Blog | The Conscious Home

Texture Treats

March 6, 2010

Barn Door, France

I look for inspiration where ever I am…which is not hard when you’re walking the French countryside. This barn door looked so fab to me, I kept it in my design library for the last year as a pick me up. Once it fully percolated I saw sisal, venetian plaster and linens creating a beautiful, relaxed country retreat.

Sisal Flooring

Venetian Plaster in French Blue

Ivy Pattern Printed on Linen by Galbraith & Paul

I love a monochromatic palette that just plays on texture. Chic, oui?! Now I’m content to sit back and see who and what space will be the lucky recipient!

Happy Nesting Everyone

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Paint Color Scientifically Proven to Attract More Love

March 5, 2010

Have you ever asked yourself, “if my walls could talk, what would they say?” Have you ever listened? The thing is, our Homes are living breathing things. In order to support us, our space needs our Love and attention — this is the case in every part of our life. Have you noticed how your friendships really thrive when you engage in them, instead of getting into that whole judge-y, avoidance thing. Why wouldn’t this be the case with our Homes as well? By asking this question, we are in essence communing with our Homes. Much like we commune with nature, taking communion with our Homes can bring about great insight.

The Oxford Dictionary defines communion as, “the sharing of intimate thoughts and feelings”. What could be more Attractive & Loving than that!

If These Walls Could Talk, What Would They Say?

I recently asked my home, “what do you have to say?”. And I was astounded at what I heard. “Quit being so mean” was the first retort, followed by “what did I ever do to you?” and “alright already, uncle!” I decided that Communion has to play a larger part in “The Conscious Home” credo. This approach is powerful for two reasons.

First, just as a love relationship can only take a certain amount of our negative energy before it doesn’t want to hang out with us anymore, the same goes for our Homes. It’s so easy to criticize our space when we think it’s an inanimate object. But what if it weren’t. What if quantum physicists are right when they postulate, thoughts become things. Enough looking down your nose at your meek (yet innocent) Entryway and you could end up with a pit in your stomach every time you come home. Enough pits in your stomach and you could really start to feel weighted down. Do you really want that?

Secondly, if we’re criticizing our home as “not good enough”, isn’t that really just another way of saying, “I’m not good enough”? How could an Entryway be so wrong. I mean, do you really want pits in our stomach and to reinforce an erroneous feeling of not-good-enough-ness? Ugh. I could think of better ways of spending my days. Like asking myself, “how do I want to feel in this space?” and “what do you need, my pitiful little Entry?” You may find those walls could talk. You may find that you want to feel welcomed and loved by your Home, and so you return the favor by splashing bright turquoise about. It reminds me of my client’s lightwell (sad and dingy) which she can see from her powder room — a bit of color punch puts a smile on her face everyday

Dim Lightwell Gets Facelift: Love Ensues Shortly Thereafter

No matter where you live or the situation you’re living in – choose to commune with your home by sharing your intimate thoughts and feelings with It. As you ask what is needed, you will be answered. And if the answer is a fresh coat of paint — then pick the color you Love and watch how Love and your attraction to It grows in your life.

“I believe that if we see design as a way of shaping the future, it should communicate not only who we are, but also how we would ideally like our world to be.” Tord Boontje

Happy Nesting!

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Clutter; is that what’s really holding you back?

February 25, 2010

Clearing clutter is such a hot topic these days! And while many people find great freedom in clearing their clutter, I want to suggest that clutter is not the real issue – it’s all that surrounds us that has the capacity to either support or undermine us in the life we want to live. Everything is energy, that’s why clutter can be so draining because it’s like having tons of little energy units that keep calling out, “Hello… over here…didn’t you want to do something with me? … Don’t forget about me, I’m sure I’m important because you’ve kept me around for so long… Hey, treat me like the special thing that I am! Engage me!” You know, something like that — gives me a headache as I write it. So please, by all means, organize your desk, recycle what you no longer need/use and have a system for incoming mail.

This simple act will free up your energy to get to the things that really matter to you. What is your heart really longing for – yes, that dream or desire that has been kept at bay by your non-functioning closet or bathroom that offends you every time you enter. What are you really wanting, that you can’t face because you believe you couldn’t possibly have it?

Engage in that inquiry, and soon you will be on the path to aligning your Home with who you are, and how you really want to Live.

“for our homes are a reflection of our psyches – the way you choose to decorate it speaks reams about the way you view the world; your hopes and aspirations; your deepest insecurities and fears.”

Spirit of The Home, Jane Alexander

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Design Budgets: 3 Tips to Making ‘em Stick

February 12, 2010

Okay, I think it’s time to bring up that ugly word no one ever wants to talk about…MONEY. That’s right, I’ve said it and now I don’t want to take it back. Ironically, us humans can be quite driven by money but we do everything in our power to avoid discussing it. Is it that we’re all so worried that money is such a clear reflection of who we are, that we feel it an impolite topic? Or we feel bad if we think we don’t have enough of it? I know I’ve fallen into that trap. And, being a residential designer, I know my clients have fallen into that trap too. Something along the lines of, “if I can’t afford that sofa, I must be an idiot, what have I done wrong with my life?” Which nicely translates into, “if I don’t have enough, then I must not be enough.” Not sure about this? Well, how the heck did the line “you’re so money” take off like wild fire? Ouch. It’s like we’ve taken a silly pill and mistaken ourselves for our stuff. Anyway, let’s puts some perspective on all this. Your Home is akin to your second skin — that very personal, dynamic space that protects, nurtures and restores you…if you let it. Home’s very nature is to reflect you back to YOU. If your Life experience ultimately begins with you, then your Home is a reflection of where it all begins.

Being wise = looking like a Foxy Financier

Given that, it’s no wonder we want to nest it up a bit. By all means! To me, this is the the fun part of life. But, since we’re whole people, we also have to account for all the other aspects of our lives, which include being wise stewards of our resources.

So, on that note — here are three tips to being savvy, wise and wonderful while having a budget and makin’ it stick.

Have One! Yes, I know, I know you’ve heard this before. But, a lot of people don’t know what is it or how to get it. I’ve seen a lot of people move forward on projects with a vague idea of “the highest quality for the least amount possible”. Of course. But, are you expecting your new chair to look and feel comfortable after 10 years? Or, do you feel that your 2 year old will trash it, so it’s not the time to invest in anything that’s not meant to live past her 8th birthday. This is what I mean. Know what you’re ultimately wanting. Why are you redecorating? Why now? What do you hope to experience more of as a result? Now this is where a lot of people want to zone out and go to sleep — because it confronts us to speak aloud who we are and what it is we truly want. The longer we stay vague about all this, the more we avoid the real stuff – committing to it. Committing to ourselves. Scary, that word commitment. But, don’t be fooled, if we want to live from a place of choice we have to commit. Choose your budget, carve 10% out for contingency and commit to it. It’s called freedom through discipline — it hurts at first, but only like pulling off a band-aid.

Price It All, Before You Buy It All: This seems so simple, but I can’t tell you how many times I’ve seen clients get caught up in “it’s was on sale, so I just had to get it!…Can we make it work?” Wellll, maybe. But a bargain isn’t a bargain unless you know what you’re costing it against. If you already know that you’re allocating $3,000 toward your sofa, because you’ve selected and priced all of your items, then you’d know if that item is a bargain. But what if you could have gotten your drapes for 1/2 off (because of another sale!) and you could have re-allocated the extra money into upgrading your sofa to something you would have liked better. It just would have been good to know, right? When all of your numbers are in, you can then wisely steward your money accordingly and make a more conscious choice about either adding more funds, delaying a purchase or buying the cheaper chicken. This gets me to my next tip.

Know Thyself – and love thyself in every way possible. Part of loving yourself is only spending the money you have — and feeling really, really good about it. (ps: I’ve actually done this before, and it felt really really good). So, how much money do you have? What are you comfortable investing? I’ve gotten a bit bolder these days so if my client doesn’t propose a budget at the beginning of a project, I start throwing #’s out: how do you feel about spending $10,000 for a new Bedroom? How about $30,000? Once we’ve taken into account the whole picture; ie: who my clients are (as people, not their pedigree or profession), how they want to live and how much money they’re comfortable investing — a number comes to the surface that feels right.

In the words of the Rev, “Wise commitments do not bind us, they free us. When you make an unconditional commitment to (yourself), the energy of the Universe matches you at the point of your commitment. And grace is always in service to the sincerely committed.” Rev. Michael Beckwith, Author of Spiritual Liberation and Founder of Agape International Spiritual Center of Truth.

Hope this helped,

Happy Investing & Happy Nesting!

Topics: The Conscious Home | 2 Comments »

Elle Decor’s “Style & Substance”, and Inspiration

February 5, 2010

I’m feeling totally inspired Which usually happens when I’ve spent a little time perusing design shops or lusting after textiles. But, yesterday I attended Design Week at SF Design Center and got to hear Margaret Russell speak, of Elle Decor fame. Her topic was “Style & Substance”, which is the title of her new book that features 20 years of terrific, inspiring and yes even “ugh” interiors (you can’t like them all). Anyway, the whole talk injected me with inspiration and got me to thinking, what’s the real key to having great style, and living with substance? These days it’s become so hard to answer the question, “what is style?” Because, let’s face it, there are a million ways to upholster a bench — some work for us and some don’t.

However, I think there is an answer to the question, “what is substance?”. Simply put, I believe substance is meaning. It’s that oh-so-personal je ne sais quoi that is sitting on the tips of our tongues, or at times squarely in our laps. The meaning behind our interiors is who we are and how we want to live. It’s that divine moment when we make the leap from “what will I do with this odd shaped living room?” to building double sided bookcases that create a space that works amazingly well — forgetting about resale value and what the neighbors will think. Style & Substance comes from fearlessly getting to know yourself and courageously expressing it. Anais Nin once said, “Life shrinks or expands in proportion to one’s courage.” So express on.

: Margaret Russell & Me (shoulders up to ears = excitement)

And Happy Nesting!

ps: I met Margaret Russell at the book signing after — in a fit of delirium I told her I’ve been blogging. She politely accepted my card and said she’d check it out. So, if you’re reading this Margaret…welcome and thank you for all the years of inspiration!

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Color Trends of 2010

February 2, 2010

I recently read an article outlining a well known paint company’s colors trends for 2010 — said paint company shall remain anonymous b/c they’re all doing it; textile manufacturers, flooring experts, fashion designers, you name it. This particular spokeswoman touted 2010 as the year of “optimism”, due to people’s belief in the economy’s recovery. Huh? What does the color of my kitchen have to do with the Dow Jones Industrial Average?

Anyway, I say forget about the trends and choose what YOU like. Allow the need for “trend” to be relegated to 14-year-old teens who need to fit in with their peers — it’s a healthy part of their individuating process. Just remember, there’s a reason skinny jeans only look good on girls who weigh in at 88lbs soaking wet.

See www.kwid.com for some FAB design photos

See www.kwid.com for some trend setting inspiration

Unless you’re trendy by nature, I say spend your time finessing out your look. Courtney Cox is known for her retro mid-century look, which works great for the houses she’s buying. Kelly Wearstler is know for LA Drama-Glam (which by the way I LOVE), but sooo does not work in my little Northern CA townhouse. In the end, I say take home decor trends with a grain of salt. The real question is, what speaks to you? what works for you? Who are you and how do you want to Live?

Happy Nesting!

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Girl’s Room DIY Design, made easy!

January 28, 2010

Just found these great wall decals…where have I been? They’re great!

It’s just another example of invention being the mother of necessity… and what I needed was a very fun, inexpensive way to create some panache in my client’s daughter’s room. This little one is only 12, but quite clear about what she wants! “Pink!” So my thinking: a terrific and inexpensive daybed (Ikea “Hemnes”) dressed in raspberry & mango, accented in chocolate (of course!) with a bit of monogram flourish to boot! Picture this monogram detail against a luscious berry pink wall in satin finish. Yum!

Find @ www.etsy.com/shop/shanon1972

I also found these great stencils, and am just intent on finding a place for them as well. The possibilities are endless

www.cuttingedgestencils.com

Here’s to Divine DIY! Happy Nesting!

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Is there another way to Feng Shui?

January 27, 2010

I saw a client this weekend who’d called me after having a rather disappointing meeting with her Feng Shui consultant. I’ve got nothing against the Feng Shui — except this; it isn’t always about you. And in my world, my Home is about me, and of course my husband. Our Home is about us. This is what I was telling my client, the one who loved, loved, loved her red living room walls but was told that she needed to re-paint them if she was going to invite more love into her life. Hmmm. Really?

One of my own: A Bold & Vibrant Kitchen, which my client "Loves!"

Well, I’m thinking if you walk in your front door and see your red living room, all rich and inviting, and you say that you “love” it…that’s the kinda love I want in my life. My design advice? Know thyself and love thyself in every way you can…after all, you are the real Feng Shui master!

Topics: DIY | 2 Comments »

“Conscious Consumerism”, the new consumer confidence

January 23, 2010

Conscious Consumerism…that awake and aware state of being when we consciously bring something or someone into our lives which supports, uplifts and inspires us to live more fully. Whether it be new drapes, a trip to the grocery, or making a new friend; when we are awake and aware we are more likely to make good decisions for ourselves. Decisions that are in alignment with who we are and the Vision we hold for our lives. When these conscious moments happen they not only save time and conserve our resources but ultimately they feel glorious and set us free.

Free from what I call the bind of “consumer confidence” — an economist’s way of evaluating our countries financial health; ie: a healthy economy is when people are buying stuff. Hmmm, this seems suspicious. Do we need this stuff? Does this stuff support us in how we live or align with the Vision we hold for ourselves.

To me, our ability to consume consciously is imperative to creating The Conscious Home. For example, how do we know if blue is the “right” color for the bedroom? Or this Sofa vs that Sofa? Well, we don’t if we haven’t gotten in touch with the Vision we hold for our lives, and asked ourselves, “does this _____ match my Vision; the aesthetic vibe that I’m wanting to experience more of in my life (ie: Peace, Tranquility, Beauty or Joy)?” I can tell you if this blue or that blue will look good with your flooring or artwork, but in the end you know so much more about what works for you than I ever will. After all, it is your space your affecting, not that of your designer. So the next time your about to buy a bench or bedside table ask yourself, “Am I confident that this purchase is conscious?”, and notice what happens. You will soon be surrounded by things you love and value, things that uplift, support and inspire — true consumer confidence.

Happy nesting!

If you want to learn more about the role consumption takes in our society you may want to check out www.thestoryofstuff.com.

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Virtual Design from San Fran to Hong Kong

January 21, 2010

So I said I’d keep you posted — sorry it’s taken me so long! I’m happy to report my client and I have landed on a great “classic but casual” aesthetic, using lots of linens and some cushy velvet. Check it out!