Design is a Powerful Thing...
Sometimes it's easy to question the value of design and pulling together our homes just to our liking and preferences, when so many other pressing concerns exist all around. Is it all simply frivolous, this focus on our homes and design? When taken to an extreme, yes. Yet on the other hand, having a home that welcomes you each day - meeting the needs and interests of each person in the household - can be a pretty wonderful thing. Some days I catch a glimpse of a room or a vignette out of the corner of my eye or my family enjoying being at home, and I just feel so happy to have this home with them.
Seeing a project that turned out just right, and how my family enjoys the space, and I feel joy.
It was worth all the effort...and maybe I'll get around to a few more projects, sometime!
I love the way the light changes the colors of the walls, casting shadows.
And the greenery seen out the windows on a sunny day brightens my mood.
The home is getting broken in, a few dings and bruises,
but I'm happy to see our lives getting played out in such a pretty setting that really gets lived in.
And so, I'm embracing these moments and enjoying this home.
What is your take on the value of design?
23 comments:
Great post....and your home is simply spectacular. I believe home really is where the heart is and should be made to feel like our refuge from the world. Looks like your two darling kids approve of what you have created!! Thanks for sharing.....have a great weekend.
I feel the same way. Sometimes I wonder if I spend too much $ and focus on our home, but now that we're empty nesters, it is so much easier to keep things nice, (although I would trade this for having my kids in the house anyday). It is so important to love and feel a connection with your space. It helps de-stress and is our safe haven from the outside world. Your kids are adorable and deserve the best space you can give them, but more than that, the best of you and your hubby...They certainly are fortunate to have you. Have a great weekend.
xo Nancy
Powellbrowerhome.com
well said. I question my little "obssesion" over all things design, but I agree. It's important to have a home that speaks to you as a family. Welcomes and comforts you. I also think it's not just about pretty things, it's about the creative process. The joy of creating is more than just wanting and having stuff.
And I've just got to tell you, I love that picture of you watching your son. You can just feel the love you have for him from that picture. That's a keeper.
Ditto what Kim above said ... about everything! And to that I'll add I am definitely a function over form kind of girl, but getting to function WITH beautiful form is a worthy goal. You don't want to underestimate the value beauty brings to our lives, and our souls.
Love this post and love your home. It walks the line of a clean tailored feel without being afraid to look welcoming and lived in...really great :)
http://kristinpeakeinteriors.blogspot.com/
I couldn't agree more. First of all, your home is just beautiful. My husband is so cute about sitting back and saying, "Thank you for such a pretty home." It just feels nice to be in a home that is designed with a family in mind. And yes, is it getting some major dings here and there. . . you bet and that's half the beauty and charm. Love the last photo of you two!
Great post...love your perspective on design being an enhancement to our lives by making our homes comfortable and homey. When taken to extremes, it sort of defeats the purpose.
Your home looks like a happy place. :)
First off, I'm just completely in love with your home. I remember the design process. Man, I would log on everyday just to see what else you were doing!
I agree with this post. And I must point out my favorite picture.. The one of you looking at Max. It just makes me smile!
Enjoy your weekend Janell!
Sometimes I wonder the same thing.. am I spending too much time, energy, money, etc. on all this? But my husband always tells me that everyone needs a hobby and something that's fulfilling to them. This is mine. I love that it's good for my family too, and that it's not completely self-serving. But there's a value to doing something you love as well.
What a fun glimpse into your home! I may have missed it, but have you ever shared where you found that little clock? It's adorable!
Have a lovely weekend!
Good question! I love all things design, but sometimes I feel guilty because I have a nice, secure home and I know there is so much suffering in the world. I think reminding myself that it's "just a rug" or "just a lamp" and not the end of the world is important. I loved seeing the joy you get from your home and family, thanks for posting.
Well, as the nice folks at Ikea say, "Home is the most important place in the world." Mine wouldn't win any prizes, but coming back to it is the warmest feeling ever. And if a cushion brings me more lasting pleasure than (say) a dinner out, what's the harm...?
Beautiful post...Home to me is just an extension of family. It is where we all come back to nest....and is full of all the little and big bits of our lives.
Your place is supurb!
There is always value in design when it is designed with purpose and a heart for the people that will be dwelling there. That is why you love your beautifully designed home so much. ♥♥♥ the last image of you and Max!!
Happy weekend,
Kathysue
I too sometimes walk around my home and try to appreciatie the view...like the sun shining through the window on a favorite photo, rug or pillow - right next to a pile of homework, dropped backpack, or pair of shoes casually kicked of (usually right in the walkway!). I appreciate this even more now with one child gone to college and the other growing faster than I can keep up! The mix of pretty and lived in is what makes a house a home. Having a space that we can enjoy living in and looking at is possible, and I love the process of creating this in my own home. Thanks for sharing your beautiful home and thoughts with us!
A beautiful home and a beautiful post.
I think everyone wants to have a comfortable and beautiful home, it makes it nice to come home after a long day at work. However I do not think that in this economic climate, it would be fiscally responsible to speed oodles of money on a home.
That said, it is not my money or my home so I guess to each his own.
What is wonderful is that with the help of your blog, Pinterest and other blogs there are many, many DIY or less expensive alternatives to spending lots of money.
Have a great day, Elizabeth
Well you might be asking the wrong person...since I have been at this for 25 years! You are right to say that it does bring a smile to my face when I walk in my home. Even though there are bigger and better ones around....more than likely there are worse and sometimes no home for some people. So I am grateful to enjoy what I have for sure :)
What a wonderful post - design matters - it's the setting of our life! Once upon a time I wanted to be a writer - and I remember one of my favorite teachers talking about the "setting" and how it can be just as important as the characters in a story. That is what design means to me - your home is just stunning -what a beautiful setting you've created for your family's story!
I love these shots of your home. Little sweet surprises around every turn! The power that a well designed home has on your mood and everyday living never fails to astound me. And no, that doesn't have to cost a lot of money! :)
You KNOW how I feel about this!!! Loved seeing your beautiful home. and the most gorgeous decor was the smile on your face as you gaze at your son!!!!!!
- {darlene} @ fieldstonehilldesign.com
Beautiful and simple home. I like it's simplicity. Thanks for this post. It provides some great insight.
Tool Venture
It has been rightly said by you that design is powerful thing and has agreta impact. Thanks for sharing
Hunter Douglas
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