your Home, Transform Your Life -- Creating a Home That Is Free of Clutter, Full of Beauty, and Inspired by You
Expertly designed and decorated homes don’t necessarily feel like havens to their dwellers or reflect, inspire, and celebrate what is essential about their inhabitants. Lauded designer and architectural conservator Xorin Balbes created the eight-stage SoulSpace transformation process to help his clients do just that. Through the stages — assess, release, cleanse, dream, discover, create, elevate, and celebrate — readers explore not only the design of their living spaces but also their own interiors: the ways they think, feel, and sense. Through client stories, exercises, Q & As, and bountiful photos and illustrations, Balbes guides readers to decode clues to what they wish for, deny, and need to move forward. Empowered with this self-knowledge, they are free to declutter, refresh, and enhance their living spaces. Suitable for any budget and for one wall or one room, apartments or mansions, Balbes’s wonderfully unique technique nurtures and transforms both souls and their spaces.
204 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 22, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 55 reviews
May 18, 2016
I picked up this book because the title grabbed me. I have been working on decluttering, minimizing, and organizing my living spaces for years. However, what Balbes' taught me is that these things are not enough. We should strive to design spaces that will foster the types of changes we want to create in our lives.
For example, I had a multi-purpose room where I set up my sewing machine, writing desk, oversized reading chair, yoga mat, and meditation cushion, but I never went into the room. I felt overwhelmed by the space. It was just too much in such a small space. The room, although clean and organized, did not inspire me to do anything but avoid it.
After reading Balbes' book and following his step-by-step process, I removed the overbearing "reading" chair, my sewing table and notions, yoga mat, and meditation cushion. Immediately, I found that I could breath. I felt relaxed and joyful. I organized my writing desk and felt inspired to write.
I purchased a small rocking chair, a simple desk lamp, and some scented candles. I also relocated my desk and writing supplies to better spot in the room. One that gave me a full view of my surroundings and the windows so that I could enjoy the light coming through.
These simple changes have all worked toward increasing my joy. I find myself peeking in the room whenever I walk by and wanting to just sit in the space. I truly love my new writing and reading room.
If you are looking to do more than just decluttering and organizing your living spaces, and want to create rooms that will inspire more joy and the life you want to create for yourself, I highly recommend this book.
For example, I had a multi-purpose room where I set up my sewing machine, writing desk, oversized reading chair, yoga mat, and meditation cushion, but I never went into the room. I felt overwhelmed by the space. It was just too much in such a small space. The room, although clean and organized, did not inspire me to do anything but avoid it.
After reading Balbes' book and following his step-by-step process, I removed the overbearing "reading" chair, my sewing table and notions, yoga mat, and meditation cushion. Immediately, I found that I could breath. I felt relaxed and joyful. I organized my writing desk and felt inspired to write.
I purchased a small rocking chair, a simple desk lamp, and some scented candles. I also relocated my desk and writing supplies to better spot in the room. One that gave me a full view of my surroundings and the windows so that I could enjoy the light coming through.
These simple changes have all worked toward increasing my joy. I find myself peeking in the room whenever I walk by and wanting to just sit in the space. I truly love my new writing and reading room.
If you are looking to do more than just decluttering and organizing your living spaces, and want to create rooms that will inspire more joy and the life you want to create for yourself, I highly recommend this book.
April 4, 2013
I like the author's writing style as well as his design method. The book contains a methodical way to address how you live in your home. It focuses on feeling comfortable and welcome in your space. There are solid steps to accomplishing a home that enhances and exhibits who you are.
Some may find this book a bit touchy-feely, but I think the author incorporates all the necessary elements needed to create our own unique space. I especially like that the book addresses the outdoor views we have while sitting in our living rooms, reclining in bed, etc. It's a vantage point I hadn't focused on before and I look forward to implementing his methodology for myself.
Some may find this book a bit touchy-feely, but I think the author incorporates all the necessary elements needed to create our own unique space. I especially like that the book addresses the outdoor views we have while sitting in our living rooms, reclining in bed, etc. It's a vantage point I hadn't focused on before and I look forward to implementing his methodology for myself.
May 30, 2020
Liked his philosophy and methods.
February 28, 2014
I like that this book doesn't only deal with organizing and cleaning, but also with the complex relationships that people have with the spaces they inhabit.
January 17, 2018
Prepare yourself--this book is woo. But it's delightfully woo. And frankly, we're all so disconnected with our bodies, our eating, our social connections, and yes, our homes, that it was a breath of fresh air to read. Balbes lists 8 steps that help you create a home that speaks to you: assess release, cleanse, dream, discover, create, elevate, celebrate. See? Woo. But how often do we ignore the pictures sitting on the floor that we haven't hung yet? Or the cluttered entryway? Or the overflowing closet(s)? Or the fact that the baby's toys have no place to go, so they're scattered everywhere? Or that we don't have a single living, breathing thing in our house and our home is stagnant? I'm a firm believer in items (and people) having energy, and homes can have lots of stuck places and negative energy--projects unfinished, things you'll never get to using. I've been in a decluttering kick for the last few weeks, and a few of Balbes' chapters made me think about what's in our house and what doesn't need to be there. And the house that my husband owns? Oh, Balbes would tsk tsk at that--lots of stuff without a home, clutter everywhere and barely a lamp to be found. Some rooms you can't even walk into! (The hubs calls it camping indoors). Bottom line: love your space. We're here for such a short time--love your space and take joy in it.
April 14, 2019
I thought it was about interior design, and it is, but in a more wholistic, soulful way. It can be said that this book is about creating appropriate external space, yet, it is just as much about becoming more aware of who we are on the inside. It's called SoulSpace, but there's a therapeutic, soul-searching side to designing our homes to support, not the lives, that we've had or think that we have, but rather the lives that we want. SoulSpace poses questions of what do we truly desire, and what can we do to support those desires. It's deeper than just decluttering, or buying nice expensive things, which this book helped me to understand. It's about engaging all the senses, the small touches that really make a home a home. Setting up your space for what you desire and not what you think other people should expect of your space. this was a refreshing read, and I will continue to revisit the lessons learned here.
February 14, 2020
『並非所有人都有勇氣看穿遮蔽陽光的烏雲。
當我們釋放家中那些苦痛或無益的元素時，我們是如此恐懼，害怕它們無所替代，或害怕它們被更糟的事物取而代之。
我們不了解，自己這種緊抓不放的態度，會連累我們無法得知真實的狀況。』
這是一本將人、空間及物品關係作為主軸的書，考量到原著出版時間為2011年，或許可以算上簡單生活類型的先驅之一了。
本書由一位重視心靈的室內設計師所寫，作者運用自創的三階段八步驟模式邀請讀者與他的顧客一起從生活空間探索與內心的連結。在本書中最有趣的是，作者會透過了解客戶家庭成員的期待或互動，來斟酌如何去思考空間的安排。又或透過空間的改變，調整顧客們正在面對的議題及夢想。有些對於心靈方面的期許和覺察，總覺得和心理諮商有相像之處。
在讀這本書的時候，可以感受到西方在書寫空間規劃議題方面的文化差異。第一個讓我有這樣感受的，是本書使用幾階段幾步驟的方式和讀者討論的方式，雖然編排上很像在看工作手冊，但作者在每階段中都提供了一些案例與自己的經驗做為參考，讀起來很輕鬆。另一部分，可以感覺到西方文化對於空間的界線與期待，仍然比較擁有個人界線與分化，這部分和東方集體主義文化的需求或考量略有不同。最後，讓我印象深刻的是歐美文化在考量裝潢上，似乎比較會鉅細靡遺地去討論空間的顏色。在台灣舊式的裝潢中，大部分的空間都是白色牆面為主，而這本書有很大一部分的篇幅在於各種顏色帶來的感受與想法，作者還分享了他如何透過觀察環境找到適合的牆面顏色，十分有趣。
整體而言，這本書不太算是近期流行的斷捨離方面的書籍，但也提供了另一種角度，試圖讓讀者透過自己所處的空間去探索與自我內心的連結，並透過重新規劃空間和改變環境來整理自我。雖然有些考量的因素，伴隨著文化差異的影響，不一定很適合每個人，但是作者在引導讀者思考的部分，寫了一些還不錯的省思話語，伴隨著案例的分享，讓人覺得是一本提供一些新觀點的書。
『我們留戀過去，因為過去萬事「正常」，日子好過。
然而，活在當下，必須正確地看待世界，才能確實掌握機遇，並從中獲得優勢。
你要正視「改變」是正常的，因為所有的事都會改變。
我們對「改變」的態度越自在，生活也會變得更自在。
擁抱改變，你就能夠真正地擁抱生活。』
當我們釋放家中那些苦痛或無益的元素時，我們是如此恐懼，害怕它們無所替代，或害怕它們被更糟的事物取而代之。
我們不了解，自己這種緊抓不放的態度，會連累我們無法得知真實的狀況。』
這是一本將人、空間及物品關係作為主軸的書，考量到原著出版時間為2011年，或許可以算上簡單生活類型的先驅之一了。
本書由一位重視心靈的室內設計師所寫，作者運用自創的三階段八步驟模式邀請讀者與他的顧客一起從生活空間探索與內心的連結。在本書中最有趣的是，作者會透過了解客戶家庭成員的期待或互動，來斟酌如何去思考空間的安排。又或透過空間的改變，調整顧客們正在面對的議題及夢想。有些對於心靈方面的期許和覺察，總覺得和心理諮商有相像之處。
在讀這本書的時候，可以感受到西方在書寫空間規劃議題方面的文化差異。第一個讓我有這樣感受的，是本書使用幾階段幾步驟的方式和讀者討論的方式，雖然編排上很像在看工作手冊，但作者在每階段中都提供了一些案例與自己的經驗做為參考，讀起來很輕鬆。另一部分，可以感覺到西方文化對於空間的界線與期待，仍然比較擁有個人界線與分化，這部分和東方集體主義文化的需求或考量略有不同。最後，讓我印象深刻的是歐美文化在考量裝潢上，似乎比較會鉅細靡遺地去討論空間的顏色。在台灣舊式的裝潢中，大部分的空間都是白色牆面為主，而這本書有很大一部分的篇幅在於各種顏色帶來的感受與想法，作者還分享了他如何透過觀察環境找到適合的牆面顏色，十分有趣。
整體而言，這本書不太算是近期流行的斷捨離方面的書籍，但也提供了另一種角度，試圖讓讀者透過自己所處的空間去探索與自我內心的連結，並透過重新規劃空間和改變環境來整理自我。雖然有些考量的因素，伴隨著文化差異的影響，不一定很適合每個人，但是作者在引導讀者思考的部分，寫了一些還不錯的省思話語，伴隨著案例的分享，讓人覺得是一本提供一些新觀點的書。
『我們留戀過去，因為過去萬事「正常」，日子好過。
然而，活在當下，必須正確地看待世界，才能確實掌握機遇，並從中獲得優勢。
你要正視「改變」是正常的，因為所有的事都會改變。
我們對「改變」的態度越自在，生活也會變得更自在。
擁抱改變，你就能夠真正地擁抱生活。』
April 15, 2012
There’s an interesting new trend in home design. Not so long ago, we all wanted our homes to look like they came out of designer magazines. Perfect, not at all functional, but perfect. Now, people are looking for functional beauty, a house that feels like home- your home.
SoulSpace guides us through the basics of making a house a home. The aim is walking through the front door of the house on a really rough day and having that weight suddenly lifted. You’re safe. All you need do is relax and enjoy your home and the people who share your life.
Perhaps, the greatest thing about creating a soul space is that no one can dictate a particular style. Each room is uniquely you. You probably already have pieces that make you feel good and have meaning. You may just have rearrange, declutter, or get rid of a few negative aspects.
SoulSpace guides us through the basics of making a house a home. The aim is walking through the front door of the house on a really rough day and having that weight suddenly lifted. You’re safe. All you need do is relax and enjoy your home and the people who share your life.
Perhaps, the greatest thing about creating a soul space is that no one can dictate a particular style. Each room is uniquely you. You probably already have pieces that make you feel good and have meaning. You may just have rearrange, declutter, or get rid of a few negative aspects.
July 31, 2014
I loved it! I found this book at the perfect time. I am in the process of revamping my home office and sorting through 10 years worth of school, work, and memories so as to bring more order to my life, to achieve more clarity about how my past has affected my present, and to pave the way for my future. Xorin broke down the process of change into simple and realistic steps. Xorin's case studies brought these steps to life. Further, Xorin took me on a journey that helped me to reconnect with my being, awaken my passions, and reignite my sense of purpose. I recommend this book to anyone, specifically to persons who are dealing with clutter, experiencing stress or discomfort, or feeling disconnected or unfulfilled. Changing my surroundings has influenced my state of mind and the changes I am undergoing will allow me to better nourish my soul.
December 5, 2011
This was okay, but i have to admit being a little irritated with it several times throughout the book. It was too short, too flippant, too huggy feely new age 'lite'. Then when he presented the whole collage art future board as if it weren't being touted by every self help guru on the pub weekly list, i just about stopped reading. It could have been better on many levels.
January 14, 2013
A lot about dreaming of your living space and connecting to your inner needs for that space and then searching unlikely places for the perfect items for that dream space. Case studies gave depth to the big dreams and realizing them in small spaces, taking the kernel of the dream and incorporating that into the space.
August 22, 2015
This book inspired me to finally purge despite the feeling of - "it's worth something," "maybe I should do a garage sale" "I'll keep it for a while longer" - a truck load went to the local charity and I want to send more there. Make your home an inspiring habitat to fall into when you get home and surrounds you with love, laughter and meaning. It takes the bad away and fills it with good.
September 12, 2016
I really enjoyed this little book. While it does get a little new age-y - I don't see myself performing a smudging ceremony - it is full of common sense advice for taking stock of your home and possessions, making sure they support and inspire you and the life you want.
March 20, 2012
This was a great motivational book to start decluttering and organizing your home. It also helps you work with issues on items you think you need, but really it brings you unhappiness. Xorin is amazing!
October 11, 2012
This is the best book about interior decoration I've ever read. The focus is on finding out what things make you feel well and what things don't and applying that knowledge to your home decoration.
~ Nancy
~ Nancy
January 14, 2013
I read this while staying at the Lumeria in Maui. I enjoyed it so much that I purchased my own copy. As soon as I returned home from Maui, I began organizing my books on Good Reads and got rid of many that were just weighing me down.
February 25, 2013
It was an interesting way to look at houses - the cleansing stage, the renewal stage, so on. It made me look at my house to see if not only reflects me but does it reflect where I want to be in the future? Hmmm...
July 12, 2017
In my opinion, this book is a meaningful, fresh look at the topics of organization and interior design. I feel like I could welcome this book readily into my library with open arms, something pretty rare after the first time reading through a book. Contains some extremely useful tips.
April 30, 2012
Great ideas, and modern thinking, no clutter, personal spaces, etc. Very nice book, I might implement some of the ideas.
April 15, 2013
Pefect book to get motivated about spring cleaning and purging!
September 17, 2013
I loved this; gave me some good ideas.
December 23, 2015
I am generally not that woowoo. But I very much liked this. It helped me get my head straight (and my space soulful :)) after I moved across the state.
May 23, 2022
2.5 stars, rounded up.
The fact that I keep picking up books like this indicates I'm looking for something home-wise and am not quite satisfied yet. Balbes reads like a Western, vaguely new-age spin on Marie Kondo; she focuses more on tidying the space by removing what it does not need, while he focuses on shaping the space - what Kondo would call 'the click point'.
Ultimately, I think both focus on the same thing: we must be honest with ourselves about what we do and what we desire, and if our space is set up accordingly, then of course we will stay on the desired trajectory more readily.
However, because this man's experience is, so far as I can tell, large homes with sky-high budgets, I don't really trust his assertion that anyone can do this/any failure is just making excuses. The anecdotes of people changing their space and then reaping very distinct benefits are always intriguing, but again: give me Konmari for my money.
The fact that I keep picking up books like this indicates I'm looking for something home-wise and am not quite satisfied yet. Balbes reads like a Western, vaguely new-age spin on Marie Kondo; she focuses more on tidying the space by removing what it does not need, while he focuses on shaping the space - what Kondo would call 'the click point'.
Ultimately, I think both focus on the same thing: we must be honest with ourselves about what we do and what we desire, and if our space is set up accordingly, then of course we will stay on the desired trajectory more readily.
However, because this man's experience is, so far as I can tell, large homes with sky-high budgets, I don't really trust his assertion that anyone can do this/any failure is just making excuses. The anecdotes of people changing their space and then reaping very distinct benefits are always intriguing, but again: give me Konmari for my money.
October 10, 2012
This is the best book about interior decoration I've ever read. The focus is on finding out what things make you feel well and what things don't and applying that knowledge to your home decoration.
February 17, 2021
The Chinese New Year will come in the next week, Woowoo! I picked up this book because most the Chinese family will make a big house cleaning this week - the time for getting rid of the old stuff and buy something new. So I hope this book could give me some inspirations on creating a better home. Yes, I am happy because I choose the right book(I already list a long shopping list and donate a lot of unnecessary things)! This book not only transforms your home but also transforms your life.
I like a lot of the ideas of this book. In the beginning, the writer asked several powerful questions: Where do you live? Where do you feel alive? Where do you feel safe, peaceful, hopeful, and supported? Where can you explore your hobbies, think, learn, and love? If your home is just a temporary holding pen where you leave your things during the day instead of a beautiful space that makes you feel safe and calm every time you walk in the door, something is wrong. Your home is more than a place where your possessions are — it is a place where your body can recharge, where your passions can be fulfilled, where you can safely explore yourself and your desires, and where your soul can rest, be inspired, and soar. Home is about satisfying our basic animal needs: eating, sleeping, seeking shelter. But it is also about achieving transcendence on earth through our other needs, the ones that are the basis of our humanity: beauty, love, and creativity.
Xorin shares his purpose of the home is to assist the people who live within to create the kind of space where they can flourish instead of just exist. And his mission is to weave his wish for peace, beauty, justice, passion, and rejuvenation into all his projects with the intention of inspiring others to live a more soulful, compassionate, and beautiful life. Sometimes, it was a little too much like The Secret or Field of Dreams: if you build it, what you want will come. I liked the focus on only surrounding oneself with things that one loves and making conscious decisions about what one should include in one's personal space. There’s an interesting new trend in home design. Not so long ago, we all wanted our homes to look like they came out of designer magazines. Perfect, not at all functional, but perfect. Now, people are looking for functional beauty, a house that feels like home - your home.
SoulSpace guides us through the basics of making a house a home. The aim is walking through the front door of the house on a really rough day and having that weight suddenly lifted. You’re safe. All you need do is relax and enjoy your home and the people who share your life. Perhaps, the greatest thing about creating a soul space is that no one can dictate a particular style. Each room is uniquely you. You probably already have pieces that make you feel good and have meaning. You may just have rearranged, declutter, or get rid of a few negative aspects. Very nice book, I will implement some of the ideas in my home renovation.
I like a lot of the ideas of this book. In the beginning, the writer asked several powerful questions: Where do you live? Where do you feel alive? Where do you feel safe, peaceful, hopeful, and supported? Where can you explore your hobbies, think, learn, and love? If your home is just a temporary holding pen where you leave your things during the day instead of a beautiful space that makes you feel safe and calm every time you walk in the door, something is wrong. Your home is more than a place where your possessions are — it is a place where your body can recharge, where your passions can be fulfilled, where you can safely explore yourself and your desires, and where your soul can rest, be inspired, and soar. Home is about satisfying our basic animal needs: eating, sleeping, seeking shelter. But it is also about achieving transcendence on earth through our other needs, the ones that are the basis of our humanity: beauty, love, and creativity.
Xorin shares his purpose of the home is to assist the people who live within to create the kind of space where they can flourish instead of just exist. And his mission is to weave his wish for peace, beauty, justice, passion, and rejuvenation into all his projects with the intention of inspiring others to live a more soulful, compassionate, and beautiful life. Sometimes, it was a little too much like The Secret or Field of Dreams: if you build it, what you want will come. I liked the focus on only surrounding oneself with things that one loves and making conscious decisions about what one should include in one's personal space. There’s an interesting new trend in home design. Not so long ago, we all wanted our homes to look like they came out of designer magazines. Perfect, not at all functional, but perfect. Now, people are looking for functional beauty, a house that feels like home - your home.
SoulSpace guides us through the basics of making a house a home. The aim is walking through the front door of the house on a really rough day and having that weight suddenly lifted. You’re safe. All you need do is relax and enjoy your home and the people who share your life. Perhaps, the greatest thing about creating a soul space is that no one can dictate a particular style. Each room is uniquely you. You probably already have pieces that make you feel good and have meaning. You may just have rearranged, declutter, or get rid of a few negative aspects. Very nice book, I will implement some of the ideas in my home renovation.
December 8, 2022
Somehow I managed to lose my review of this, so if this is somehow a repeat for anyone, apologies!
I often feel like this particular genre of books needs to be rated on a few different levels. Did this inspire me? I would say yes. Were any of the takeaways something I could apply in my life? I think so. Was it relatable? Not exactly...but there's plenty of good here to go around and be useful.
When the author casually drops the fact that they live (or at least once lived) in the cathedral-esque (and Wright son-designed) Snowden House, you don't have to read between the lines to see that this author may not have a firm grasp on the way the average homeowner lives in their space. You also understand that these clients they're referring to aren't your average Joneses. That said, reading his recaps of these client consultations were interesting because it really makes you see how you can get in your own way with your layout choices without even realizing it. You don't necessarily have to be someone who has a grand piano hanging out in their house to apply at least some of these principles to refocus and reevaluate the space that you do have.
I recently read what was supposed to be a practical book on decluttering, and of the two I found this more down to earth. Balbes encourages the reader to focus on their own personal goals for your spaces and the feelings that you want to nurture. It doesn't dictate to you ideals, but encourages you to be true to your own. The truth is that you can be given all the best advice in the world about changing and improving your spaces but if it doesn't feel at all doable, there's really no point. This is the sort of book that I could see being a stepping stone for someone (maybe even me).
I often feel like this particular genre of books needs to be rated on a few different levels. Did this inspire me? I would say yes. Were any of the takeaways something I could apply in my life? I think so. Was it relatable? Not exactly...but there's plenty of good here to go around and be useful.
When the author casually drops the fact that they live (or at least once lived) in the cathedral-esque (and Wright son-designed) Snowden House, you don't have to read between the lines to see that this author may not have a firm grasp on the way the average homeowner lives in their space. You also understand that these clients they're referring to aren't your average Joneses. That said, reading his recaps of these client consultations were interesting because it really makes you see how you can get in your own way with your layout choices without even realizing it. You don't necessarily have to be someone who has a grand piano hanging out in their house to apply at least some of these principles to refocus and reevaluate the space that you do have.
I recently read what was supposed to be a practical book on decluttering, and of the two I found this more down to earth. Balbes encourages the reader to focus on their own personal goals for your spaces and the feelings that you want to nurture. It doesn't dictate to you ideals, but encourages you to be true to your own. The truth is that you can be given all the best advice in the world about changing and improving your spaces but if it doesn't feel at all doable, there's really no point. This is the sort of book that I could see being a stepping stone for someone (maybe even me).
September 22, 2025
I picked up SoulSpace as part of my book club’s monthly read, and I’m so glad I did. I was looking forward to meeting with the book club members to talk about this book. This isn’t just a book about design. It’s about creating a home that reflects your inner life and supports the person you’re becoming.
Three ideas especially spoke to me:
The practice of release. Balbes asks, Which object do you most need to release? What was the hardest—or most satisfying—to let go of? Why did it once serve you, and why doesn’t it anymore? That reflection really made me pause and think about the stories behind the things I hold onto.
Dreaming together. The suggestion to create a dreamboard with your partner as a way to “get in touch with your dreams” felt both practical and inspiring. It’s not just about decorating a space, but about aligning your shared vision for life.
Only keep what you love. The reminder was simple but powerful: Don’t love it? Release it. If it’s broken beyond repair, toss it. If it’s beautiful but lousy, let it go. That idea permitted me to stop holding onto things out of guilt or habit.
What I appreciated most is how Balbes connects the outer (our homes) with the inner (our lives). It’s not about perfection! It’s about creating a space that nurtures you.
Three ideas especially spoke to me:
The practice of release. Balbes asks, Which object do you most need to release? What was the hardest—or most satisfying—to let go of? Why did it once serve you, and why doesn’t it anymore? That reflection really made me pause and think about the stories behind the things I hold onto.
Dreaming together. The suggestion to create a dreamboard with your partner as a way to “get in touch with your dreams” felt both practical and inspiring. It’s not just about decorating a space, but about aligning your shared vision for life.
Only keep what you love. The reminder was simple but powerful: Don’t love it? Release it. If it’s broken beyond repair, toss it. If it’s beautiful but lousy, let it go. That idea permitted me to stop holding onto things out of guilt or habit.
What I appreciated most is how Balbes connects the outer (our homes) with the inner (our lives). It’s not about perfection! It’s about creating a space that nurtures you.
July 29, 2023
Superstitious, with a lot of manifesting, crystals, and assigning meaning to coincidences.
E.g. Moving a photo must be the reason the client became able to date again! (Ignoring Occam's Razor that most people date again after time passes.)
No photos of homes in the entire book.
It seems like hand-wavy New Age fluff.
There is pressure to conform to gender stereotypes and cookie-cutter design choices. One client collected a cool unique witch doll in her bedroom. The author told her that no man would date her with this unusual doll and insisted on throwing it out.
There is also the annoying appropriation of hanging African masks and Tibetan statues without any idea what they signify.
E.g. Moving a photo must be the reason the client became able to date again! (Ignoring Occam's Razor that most people date again after time passes.)
No photos of homes in the entire book.
It seems like hand-wavy New Age fluff.
There is pressure to conform to gender stereotypes and cookie-cutter design choices. One client collected a cool unique witch doll in her bedroom. The author told her that no man would date her with this unusual doll and insisted on throwing it out.
There is also the annoying appropriation of hanging African masks and Tibetan statues without any idea what they signify.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 30, 2022
This book has a holistic approach to how we create our living spaces and how our things affect us. Numerous examples of how changing the environment changed the feelings and lives of those who live there, and how to make it work for you. Not really a formula, just shares wisdom and how it might be used to improve our sense of well-being at home. I liked his approach and all the questions he asked to help with my own relationship with our space - very practical. A good blending of feng-shui without calling it that.
September 16, 2025
I found this book to be transformative. It describes joyful ideas to get you motivated to clean and clear out clutter, so that you can turn your own home into your "soulspace", where you feel nurtured, comforted and creative. There are many suggestions to try depending on your dreams, your space and your budget. My review states these facts in such a mediocre way, while his examples, stories, and encouragements will have you delighted and inspired.
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