IT’S TIME TO BE HAPPY

Lynette McFadden Business Owner & Mentor Harcourts gold @lynette_mcfadden As we travel through 2022, I’ve decided to share some of the relevant and essential things to the way I’m looking at the year ahead.

Firstly, I’m excited at the prospect of a year that’s brighter and kinder – and for me, a little quieter. I’m also furiously reading about two subjects in particular. The market, yes, that most important of subjects when your working existence depends on it, and happiness.

Both subjects are covered by exhaustive resources. For the market, the material is more analytical – and potentially controversial. The other is more difficult to categorise because happiness, whilst being easy to explain, can be difficult to enact for many of us.

There’s even a Happiness Pie! Yes, a neat and tidy pie chart, originally proposed in 2005 by researchers Sonja Lyubomirsky, Kennon Sheldon, and David Schkade. Put simply, they decided that 50 per cent of what determines happiness is genetically driven (not ideal for some of us!), and 40 per cent is your intentional activity. A mere 10 per cent is your life circumstance. This could be your occupation, financial status, possessions; all the things that supposedly have huge relevance to our personal happiness.

Who would have known? Coming from an optimistic clan, I’m even more encouraged to find that engaging in positive, intentional activities involving exercise, connection with others, sleeping well, and eating consciously all add to your happiness.

This confirms the broader idea that all of us can take deliberate and relatively easy steps towards a happier state of mind. It’s not necessarily about big possessions; it can be the simplest things that lead to happiness. Two of mine are time with my loved ones – talking, laughing, listening – and a daily walk.

Here’s to you finding yours in the incredible year we all have ahead of us.

Resene Bullion Resene Bronze

LEFT: Carrie LED Lamp in Bronzed Brass from Infinite Definite; Profile Vase in Coffee from A&C Homestore; Gum Nut Stems from Corcovado. ABOVE: Profile Vase in Coffee from A&C Homestore; 101 Geta Tray in Coffee from Frobisher; Food from The Social Platter Co. Nothing says indulgent luxury quite like the combined shades of chocolate and gold, embodied here with a wall in Resene Bronze and handmade art in metallic Resene Bullion. The luxury has been given a paired-back natural vibe with accents in jute, glass, pottery, wood, and bronzed brass, all set around the Charlie dining table from Frobishers. The scene is set for an intimate evening of relaxed entertaining; it is a comforting cocoon of earthy delights.

Candlelight creates an inviting space, and this can be achieved with a portable LED Lamp from Infinite Definite. This rechargeable light’s natural bronze tones and curved shape complement any space and can follow your evening from dining to living spaces.

To add tonal layers of interest, bring in unique combinations of stoneware and glass. This sculptural water jug in chocolate and the glass vase with brass detail in butterscotch create an earth-toned vignette.

Rattan is well and truly back in style, and the Dustin chair from Frobisher is at home with almost any table and is a versatile piece to update your dining room for a more contemporary, natural style. The black framing brings a sophisticated edge to this earthy look.

The space is tied together by the natural jute tones of this handwoven rug. It has a grounding effect, adding warmth and texture without overpowering the room. Jute is perfect for creating a relaxed interior and works beautifully with other natural materials such as rattan.

MAIN IMAGE: Charlie Dining Table by Maison 55 from Frobisher, Dustin Dining Chair from Frobisher; Luxor Glass Vase in Butterscotch, Poets Dream Water Jug in Chocolate from A&C Homestore; Cadiz Floor Rug in Natural from Corcovado; Plant and Planter stylist’s own; painted in Resene Bronze and Resene Bullion from Resene ColorShops.