Design is a process of discovery. In our twenties and thirties, feathering our nests is done at a frenetic pace driven hard by biological needs and cultural conditioning. We go out into the world trying to build our identities. Fascinating objects, colors, and textures are all around us. It is intoxicating to bring treasures home that we have never possessed before. As time goes by, our nests become full, maybe too full, and buying more stuff is not as fun anymore. As disillusionment sets in, our false identities built through things gradually fall away, and we start feathering our nests based on other ideas such as love, reverence, sharing, and cooperation. Our homes then begin to serve as a place to nurture ourselves, honor our deepest values, and celebrate the people in our lives. We discover ourselves through design.
Archive for January, 2009
A roller filled with paint is a magic wand. With wand in hand, you can bring a room to life. It all starts by taking a good, long look at your room. Is there a fabulous fireplace? Are the windows extraordinary? Is there an interesting ceiling treatment that deserves to be highlighted? Once you have identified the exciting features in your room, grab your magic wand, the paint roller. Paint the unique features a couple of shades darker or lighter than the wall color to make them stand out from the crowd. For a dramatic look, paint the features white to really make them pop. Welcome to the magical world of paint!
Beauty is all around us whether we see it or not. If we are too consumed with thinking about past events or future endeavors, our ability to recognize beauty is diminished. Most of us too preoccupied to notice would walk past a wall busy with peeling paint, but a quiet mind focused on the present moment would notice the subtle shades of color aged by the elements. Inspiration for a color palette can be found in the most unlikely of places. Cultivate a quiet mind rooted in the present and wait for inspiration to unfold.
