You’re supposed to surround yourself with positive people if you want to succeed and live a happy life, but what about the times you’re alone? We spend a good deal of time in our homes, and we don’t always think about the way our living space looks as having an impact on our mood and mental health… but it does!

I like to think about this in application to home decorating and design: Organization is different for everyone, but I know that I have a much easier time creating when I can physically see my workspace and know where all my supplies are. Creative people are notorious for a messy living space because of the way our minds work. We constantly have dozens of “tabs” open in our minds, always thinking of the next project. Some people thrive in a messy area as long as they know where things are, and some people don’t because everyone is different.

Since everyone’s tastes are different, there isn’t a one-tutorial-fits-all post to write up to make your living environment the ideal space for you. Some people might need a lot of white space, some prefer to cover corner-to-corner. Themes can range from color to time period, color palettes can be muted or neon. It’s all up to you.

Today is the start of a new series where I interview people with beautiful living spaces. These people don’t live in mansions, but they have made every square foot count. I’m going to give you a peek into their homes, where I hope you can draw inspiration from their decor. Remember that I can’t tell you how to decorate, but I hope that what you take away from this is the importance of creating a place to play, work, and sleep that is aesthetically pleasing and inspiring to you.

Up first is April of April’s Twisted Entertainment. She lives in a one bedroom, one bathroom house with a big basement. She actually went to school for interior design and worked at a firm called Designing Women for eight years, so she’s not exactly a newbie to this whole making shit beautiful thing. She doesn’t decorate professionally anymore, but she is available for hire for all of your party and entertainment needs— hello face paint, stilts, and elaborate balloon twisting!

Has decorating your living space always been something that interests you?

“Yes, I wanted to be an interior designer as a child.”

Has the amount of space you have to work with ever intimidated you, be it large or small?

“I think design challenges are always fun, so small or big doesn’t matter.”

Where do you tend to go first for furniture or decor purchases for yourself?

“I usually go to Home Goods, thrift stores, second chance stores, or yard sales.”

Would you rather make something yourself or find an already-made cheap option?

“I usually can’t find the exact thing that I want, so I end up making it anyway whether it’s painting or altering it in some way.”

Do you have any tips for people with small living spaces?

“Yeah! Give me a call!”

How has creating a beautiful space affected your happiness and productivity?

“I… have to do this. I don’t know why. I can’t live in a space that’s just white walls. I have to bring in color somehow or do something weird.”

What’s your favorite thing in your house?

“My basement– the toy room because it’s so fun and colorful.”

The upstairs of April and Sean’s house is very adult-like at first glance. The color schemes are elegant, there’s a lot of texture, and most of the seating is on chairs or couches. Going downstairs is like going into a wonderland you didn’t know you could still enter as a grown-up. There are swings, stuffed animals, and a black-lit room with a glowing bubble machine. Hula hoops, candy, inflatables, and… did I mention a ball pit? She has an adult-sized ball pit in her house.

Don’t let the upstairs fool you, though. That gorgeous fabric-covered ceiling is what stands over our head when we’re about to do lip-sync performances, otherwise known as “backstage”. And that wall next to those gorgeous animal-spotted chairs actually turns into a stage. This residence is home to the coolest couple I know, as well as the most elaborate, and fun parties you’ll ever have the pleasure of attending.

Make sure you follow April’s entertainment business on Facebook and contact her if you need any advice on decorating. What’s your favorite part of April’s house?

If you think you’re a candidate for a beautiful living space interview, please e-mail me! I promise you don’t have to have a ball pit to be eligible.