SERENE SPACES: Surround yourself with candles, family photos, and other things that have meaning to you and bring you joy.

Jagatjoti is a designer and founder of Tara Home, which has three shops in Los Angeles and one in Scottsdale, Arizona. His new book shows how simple furnishings like a hand-carved wooden chair, a stone statue of Ganesh, colorful silk pillows, or graceful translucent curtains can transform a basic room into an oasis of beauty, harmony, and grace. Drawing upon the inspiration of craftspeople and artisans in India, Tibet, Nepal, and China, Jagatjoti suggests simple yet profound ways to fill your home with inspiring materials, art, and furniture that bring an Eastern sensibility to today’s Western home.

Jagatjoti’s words from the book’s introduction summarize how to apply his perspective to your home environment: “It is about designing a sacred living space that embodies the architecture of your soul and connects your consciousness to infinity; that uplifts your spirit; keeps you holy-minded; embraces and supports the fullness of your worldly life; and emanates the energy, atmosphere, and fragrance of what we call sacred. It is about making your home the altar, not the alternative.

“What do you want to experience and feel in your home—beauty, calmness, grace, radiance, joy? What do you want your home to embrace in your life and provide for you and your family—stability, prosperity, opportunity, creativity, spirituality? An ‘altared’ home is a sanctuary for the body, heart, and soul of you and your family.

“In your essence, you are already whole, complete, and perfect, and you can create a living environment that reflects and supports this. It is your birthright to be surrounded by beauty, to know peace and joy, to live royally and happily in a sacred home that elevates your life, uplifts your spirit, restores your soul, and connects you with the flow of love and prosperity of the universe.” 0

Jagatjoti’s Tips Learn how to decorate your way to happiness.