Oprah advocates that our homes should rise up to meet us. What a compelling notion.
Don't you agree that the best homes are the ones that reflect the owners and meet their needs? Our homes are an intimate expression of who we are. Yes, intimate. Think about it. When we leave our homes, countless strangers see how we present ourselves to the world, while only those few we invite into our homes, see us in that oh-so-personal environment which we create for ourselves and within which our daily lives unfold. And, according to Oprah, this space should rise up: It is not just a repository for all of our "stuff," but a place -- one hopes -- of comfort, of joy, a refuge and a shelter; a space that celebrates our lives and who we are. The means by which a home can accomplish this are as varied as the owners who reside within them. For one, a tattered treasured find is pieced together like a collage to make the most of a beautiful old paper, and a bedroom is transformed. How exquisite.
For another, it might start with a prettily painted front door, the kind that evokes a sense of welcoming calm every time you see it.
Alternatively, you might prefer a door that radiates sunshine and makes you smile; once you open it, a tranquil oasis awaits you.
Perhaps you value a relaxed, comfortable environment with sink-into-me-and-stay seating that encourages prolonged conversation...
Or, you're a glitz-and-glamour guy or girl, who feels most at home in a light-filled, art-graced room of sophisticated elegance.
Whatever your style or taste, here are a few ideas on how your home might rise up to meet you.
Only bring in things you really love or really need. This doesn't mean your space needs to be bare-bones minimum. Look at the kitchen below -- it's chocked full of china, but with the restrained palette and the beautiful presentation, it wows.
Clear the clutter. Closely linked to the philosophy above, and supported by sound organisation, when everything has a place, clutter can be kept at bay.
Add a dose of your favourite colour (if it isn't there already!) somewhere, anywhere. It is guaranteed to bring you joy every time you see it, so indulge.
Give the things you love centre stage for easy access. This homeowner ensures her favourite books are close at hand for daily perusing by making them the core of her coffee table display.
Honour mementos. Placing meaningful family photos in the space the family most often uses -- brilliant!
Skip the trends and embrace your personal style. Not a touch of mid-century modern, industrial chic, or whatever the latest trend is, just simple, fresh beauty.
Finally, be inspired by interior designer, Michael Whaley who painted his front door his favourite colour: a deep but vivid purple. "It makes me smile every time I come down the driveway," he states, "and I love how it complements the green glaze of my [garden] pots." (House Beautiful, Sept 2012) Now that's a home that is certainly rising up.
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| Fragmented hand-painted 18th-century Chinese wallpaper |
Don't you agree that the best homes are the ones that reflect the owners and meet their needs? Our homes are an intimate expression of who we are. Yes, intimate. Think about it. When we leave our homes, countless strangers see how we present ourselves to the world, while only those few we invite into our homes, see us in that oh-so-personal environment which we create for ourselves and within which our daily lives unfold. And, according to Oprah, this space should rise up: It is not just a repository for all of our "stuff," but a place -- one hopes -- of comfort, of joy, a refuge and a shelter; a space that celebrates our lives and who we are. The means by which a home can accomplish this are as varied as the owners who reside within them. For one, a tattered treasured find is pieced together like a collage to make the most of a beautiful old paper, and a bedroom is transformed. How exquisite.
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| The beguiling beauty of the papered wall as viewed from hall |
For another, it might start with a prettily painted front door, the kind that evokes a sense of welcoming calm every time you see it.
Alternatively, you might prefer a door that radiates sunshine and makes you smile; once you open it, a tranquil oasis awaits you.
Perhaps you value a relaxed, comfortable environment with sink-into-me-and-stay seating that encourages prolonged conversation...
Or, you're a glitz-and-glamour guy or girl, who feels most at home in a light-filled, art-graced room of sophisticated elegance.
Whatever your style or taste, here are a few ideas on how your home might rise up to meet you.
For Your Consideration: Why don't you...
Clear the clutter. Closely linked to the philosophy above, and supported by sound organisation, when everything has a place, clutter can be kept at bay.
Add a dose of your favourite colour (if it isn't there already!) somewhere, anywhere. It is guaranteed to bring you joy every time you see it, so indulge.
Give the things you love centre stage for easy access. This homeowner ensures her favourite books are close at hand for daily perusing by making them the core of her coffee table display.
Honour mementos. Placing meaningful family photos in the space the family most often uses -- brilliant!
Skip the trends and embrace your personal style. Not a touch of mid-century modern, industrial chic, or whatever the latest trend is, just simple, fresh beauty.
Finally, be inspired by interior designer, Michael Whaley who painted his front door his favourite colour: a deep but vivid purple. "It makes me smile every time I come down the driveway," he states, "and I love how it complements the green glaze of my [garden] pots." (House Beautiful, Sept 2012) Now that's a home that is certainly rising up.
Images via the following: Elle Decor, House Beautiful,
Martha Stewart, tumblr and Vogue
