By Hannah Margaret Allen

Your space is vital. Think of it as an extension of your personality, your state of mind and your goals. When it comes to decorations, pick items that are uniquely you.

As an extension of your personality, your space, whether it be a bedroom or desk area, should have enough flare that makes you excited to be there. In theory, you would come home to your space and feel like you are in an absolutely beautiful place. A place that embodies what you love the most and make you feel most comfortable.

In reality, that may mean your space has bits and pieces that make you simply happy. If you love black and white photos, for instance, have one framed on your wall. Even if the room is painted a color you don’t like or your bedspread doesn’t match, throw in pieces that genuinely make you joyful.

Figure out what you want out of your space. When I come home I want to think: Oh, I’m so glad I am here. It’s so lovely and cozy. Establish what you want your space to be for you.

Is it a calm haven? A musical listening lounge? A work space and bedroom combined? Just a place to sleep?

As a budding high school theater nerd, I found my solace in Audrey Hepburn photos and black, white and pink. It’s a sight to see now, but my pink room with Audreys and Eiffel Towers adorning every wall was my haven. It’s all about what inspires and matters to you the most.

Figure out what you love and bring it to your home base.

When talking about state of mind, it’s important to realize that good things come from places that are aesthetically pleasing. If you’re like me, a clean room is crucial in this mindset of productivity and peacefulness. Your room should reflect what you want your mindset to be. Set a precedence for what you want to achieve and where you want to go.

When I want to get homework done, I clean everything off. My desk and kitchen are wiped down, my bed is made and I am going to put the school cap on. With those things out of whack, I can’t get into as quickly.

This time in your life is filled with dreams of the future—what exactly are you going to be when you grow up? It’s a thrilled time.

Center your space around motivating you to where you want to go in a way that doesn’t take away from the comfort of the room. For example, my bedroom now has a beautiful old Europe map (for only $2 at a flea market), my favorite books and stacks of magazines. All of these things remind me of what I love. I want to travel, write and read—my room encapsulates that.

I am also a fan of positive reinforcement. I know motivational signs seem cheesy, but hey, they can really help some folks. I love a good quote from someone I admire posted either next to my mirror or on my desk. Those two places have the potential to make or break your day.

Direct your day with your surroundings. Balance the need to stay motivated with the need for a space of comfort. Your home should be beautiful, yes, but it should also have a level of practicality and organization that can make you feel peaceful.

I live in a house of five, very different girls, and our rooms are a direct reflection of what we want out of life, what our mindset currently is and where we want to be going.

One has music festival posters and a record player emphasizing her love for festivals and calming spaces. One has her bright yellow chair with travel photos hanging on the walls—she’s a lover of all things beautiful and her heart is in Paris where her boyfriend lives. One has a simple space—one that is practical and cute—and she is there to basically only sleep. The last one has a big space with books stacked everywhere and a cozy bed that invites all, and she is about aesthetics that old books offer and coziness.

Ultimately, I believe you have to figure out what you want your space to be in order to be and do your best.