VOL.93/2026.04

How Space Shapes the Way We Live

2026.01.05

Dream House: Good Design for a Better Life
- Written by Heo Yoo-Jin, published by Nous and Mind

Design a home of your own:
a space that reflects your life, and a space that can reshape it

They say you can tell a lot about a person’s taste, philosophy, and lifestyle just by looking at the space they live in. A wall filled with paintings reveals one’s aesthetic sense, while a neat desk suggests a minimalist mindset. In that sense, the place that reflects a person most intimately would be their “home.” It’s both a haven of rest and a canvas that expresses one’s personality. And, in turn, the way we shape our home often shapes how we live: replacing the TV in your living room with a bookshelf full of books might just lead you to read more.
This month’s featured book, Dream House: Good Design for a Better Life, goes beyond simple interior styling tips. It offers guidance on how we can perceive our homes and fill them with meaning. The author describes home as “a blueprint of one’s dreams.” Having designed the interiors of people who have achieved their dreams, she believes that “a space is a mirror that reflects a person’s state of mind. A well-organized home shows that its owner is also a good organizer in their work and life. It’s not just about tidiness - it’s about one’s mindset and readiness for the future.” The way we treat our living space reflects how we face life, and that space, in turn, influences how we live it. In today’s busy world, when time spent at home feels increasingly short, it can be hard to even tidy up, let alone decorate. But, why not start small - with a plant by the door, a lamp by the bed, or a cozy corner that welcomes you back each day? Begin turning the space you live in now into your own “dream house.”