Unexpected Living by Marianna Beck

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Unexpected Living by Marianna Beck

I focus on creating beautiful yet ergonomically functional interiors that serve the soul, body and mind. www.unexpectedliving.com Founder: Marianna Beck

Let me help you find your own personal life design & create interior that reflect your unique personality & lifestyle.

26/09/2025

✨ Colour Your World Beautiful…

Have you ever walked into a room and felt immediately at ease or conversely unsettled — without quite being able to name why?

If you have been following along, you know I recently attended a Sensory Home Workshop where we dove deep into how colours are not just visual — they are emotional architects. They engage our senses, shape mood, shift perception and affect the way we 'feel at home'.
A splash of warm terracotta can ground you like a hug from an old friend.
A soft sage green whispers calm to your nervous system, shifting your mood, energy and even perception of space.
It was heart-warming to be reassured in my own long-held personal and professional belief, that intentional colour choices can turn a house into a sanctuary that feels like you.

From that conversation, I am excited to re-launch a mini colour series exploring how applying colours to interiors can help you create spaces that deeply feel like you - based on a specific colour categorisation called Colour Season Theory.
Inspired by the shifting palettes of spring blooms, summer hazes, autumn leaves and winter frost, this theory helps you mix harmonies that feel intuitive and balanced.

👉 In interiors, it is a game-changer: it considers your room's light, mood goals and even your personal season (more on that in future posts!).
No more guesswork — just cozy, mood-boosting spaces that evolve with the calendar.

🎨 So, stay tuned as I will be taking you through each 'season' — what defines it, how to bring it into your home, sample palettes, pitfalls to avoid — starting next week with a bit of deep dive introduction of the theory itself.

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19/09/2025

✨ Exploring the psychology of colour in our homes ✨
Colour is not just what we see - it is what we feel.

Yesterday, I had the pleasure of attending a hands-on workshop hosted by and . Led by , the session was an inspiring dive into how colour shapes our mood, wellbeing and the way we experience our living spaces.

We explored:
🎨 The role of colour in creating balance and harmony at home
🌿 Shades that energise, calm, or ground us
🏡 Practical ways to design spaces that not only look beautiful but feel good too

As a holistic home designer, I deeply value the connection between colour and how we experience our spaces, how colour influences our daily lives and wellbeing.

It is something I deeply believe is at the heart of intentional design - and this event reinforced how intentional design can go beyond aesthetics to support balance, productivity, and emotional wellness in daily life.

I left with new inspiration (and a thoughtful goodie bag with swatches, a notebook, and a special edition magazine) to weave these ideas into upcoming projects.

14/08/2025

✨ Happy by Design - Can your home make you happier?

From time to time, I will be sharing books that inspire me in the world of holistic design and wellbeing.
Books that are easy to digest, but deep in insight – just like Happy by Design by Victoria Harrison, a heartwarming, research-based guide full of practical joy.

It is a delightfully practical read centred around one question:�“Can our home make us happier?”�And the answer, gently and confidently, is yes.

Victoria Harrison walks us through how small, affordable tweaks – more light, less clutter, flowers, greenery, mindful choices – can dramatically shift how we feel at home.
She backs it all up with science, quoting experts who explain how spaces impact our nervous system, productivity, social engagement, and emotions.
🌸 My personal favourite part?
The Flower Power chapter – not just about decorating with flowers, but how to care for them, choose them, and match them to your interior style.

💡 Key takeaways:�
– Small shifts bring the biggest impact.
�– Plants, colours, scents, and tidy corners are more than aesthetics – they are mood-shifters.�
– Every design choice has a ripple effect on your energy and wellbeing.�
– Joy lives in the everyday – let’s stop waiting for the big stuff to feel good.

❓ Reflection prompts you can ask yourself:�
– Which part of your home lifts you up most?�
– What tiny detail makes you smile every day?�
– Could you see your home as a partner in your wellbeing?

🌿 As a holistic home coach, this book deeply aligns with my mission.�
Your home is not just a container – it is a reflection and extension of your inner world. That is why I help people create spaces that support clarity, joy, rest, and connection – inside and out.�This book is a gentle and beautiful start if you are curious about that journey.

📣 What about you?�Have you read this book?
Or do you have a go-to book for creating a more soulful home? Share in the comments!�

And if you would like support designing your own healing, happy home – my inbox is always open.
www.unexpectedliving.com

31/07/2025

🌞 August Astral Home Glow - Mindful Start to the Month
Vibrant energy meets earthy clarity — Live August with intention.

August brings a bold yet grounding shift as we move through Leo’s vibrant fire and into Virgo’s earthy calm.
This month is about energising your space with confidence, clarity, and purpose — while staying rooted in what truly matters.
Let your home reflect both your inner fire and your need for peaceful presence.

✨ Key Astral Transits & Energy Themes:

New Moon in Leo / August 4
→ A powerful moment to set intentions around self-confidence, creativity, and personal joy

Sun in Leo (until August 22)
→ Bold self-expression, colour, playfulness, warmth — turn your space into a statement of inner radiance

Full Moon in Aquarius / August 19
→ Time to balance individuality and community, fresh ideas and emotional detachment

Sun enters Virgo / August 22
→ Slow down, refine, and align your home with clarity, intention and supportive routines

Mercury Retrograde in Virgo / begins August 5
→ Revisit systems, organise your space, rethink your daily flow

Mars in Gemini trine Pluto in Aquarius / August 14
→ Channel focus and energy into decluttering, purposeful transformation, or long-overdue projects

🏡 Design Focus for the Month: Outdoor Area
→ Curate your outdoor space as a sanctuary for connection, relaxation and late summer rituals
→ Use grounding earthy tones like olive green, terracotta, and sun-washed neutrals
→ Layer textures: outdoor linen, ceramic, wood, raffia, and canvas
→ Incorporate sun elements: warm metallics, solar lanterns, golden accents
→ Invite bold comfort: sculptural chairs, statement cushions, parasols with personality
→ Balance vibrance and calm — think Leo’s warmth meets Virgo’s quiet order

Let August be your invitation to live boldly and rest deeply.
Your space is the portal to both.

Stay tuned for the 2nd part - essential oils and mindful practices for the month.

🌟 Want deeper guidance?
Explore the full Astral Home Glow - August Edition!
www.etsy.com/shop/UnexpectedLiving
www.ko-fi.com/unexpectedlivingbymariannabeck/shop

30/07/2025

🌳 Bring in Cooling Natural Elements - How plants and natural materials balance summer energy

When summer heats up, your home’s energy can feel restless or heavy. Bringing in natural, cooling elements not only refreshes your space visually but also supports emotional and energetic balance. Nature has an innate ability to ground and soothe our nervous system.

💡 Why natural elements matter:
Plants improve air quality and introduce calming green tones, which science shows can reduce stress and lower blood pressure. Natural materials like wood, linen, and stone connect us to the earth’s stabilizing energy, helping regulate the nervous system during high-energy seasons.

Easy ways to bring in cooling natural elements:
🌿 Add indoor plants such as ferns, peace lilies, or snake plants - all great for filtering air and adding greenery.
🌿 Use natural textiles like linen curtains, cotton cushions, or jute rugs to create tactile calmness.
🌿 Incorporate wooden furniture or accents, especially with lighter, natural finishes that feel cool and grounded.
🌿 Display natural decor like shells, smooth stones, or driftwood to connect to water and earth energies.

Bonus:
🍋 Combine with your aromatherapy practice - diffuse mint, eucalyptus or citrus oils to boost cooling vibes and refresh your home’s energy.

Tips & Prompts:
🔸 Which natural element do you feel drawn to add to your home this summer?
🔸 Have you noticed how your mood shifts when surrounded by plants or natural textures?

👉🏻 For more holistic design tips to create calm and harmony at home, grab the free Home Harmony Starter Kit and start transforming your space today.
www.unexpectedliving.com/get-started-here

29/07/2025

🌀 Declutter Your Space, Declutter Your Mind - How visual simplicity restores peace during busy summer days

Summer’s vibrant energy invites activity and social life, but too much visual clutter can overload your senses and add to feelings of overwhelm. When your environment feels chaotic, your brain struggles to relax - which affects your mood and productivity.

🧠 Why decluttering works:
The brain processes visual stimuli constantly. Excess ‘noise’ from clutter triggers stress responses and reduces focus. Simplifying your surroundings helps your nervous system settle into calm alertness and supports mental clarity.

Simple decluttering tips:
✅ Focus on the rooms you use most - clear surfaces and tuck away items that are not needed daily.
✅ Create ‘breathing room’ by leaving some areas intentionally bare or simply decorated.
✅ Rotate decor seasonally: store some items away and bring in fresh pieces to reset energy.
✅ Use storage baskets or boxes that complement your design to keep clutter stylishly contained.

Bonus:
Pair decluttering with a quick space clearing ritual - open windows, light a candle or diffuse essential oils - to refresh the energy along with the look.

Tips & Prompts:
🔸 Which room in your home feels most cluttered visually? Can you clear one surface today?
🔸 How do you feel when your space is simplified vs. full of stuff?

Want to master the art of calming your home through mindful design?
👉🏻 Download your free Home Harmony Starter Kit to begin your journey.
www.unexpectedliving.com/get-started-here

25/07/2025

What I am Letting Go of This Season - Designing space for what matters

Every season carries its own energy.
And summer, with its expansive light and outward flow, often brings a surge of movement - socially, energetically, and physically.
But amid the heat and busyness, I have found that summer is also the perfect time to let go.
Lighten.
Release.
Strip things back to their essence.

In my own home, I am using this season to let go of:
🌿 Visual clutter
Over-styling, surfaces filled with "just-in-case" items, or too many colour accents.�
🌿 Design choices that feel heavy
Thick fabrics, dark tones, or furniture pieces that no longer align with how I want my space to feel.�
🌿 Outdated ‘shoulds’
Layouts or habits I once followed because they were practical or stylish, but no longer feel supportive.

Why?
Because space is power.
And when we remove what drains or distracts, we create room for clarity, calm, and aligned living.�This is not about minimalism – it is about listening to the energy of your space and allowing it to breathe and evolve with you.

✅ Boosts mental spaciousness and focus by reducing decision fatigue from visual and sensory clutter�
✅ Supports clearer thinking and intentionality by creating an environment that cues calm and mindfulness
✅ Releases built-up emotional weight tied to stagnant or outdated objects and energies�
✅ Invites lightness, spontaneity, and joy by making space for emotional flow and seasonal renewal
✅ Improves energy flow and circulation by removing physical and energetic blockages in key areas
�✅ Encourages natural movement and ease by allowing the layout to reflect current lifestyle rhythms
✅ Reduces visual noise and sensory overload through lighter textures and simplified surfaces�
✅ Refines the visual story of your home so it mirrors your current aesthetic and personal evolution

Tips for your own home release ritual:
🌀 Do a ‘walk-through’ of your space and ask: What feels heavy or stuck?�
🌀 Remove one item from each room that you no longer love or use�
🌀 Swap heavy textures for lighter ones: linen, cotton, natural rattan�
🌀 Declutter a single surface or corner, then pause and observe how the energy shifts�🌀 Ask yourself: Does my home reflect the version of me I am becoming this season?

✨ Ready to align your space with the energy of who you are becoming?�Download the Home Harmony Starter Kit – your free guide to consciously connecting with your home’s design and energy.
www.unexpectedliving.com/get-started-here

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24/07/2025

Soften Summer Light for Instant Calm at Home - How gentle light creates a peaceful summer sanctuary

Summer sunlight can be a double-edged sword: while it boosts mood and energy, too much harsh light indoors can overwhelm your nervous system and increase stress. The intensity of bright, direct sun can make your home feel less like a refuge and more like a spotlight.

💡 Why light matters:�
Our brains respond strongly to light cues. Bright, unfiltered light signals alertness, while softer, diffused light invites rest and relaxation. Especially during summer’s long days, creating the right indoor lighting balance helps your nervous system shift from high alert to calm.

Practical ways to soften light:
✅ Use sheer or linen curtains to gently diffuse sunlight while still letting in warmth and brightness.
✅ Add warm-toned lamps or salt lamps for soft evening illumination, signalling your body to wind down.
✅ Position seating areas away from direct sun glare to reduce eye strain and overstimulation.
✅ Experiment with dimmable lights to adjust brightness based on your mood and activity.

Bonus:
Layer lighting sources - combine natural light, warm lamps, and candles - to create a cozy atmosphere that flows with your day and evening rhythms.

Tips & Prompts:
✅ What is your current light setup? Can a simple curtain swap make a difference?
✅ Try closing curtains during the hottest afternoon hours and notice how your mood shifts.

🌀 Light shapes your experience - want a calm home all summer?
Download the Home Harmony Starter Kit for more tips on harmonising your space with natural rhythms.
www.unexpectedliving.com/get-started-here

23/07/2025

Scent Reset – Clear the Air, Ground the Energy

Creating calm at home does not always require a full makeover or weeks of decluttering.�Often, the fastest and most effective ways to shift your home’s energy are something much simpler – it is usually the small and overlooked changes.

Like, resetting the sensory field.
In design psychology and energy work alike, your senses are the gatekeepers of how you feel in a space — especially your sense of smell, sound, and sight.�When overstimulated, the nervous system stays alert. But when you gently signal safety, beauty, and balance? The whole body relaxes.

So what is one of the easiest ways to create calm?
➡️ Change the scent.
Yes - really.

💡 The atmosphere of a home is felt before it's seen.
Scent travels through the limbic system (your emotional brain) and has the power to instantly anchor you into calm, or pull you into alertness.

🌿 Try this simple calming shift:
• Diffuse a calming oil like lavender, bergamot, or Roman chamomile
• Use a linen spray with essential oils before bed
• Add eucalyptus or cedarwood to your bathroom for a spa-like vibe
• Bring in real herb plants – either potted or cut.

🎶 Bonus sensory reset:
• Pair with a calming background playlist (think soft instrumentals or ambient nature sounds)
• Use warm lighting in the evening instead of overhead glare

These small tweaks shift your home’s entire frequency - and your body picks up on it instantly.

🔄 Reflection questions
• What is the current ‘default scent’ of your home - and what message does it send?
• How do you want your space to feel when you come home or wake up?
• What is one sensory anchor you can change today to invite more peace?

💬 Want to explore your home’s energetic signature and create your own personalised sensory design plan?�
Download the free Home Harmony Starter Kit or message me with the word SENSE for 1:1 support.
www.unexpectedliving.com/get-started-here

22/07/2025

Quick & Easy Changes for Creating Calm at Home - How to bring soothing calm into your space when summer’s energy feels a bit too much

🌞 Summer brings vibrant energy - longer days, bright light, active social rhythms - but for many, this intensity can feel overwhelming, especially in hot or humid climates. The heightened sensory input can leave your nervous system on edge, making calm harder to find at home.

The good news?
The easiest and fastest way to create calm is through small, intentional shifts that signal safety and balance to your body and mind.

🌀 Scent Reset:
Aromas have a direct path to your limbic system, the emotional center of the brain. Diffusing calming essential oils like lavender or bergamot can instantly cool and soothe summer’s overstimulation.

🌀 Light Adjustment:
Harsh summer sunlight can raise stress levels indoors. Use soft, sheer curtains to diffuse sunlight or incorporate warm-toned lamps in the evening to create a relaxing glow that signals your body to unwind.

🌀 Declutter the Senses:
Summer’s energy calls for breezy simplicity. Clear away excess items in your most-used rooms to reduce visual noise - your brain will thank you with a calmer mood.

🌀 Bring in Cooling Natural Elements:
Add fresh greenery like ferns or peace lilies and incorporate natural materials (like wood or linen) that balance heat and energy, grounding your space while connecting it to nature’s rhythms.

💡 Tips & Questions
· Do you feel the summer vibe energising or draining you?
· What is one small change you can make right now to bring cool calmness into your space?
· Have you tried combining scent, light, and clutter-clearing for a holistic calm boost?

Stay tuned – in the next coming days we will dive deeper into each element.

🌿 Ready to create a calm, balanced home all year long?

Grab the free Home Harmony Starter Kit and learn how to design your space that always feels yours.
www.unexpectedliving.com/get-started-here

21/07/2025

🌞 August Astral Home Glow is here! ✨
Vibrant.
Bold.
Grounding
Just like the Leo sun paired with Virgo’s quiet clarity.

This month’s Astral Home Glow is your soulful design compass to align your space with August’s vibrant energies. Think golden light, earthy calm, and a touch of wild summer joy.

Whether you are styling your terrace, refining your rituals or refreshing your home’s energy for late summer, this guide brings inspiration, mood board magic, and grounding rituals into one beautiful, intentional experience.

What is inside?
✨ Insight into the month’s key planetary influences and moon phases
✨ 5 Crystals to work with for the month
✨ 3 Simple rituals and mindfulness practices to deepen your connection to the season
✨ 3 Essential oil recommendations and how to use them
✨ Practical home design and decor suggestions to support your wellbeing
✨ Focus space of the month: Outdoor Area & design tips
✨ Outdoor Area mood board with zodiac-inspired styling suggestions
✨ 2 Home and lifestyle prompts for the month

Deep dive into the monthly vibe through a holistic home lens!

✨ LIMITED-TIME BONUS THIS WEEK:
Buy the August Edition, and you will receive July’s Astral Home Glow guide completely FREE – for extra inspiration, colour wisdom and design grounding during this summer transition.

Let your space reflect the energy you are stepping into.
🔥🌿 Let it support your boldness, your rest, and your radiant inner fire.

📥 Grab your August guide here:
https://ko-fi.com/s/fbf936c31b
Offer ends: 31 / 07 – don’t miss the bonus!

18/07/2025

Designing for Summer - What Energy Does Your Home Hold

Now that we have explored both the why and the how of summer-aligned interiors, let us turn inward.
Because your home is not just a backdrop — it is a mirror.

💭 Reflect & Feel
How does your home hold the energy of summer right now?
Is there a corner that feels too 'loud' or too 'flat'?
What kind of summer energy are you craving — stillness, creativity, joy, clarity?

🌸 Mini Ritual for Seasonal Alignment
Find a quiet corner.
Light a summer-scented candle (citrus, mint, or herbaceous oils work well), and sit with a glass of water or herbal tea.
Slow your breath.
Ask yourself:
— “What do I need less of in my space?”
— “What do I need more of to feel emotionally supported this season?”
Write down 1 small shift you can make today to align your home with your inner world.

💭 Want help exploring how to design for emotional and seasonal alignment?
Comment here 'SUMMER BALANCE' and let us connect.

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Design Your Space. Design Your Life.

Unexpected Living is founded by Marianna Beck focusing on creating beautiful yet ergonomically functional interiors - spaces that serve your soul, body and mind.

“My aim is to help you find your own personal 'life design' and create interiors for you that reflect your unique personality and lifestyle.

I took an early interest in interior design and decoration starting out with fabricating bedside tables, bookcases of polystyrene and cardboard through designing a complete set of furniture for my own room at the age of 16. I was lucky enough to get my own flat in my early twenties and I was more than keen on doing all the design and decoration work, including painting, wallpapering, turning the kitchen cupboard into a bookcase, recovering and updating my grandmum's old sofa and armchair, designing the kitchen, dining and bedroom furniture. In the meantime I obtained a master’s degree in cultural and event management and then life took me onto a different path working for 12 years for marketing and event management agencies participating in product and service promotions, business and academic conferences, art exhibitions and art fairs, cultural and musical festivals and fashion shows. But my childhood interest in interior design and styling has remained with me all along the way.

Later on, while living abroad, in different countries, I started to develop an interest in how we can design or re-design our life to find our purpose and live a positive and meaningful life. I truly believe that the way we create and design our immediate environment is a profound reflection of our inner world and that our immediate environment too influences the way we see the world and ourselves in it."