From We to I: Making Your Space Your Own After Divorce

By DivorcePlus Staff Editor • May 13, 2024

Divorce, while often painful, also presents an opportunity for personal reinvention and rediscovery. One of the most significant steps you can take in this journey is transforming your living space. After the papers are signed and the boxes moved, you find yourself surrounded by echoes of a shared past. Now is the perfect moment to create a personal sanctuary that reflects who you are and what you love. This transformation isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s a crucial part of the healing process.

Understanding the Emotional Landscape

The space around us can significantly influence our emotions and memories. In the wake of a divorce, your home may still carry the remnants of your past relationship. These can unconsciously tether you to memories and feelings that, while once precious, might now be painful or hindering. It’s essential to sift through these emotional residues. Some items need to go because they hold you back from moving forward. It could be photographs, gifts, or even furniture—anything that anchors you to a past that’s no longer your present.

Redefining Your Space

Redefining your space means aligning it more closely with your personal identity and interests, many of which might have been overshadowed or set aside during your relationship. Did you forego displaying your collection of vintage records or put away your art supplies because your partner didn’t share your enthusiasm? Now is the time to bring those passions back into the light.

Start by removing items that are too connected to your past relationship. This doesn’t mean throwing away everything that was part of your life then, but it does mean evaluating what serves your new life phase. Next, think about what truly brings you joy. It could be as simple as rearranging the furniture to better suit your solo lifestyle or repainting walls to reflect your favorite colors.

"Your home should be a reflection of your soul; each piece of art, each color on the wall, and every piece of furniture should resonate with who you are and who you aspire to be."

Embracing New Additions

Incorporating new elements into your home can signify the new chapter you are embarking on. This might involve investing in art that inspires you or speaks to your newfound freedom. Art has a profound ability to transform a space and can reflect nuanced aspects of your personality. Martine Chaisson, a renowned gallery owner , emphasizes this connection between personal space and self-expression: “Your home should be a reflection of your soul; each piece of art, each color on the wall, and every piece of furniture should resonate with who you are and who you aspire to be.”

Your personal space can also benefit from more photographs of friends and family, symbols of the supportive network around you. These images can serve as daily reminders of the love and camaraderie that supports you, filling your space with positive energy.

The Healing Power of Personal Space

As you shift from ‘we’ to ‘I,’ your home becomes a powerful ground for healing. This transformation allows you to revisit and explore aspects of yourself that might have been neglected. It’s about creating an environment where you can flourish without compromise. The physical act of redesigning your space can also be incredibly therapeutic. It’s a process that allows you to have control—something that might have felt lacking during the tumult of divorce.

Moreover, making your space your own again is an exercise in boundary-setting, not just physically but emotionally and mentally. It’s about recognizing and affirming your needs, desires, and personal growth. As Chaisson aptly puts it in her insights on home decor, your space should not just be a place to live, but a canvas for expressing your deepest self.

With an emphasis on quality, Martine Chaisson Gallery represents emerging and established artists providing a variety of original contemporary art including painting, drawing, photography, and sculpture to enhance both corporate and individual environments.

Moving Forward

While the journey through and beyond divorce can feel overwhelming, redesigning your space provides a tangible way to reclaim your individuality and independence. It’s about celebrating the person you are becoming, with each choice in decor acting as an affirmation of your identity and your right to evolve and embrace joy.

Remember, this process doesn’t have to be completed overnight. It can unfold as you do, evolving as you rediscover old interests and develop new ones. Each step, each decision, brings you closer to creating a home that truly feels like your sanctuary.

While divorce marks the end of a particular chapter of life, it also opens the door to profound personal growth. By transforming your space, you are not just redecorating—you are setting the stage for the next, exciting chapter of your life. So, embrace this opportunity to make your space a true reflection of the person you are and aspire to be. Your home is your haven, and it should celebrate and support your journey wherever it may lead.

< Older Post

 Newer Post >

Talk to a coach today

Subscribe for free updates, tips and more

By clicking “subscribe", I agree to DivorcePlus’s Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. I also agree to receive emails from DivorcePlus and understand that I may opt out at any time.

Contact Us

Latest Posts

Techniques for Managing Divorce Stress

By DivorcePlus Staff Editor • December 24, 2025
Divorce can be one of the most stressful experiences in life, but with the right strategies and support, it doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Here are eight essential life coaching techniques that can help you manage stress and navigate through the complexities of divorce gracefully.
Woman and man at a desk, looking at each other, in an office setting.

How Does Marriage Advice Influence Legal Proceedings?

By DivorcePlus Staff Editor • November 9, 2025
Marriage advice is often seen as a tool for improving personal relationships, but it can also play a significant role when couples face legal proceedings. Whether you’re going through a divorce or separating, understanding how advice from marriage counseling can impact legal outcomes is crucial. The post How Does Marriage Advice Influence Legal Proceedings? appeared first on DivorcePlus.
Person in a video call with a smiling woman on a laptop screen. Both are indoors.

9 Ways Divorce Coaching Can Improve Co-Parenting Relationships

November 9, 2025
Divorce is tough, not just for the couple involved but also for their children. Navigating the waters of co-parenting can be challenging, but with the right guidance, it can become a collaborative and nurturing experience for everyone. Divorce coaching can be a valuable resource in achieving this. Let’s explore how it can enhance co-parenting relationships. The post 9 Ways Divorce Coaching Can Improve Co-Parenting Relationships appeared first on DivorcePlus.
Hands tearing a drawing of a family in half. The drawing shows a father, child, and mother under a sun, with flowers.

How Can Marriage Advice Improve Co-Parenting After Divorce?

By DivorcePlus Staff Editor • November 9, 2025
Divorce is often difficult, but when children are involved, co-parenting becomes an essential focus. Many couples find that marriage advice can offer valuable insights and strategies for improving their co-parenting relationship. Let’s explore how marriage advice can transform the way you work together as co-parents. The post How Can Marriage Advice Improve Co-Parenting After Divorce? appeared first on DivorcePlus.
Laptop screen displaying a video call with four participants. Someone's hands gesture near the screen.

How Expert Guidance Can Ease Your Divorce Journey

By DivorcePlus Staff Editor • October 21, 2025
Navigating a divorce can feel overwhelming and fraught with emotion. But with the right expert guidance, the journey can be made significantly smoother and more manageable. This blog explores the different ways in which professional support can provide clarity and peace of mind during this challenging time. The post How Expert Guidance Can Ease Your Divorce Journey appeared first on DivorcePlus.
Man shaking hands with smiling woman as older couple watches, indoors.

The Benefits of Consulting a Divorce Coach Online

By DivorcePlus Staff Editor • October 15, 2025
Navigating the complexities of divorce can be emotionally draining and incredibly stressful. Thankfully, with the rise of online support, seeking guidance has become more accessible than ever. Consulting a divorce coach online offers unique benefits that can help ease your journey through this challenging time. The post The Benefits of Consulting a Divorce Coach Online appeared first on DivorcePlus.
Two men in suits shaking hands across a table, smiling.

How Can Family Mediation Help Reduce Conflict?

By DivorcePlus Staff Editor • October 13, 2025
Family conflicts can be challenging and distressing for everyone involved. When emotions run high, finding a peaceful resolution often seems impossible. Family mediation is a structured process that offers a constructive way to address these disputes. This blog will guide you through how mediation can effectively help in reducing family conflicts. The post How Can Family Mediation Help Reduce Conflict? appeared first on DivorcePlus.
Family of three smiling while sitting on a white sofa in a waiting room.

Building Mental Strategies for a Healthier Divorce Process

By DivorcePlus Staff Editor • October 13, 2025
Divorce can be one of life’s most challenging events, affecting not only your legal and financial situation but also your mental and emotional well-being. To navigate this difficult path with strength and clarity, it’s vital to develop mental strategies that promote a healthier transition. In this blog, we’ll explore essential techniques to support you through the process, ensuring you’re better equipped to handle the emotional rollercoaster of divorce. The post Building Mental Strategies for a Healthier Divorce Process appeared first on DivorcePlus.
Woman with gray hair and glasses, writing in notebook while looking at laptop. Sitting on couch, indoors.

9 Ways Divorce Coaching Can Improve Co-Parenting Relationships

By DivorcePlus Staff Editor • October 9, 2025
Navigating the complexities of co-parenting after a divorce can be challenging. However, with the right support and guidance, it is possible to create a harmonious and effective co-parenting relationship. Divorce coaching offers valuable tools and insights that can help parents cooperate better and focus on the well-being of their children. Here are some of the ways divorce coaching can transform your co-parenting experience. The post 9 Ways Divorce Coaching Can Improve Co-Parenting Relationships appeared first on DivorcePlus.
Woman with eyes closed, hands on chest, smiling gently outdoors.

10 Tips for Leveraging Expert Guidance for a Smooth Divorce Process

By DivorcePlus Staff Editor • October 8, 2025
Divorce can be one of the most challenging times in anyone’s life. However, with the right expert guidance, navigating the legal and emotional complexities can make the process significantly smoother. This blog presents ten essential tips on how to leverage expert advice wisely, ensuring a more seamless transition. The post 10 Tips for Leveraging Expert Guidance for a Smooth Divorce Process appeared first on DivorcePlus.
Show More