In a world of infinite choices and possibilities, it’s pretty easy to get caught up with the craze, especially when it comes to you and your home. Do you remodel and invest in your house, or does it make sense to move? Should you plan on tackling the kitchen this year or should we just wait for a better time? Assuming one will exist…
What is surprising to me is how many people I encounter that have intentions of enjoying their home but then don’t. There are a number of reasons for this. They don’t know what they want, not surprising when there are a million and one possibilities out there. How can I settle on something when I may like something else better in the future?
Others can’t commit, they won’t allow themselves to grow roots in a place, fearing that they will never recoup their investments. Not knowing that enjoying your home in a way that makes your heart sing is worth every penny. They might splurge and buy a piece of furniture they saw advertised in Sunday’s paper, but the joy is short lived when they come to realize that a new piece of furniture doesn’t make for an interesting room. Their back where they started, but now with a new couch that they’re not even sure they like.
When I think of these examples, I can’t help but wish that these people could get in touch with themselves before outside sources do. If they only knew the value of working with someone that is experienced in figuring out their needs and desires by asking the right questions, and I’m not talking about a salesperson on a showroom floor. I mean someone that is working for them and looking at the bigger picture…a designer. Someone that is a problem solver and can reconcile all the objectives, constrains, and personal preferences that a project can entail, while still providing something special to the homeowner.
Interior design to me is not about buying a look; it’s about creating a lifestyle that supports you. It’s about uncovering your joys in life and figuring out a way to have them around you in an authentic way. It’s about finding ways to support your lifestyle and actives that you love to do. Its not about acquiring things you don’t use or filling unnecessary space, but rather giving meaning to the things you choose to have in your home and your life. In essence, it’s about embracing your authentic self and letting your unique blend of history, life experience and point of view, transcend into your home and bring meaning to it.
~Karin