There's a saying in the interior decorating world: Form follows function. Meaning? The beauty of your home is not only about beautiful decor, but, more importantly, about your home functioning beautifully. HOME should support us in the highs and lows of life and provide a safe haven for those that live inside.
Our homes must be:
Healthy - The number one job of our home is to support our spiritual, emotional and physical well-being.
Clean your air filters
Vacuum the dust
Open the windows and let in the fresh air
Use non-toxic products, low/no VOC paints and products without off-gassing
Organized - Stop fighting your spouse, your kids, your bad habits. First, take a moment to look around (decorator hint: take a picture!) and see how you're living now.
Kids constantly kicking their shows off by the door? Rather than nagging them to return the shows to their bedrooms, put a basket by the door to store them!
Mail getting stacked on the counter (or the piano/desk/other) as a stopping point before filing? Stop fighting the habit and put a container where it's getting stacked to contain it. File later!
Everything needs a home. (decorator hint: everything should be easier to put away than to take out!)
Give your car keys/handbag/briefcase a regular home.
Your coffee mug/wine glass/sippy cup need a resting spot next to your comfy chair or sofa.
Make mornings happier with a clothes closet that is well organized and bathroom drawers that are well thought out. Custom closets are wonderful but you can be organized on any budget!
Have more fun prepping dinner with a well organized, well designed kitchen.
Memory Making - Our homes are the foundation of our traditions and relationships. Make sure your home supports them. Is your home set up to immediately do something fun? Be able to practice and celebrate important traditions at the drop of a hat. What do you like to do? Do you have a place to do it?
Musician? Have a place to practice, perform, create.
Artist? A space to be inspired.
Working from home? Don't let the home office interfere with LIVING (decorator tip: offices in bedrooms? BIG no no!!)
Sports Enthusiast? A game room/tv room/rec room/outdoor sports court/area that supports your favorite family activity
Love to cook? Invest in your kitchen.
Environment - Use color, fabrics, design and props (accessories & treasures) so your home will remind you of special events and reinforce family hobbies and traditions. Be sure to display:
Family photos
Travel treasures & memorabilia
Emotionally connected pieces of art (something handed down or kid-crafted)
Favorite books, journals, scrapbooks, cookbooks
(Decorator tip: The use of aesthetic touches will "marry" these various personalities into one, cohesive package)
A final HOME note: The decorating doesn't matter as much as the balance a well-designed home brings. Only when the needs of the people in the home have been supported will the decorating process become complete.
Happy Decorating!
Pamela Sandall is an interior designer that helps homeowners create a warm & welcoming home. She wants her clients home filled with the treasures and decorating style that complement those that live there. She offers many affordable design solutions from an online diy design training to online to decorating to full service design. Visit her online @ http://www.pamelasandalldesign.com. Be sure to take advantage of her free, seven day mini-course, available on the homepage.
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