Palace or Chaos? What the Condition of Your Home Reveals
A quiet but heavy question many homeowners carry: What does the condition of my home say about me?
When clutter builds up, or spaces feel chaotic, it’s easy to assume something is wrong — with the home or with ourselves.
Interior design for peace is not about perfection, trends, or square footage. It’s about how your environment supports your daily life, energy, and well-being. A home can feel chaotic for many reasons — busy seasons, transitions, children’s play areas, caregiving, or simply a lack of systems that work.
In this post, we explore how to interpret your home with compassion — and how God is not looking at the condition of your home, He is looking at something else. He does want you to have a beautiful home and an abundant life, but if you have little or much - that is not what is important to him. Read on…
Quick story: I designed a beautiful custom home on a private island in Fiji. I went there and it was the most wonderful trip ever. I cried when I left and that is not like me. The house was exquisite and such a great, fun and fabulous job to work on.
So I come back from Fiji and soon after I went on a mission trip to the trash dumps of Nicaragua and Honduras . We went to one of the trash dumps and there was a town in the trashdump. It was shocking. The people were literally caked with dirt.
We were preparing a BBQ chicken meal for the people and had to do it inside of a small enclosure and let them in a few at a time so that there was not a stampede.
My thoughts were reeling. I had to step out of line. I barely knew my own name. I was weeping.
I asked the Lord:
Lord, I just got back from Fiji and now I am in the trash dumps. They are so opposite of each other. Why are you showing me this?
I started to feel better and got back in line to greet people coming in. This wonderful lady came in the line and gave me one of the biggest hugs I have ever had in my life. I knew she knew the Lord! She had a giant smile and her face glowed with joy. Right there in the trashdump!
The Lord then said to me, "I don't care if you live in a palace or a trashdump - I just want your heart!"
That answered it all for me. I never had to ask Him if interior design was okay again. I kept asking Him throughout my career - is this profession too materialistic? He answered that clearly! Yes, He loves interior Design - He loves art and creation! Yay!!! All of this is okay, but the one thing that He really wants in your home is a heart for Him! He wants our hearts!
3 DESIGN SHIFTS THAT RESTORE PEACE
1| Order Supports Peace — It Doesn’t Demand Perfection
Order doesn’t mean spotless. It means your home functions intuitively. When furniture placement, storage, and layout support daily rhythms, stress naturally decreases.
2| Gentle Structure Creates Emotional Calm
Clear zones for living, resting, and working allow your mind to relax. When spaces have purpose, clutter loses its grip.
3| Your Home Is Allowed to Grow With You
Design is not static. As seasons change, homes need permission to adjust. Letting go of outdated layouts or expectations creates room for renewal.
GRACE BELONGS IN DESIGN
A peaceful home is not built through pressure or comparison. It’s built through wisdom, understanding, and grace. Design choices rooted in stewardship honor both the home and the people living in it.
Your home is meant to serve you — not accuse you.
But the Lord said to Samuel,
“Do not look at the outward appearance, or the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. For the Lord sees not as man sees: Man looks on the outward appearance, but the Lord looks at the heart. ”
Designing with compassion allows your home to become a place of restoration no matter your stature.
PEACE IS POSSIBLE, ONE CHOICE AT A TIME
A home does not need to be perfect to be meaningful. When design choices are made with intention and kindness, clarity returns. Peace follows progress — not pressure.
Your home can feel supportive again, one thoughtful decision at a time.
FAQ
Does a messy home mean I’m failing?
No. Homes reflect life seasons. Design support restores function without judgment.
How can interior design reduce overwhelm?
By improving layout, flow, and storage so your home works with you, not against you to maintain peace..
Do I need to declutter everything to feel peace?
No. Strategic design changes often bring relief before full decluttering happens.
Can design help during stressful seasons of life?
Yes. Thoughtful design provides structure, comfort, and emotional support.
Does God care if you live in a Palace or Chaos?
No, He just wants your heart!
Resource
Learn how your natural style supports order, flow, and peace. Take the Quiz 👉 shereedouglasbrock.com (scroll down to take the quiz)
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