When does a house truly become a home? For Cher Lin, founder of local interior design firm Studio Metanoia, it’s about incorporating mindful spaces into one’s abode, with an eye on creating a home that “fosters a state of awareness and presence”.

“Mindfulness involves being fully present and attentive to the current moment, to what you’re doing, and to the space you’re inhabiting,” Lin tells Options. “While this might seem minor, it is essential because our minds frequently wander from the present.”

With hybrid and work-from-home arrangements set to stay in our lives, it is important to allow pockets to facilitate mental quiet at home, even as we find ourselves increasingly focused on the flotsam and jetsam of city life in Singapore. “Creating mindful spaces at home can help counteract this tendency by fostering awareness and presence,” says Lin.

She describes Studio Metanoia’s origins as a “profound journey of personal rediscovery and empowerment”. She explains that she had burnt out in her previous endeavours, even reaching a point where she weighed just 35kg, requiring medical intervention. “This wake-up call sparked a radical transformation in my life, leading me to embrace therapy, prioritise self-care, and dive deep into introspection,” she says.

That philosophy is something Lin held close when starting Studio Metanoia. Acknowledging that the local interior design scene is “highly saturated”, she says she opted to pay attention to “communicating a design philosophy that deeply resonates with [her] and creating a brand that attracts an audience aligned with [the Studio Metanoia team’s] values”, rather than look at a specific niche or gap in the market.

“At Studio Metanoia, we adopt an ‘emotions first’ design philosophy … It’s about introspection, healing, and inspiring others,” she explains. “Our spaces go beyond aesthetics; they offer opportunities for people to authentically connect with themselves and grow personally through their environment.”

When first planning for the layout and aesthetic of a home, it’s easy to get swept away by the myriad interior design trends that seem to come at us every hour. But Lin recommends stepping back and looking inward instead to create something that is not only unique but also meaningful. “A home designed solely based on trends might look good in photographs, but it can lack the personal touch that makes a space feel truly comfortable and unique,” she says.

“Over time, a home that doesn’t resonate with its inhabitants’ personalities can become uninspiring. It’s important to dig deeper and incorporate elements that tell your own story and reflect your individual tastes.”

Lin says Studio Metanoia doesn’t stick to a particular style. Although she personally tends towards “a cold, minimalistic vibe, often influenced by brutalist and dystopian aesthetics”, she notes that each project requires a different approach to reflect each homeowner’s identity, personality and values.

Getting to it

Practically speaking, there isn’t a one-size-fits-all recipe for designing a mindful home, but there are tips and tricks that can guide the process. The crux lies in keeping a laser focus on purpose and meaning; rather than looking at what might look the most impressive or the most fancy, homeowners should think about what harbours meaning for each individual who is going to be living there.

Here, Lin recommends objects that “hold personal significance or reinforce positive memories”. For fans of Marie Kondo, the concept might seem familiar — the idea of “sparking joy” comes to mind. “At Studio Metanoia, we strongly encourage our clients to participate in sourcing these meaningful objects,” she continues, adding that these could range from furniture to art, textiles, lighting and accessories. “The process of uncovering these pieces adds depth and meaning to each addition, infusing your space with authenticity and individuality.”

Of course, this means buying furniture and fixtures isn’t just a matter of running to the nearest shop and grabbing things off the shelf. Being thoughtful about how each item makes its way into the home is another aspect Lin says should be considered. For instance, with clients who are passionate about travel, Studio Metanoia curates lists of local shops and events in their upcoming destinations, where they can find souvenirs and other reminders of their adventures.

“Additionally, we host art-jamming sessions where clients can create their own abstract artworks,” Lin adds. “These sessions serve as both a creative outlet and a way for clients to add a personal touch to their living spaces, further enhancing their sense of connection to their environment.”

These items play a significant role in enhancing a space to reflect one’s interests and personality. To this end, Lin notes that homeowners should reserve a substantial portion of their home budget for furnishing and decoration.

“Unfortunately, many homeowners underestimate the importance of allocating a budget [for these things],” she says. “They may focus heavily on architectural features and construction costs, only to question why their space looks vastly different from the ones they’ve seen online after completion.”

Lin advises homeowners to discuss budgeting early in the design process, to come up with something holistic that “encompasses furnishing and decorations alongside structural considerations”.

In general, she says, forging a close relationship with one’s interior designer is always beneficial. “Ultimately, designing a space is a collaborative effort … This requires a deep understanding of individual preferences, physical dimensions, and how people engage with their surroundings daily.” In order for a designer to do this, homeowners should “clearly communicate [their] functional needs”.

“Take an active role in testing proposed designs, particularly those involving dimensions, to ensure they align with your requirements and enhance usability,” Lin adds. “This proactive approach ensures the final design not only looks stunning but also optimises practicality and personal comfort.”

Thoughtful spaces

Beyond individual items, configuring the space itself is a key part of integrating mindfulness at home. Thinking about how rooms are shaped and where each piece of furniture is placed not only increases comfort, but adds to the practicality of the home.

It’s also a matter of fostering relationships among people living together. We’re probably all too familiar with the annoyance that comes with bumping into a family member at the same spot every day, or clamouring for counter space in the bathroom when a million other products are already there — making adjustments to suit everyone’s needs can make a big difference here. “Creating dedicated spaces that support daily rituals and enhance connections is integral to a mindful home,” Lin explains.

She shares that in a recent project where the homeowners, a couple, had a regular morning routine, Studio Metanoia designed a dual dresser table, so they would have sufficient space to get ready together every day. “The design encourages the couple to share their thoughts and schedules,” she adds.

Thoughtful planning, and not just blindly following recommendations, can also go a long way towards making a home truly individualised. Carpentry and fixtures, in particular, should be customised to one’s specifications where needed, to reduce the chances of bumping heads or stubbing toes.

 “You can Google ‘how tall should my sink be’ or ‘how high should my bar stool be’ and be served standard guidelines,” says Lin, noting that these may work for many people, but will leave some feeling less than satisfied. “For example, we recently had a client’s sink sitting 105cm from finished flooring. For most, the sink might be too high, but because he is 190cm tall, it works perfectly for him,” she continues.

Similar to the idea of having such meaningful mementoes around the house, Lin recommends creating a space that emulates places linked with special memories. “We encourage clients to reflect on places that have left a lasting impression: where they felt happiest, relaxed, or deeply connected,” she says.

For one project, Studio Metanoia incorporated elements of a homeowners’ summer retreat in Eastern Europe. The design incorporates natural textures, serene colours and botanicals, for a look that is instantly reminiscent of a quiet holiday. “The interior paints a picture of the couple’s shared love for travel, ceramics and all things organic,” says Lin. She adds that the house also has items with significant meaning for the couple, including pebbles from Icelandic beaches where they had their marriage proposal.

“These kinds of personal touches invite us to experience the home through the couple’s eyes … By capturing specific elements like colours, textures, scents, and sounds that made these places special, we ensure the recreated space is both functional for daily life and evocative of cherished memories,” Lin notes.

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