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Spatial Alchemy: Design Your Home to Transform Your Life
An illustrated guide to harnessing interior design as a tool for personal transformation
Change your home to change your life. That’s the simple but powerful promise of Spatial Alchemy, the debut book by acclaimed “design therapist” Olga Naiman. In this book, Olga synthesizes her twenty years of experience as a stylist for major design magazines, her degree in clinical psychology, and a lifetime exploring diverse spiritual practices and alternative healing modalities into a one-of-a-kind program to transform readers lives through the power of home design.
Olga begins by encouraging readers to explore what it is they want out of their life, and what’s preventing them from getting it. Then, she reveals the myriad ways readers can use their homes to support those ambitions. Like the ancient alchemists turning base metals to gold, spatial alchemy is the process of upgrading your home to better serve your personal needs and goals. Looking for a partner? Then make sure your home is welcoming to instead of a single nightstand by the bed, invest in a matching pair. Take things a step further by layering pleasurably textured throws and linens in deep, calming colors onto the bed to encourage comfort and intimacy. Are you trying to grow your business? Consider what clients will see behind you when they log on to a video conference call, and add a “power object”: a bold design statement that bolsters your confidence and telegraphs success. Keep the momentum going by investing in a solid, heavy desk that infuses the room (and your future business endeavors) with stability and strength. Are you craving a sense of greater calm and stability? You need what Olga coins an “emotional regulation chair”—a special, cozy spot that’s ready to embrace you like a hug at the end of a long day. From small upgrades to total renovations, readers will learn how to use their homes to restore work-life balance, break unhealthy habits, foster creativity and connection, and so much more.
Change your home to change your life. That’s the simple but powerful promise of Spatial Alchemy, the debut book by acclaimed “design therapist” Olga Naiman. In this book, Olga synthesizes her twenty years of experience as a stylist for major design magazines, her degree in clinical psychology, and a lifetime exploring diverse spiritual practices and alternative healing modalities into a one-of-a-kind program to transform readers lives through the power of home design.
Olga begins by encouraging readers to explore what it is they want out of their life, and what’s preventing them from getting it. Then, she reveals the myriad ways readers can use their homes to support those ambitions. Like the ancient alchemists turning base metals to gold, spatial alchemy is the process of upgrading your home to better serve your personal needs and goals. Looking for a partner? Then make sure your home is welcoming to instead of a single nightstand by the bed, invest in a matching pair. Take things a step further by layering pleasurably textured throws and linens in deep, calming colors onto the bed to encourage comfort and intimacy. Are you trying to grow your business? Consider what clients will see behind you when they log on to a video conference call, and add a “power object”: a bold design statement that bolsters your confidence and telegraphs success. Keep the momentum going by investing in a solid, heavy desk that infuses the room (and your future business endeavors) with stability and strength. Are you craving a sense of greater calm and stability? You need what Olga coins an “emotional regulation chair”—a special, cozy spot that’s ready to embrace you like a hug at the end of a long day. From small upgrades to total renovations, readers will learn how to use their homes to restore work-life balance, break unhealthy habits, foster creativity and connection, and so much more.
- GenresNonfiction
288 pages, Hardcover
Published April 15, 2025
23 people are currently reading
106 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
June 23, 2025
Thank you Artisan for my #gifted copy. My thoughts are my own.
As a self-defined “spacial alchemist,” Naiman empowers the reader with photos and prose to use the space around them to change their respective lives. And she means it! She posits that by creating the physical, spiritual, emotional, and physical space in your home that manifests what you want from life, you will achieve it. A home should be intentional, designed to cultivate your identity and your goals in life. And she delivers doable exercises and steps to facilitate the reader’s process.
I enjoyed this book, which I see as a kind of guide. I like that she laid the theoretical foundation and then facilitated the actionable steps from there. I think that the five-step process is spot-on, at least as it concerns behavior change facilitation. The photos are inspirational too. While I very much appreciate the ideas presented, though, I didn’t completely buy in to the metaphysical spirituality. I see how it can be helpful, though, and I did take pieces from it. It was a helpful book and I appreciate its guidance in creating the space that facilitates the life you want.
As a self-defined “spacial alchemist,” Naiman empowers the reader with photos and prose to use the space around them to change their respective lives. And she means it! She posits that by creating the physical, spiritual, emotional, and physical space in your home that manifests what you want from life, you will achieve it. A home should be intentional, designed to cultivate your identity and your goals in life. And she delivers doable exercises and steps to facilitate the reader’s process.
I enjoyed this book, which I see as a kind of guide. I like that she laid the theoretical foundation and then facilitated the actionable steps from there. I think that the five-step process is spot-on, at least as it concerns behavior change facilitation. The photos are inspirational too. While I very much appreciate the ideas presented, though, I didn’t completely buy in to the metaphysical spirituality. I see how it can be helpful, though, and I did take pieces from it. It was a helpful book and I appreciate its guidance in creating the space that facilitates the life you want.
October 29, 2025
I would like more but specifically for small homes. Or photos of small home spaces.
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews