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Virtual Design Saves Time
January 7, 2010
as well as millions of dimes.
I’ve gone Virtual. We all have really. I mean now ‘adays it’s so easy to conference our colleagues in Cologne and video chat with Vienna. It was time for The Conscious Home to follow suit. I’ve just embarked on a project in Hong Kong — here’s our mood image for the Living Room. Stay tuned for more details as we progress!
Warm, Classic & Comfortable
Virtual Design is just another way to get fully customized, highly personalized Interior Design guidance, as well as learning how to create space that completely compliments who you are, and how you want to live. All while saving you time, money and pescky (costly) mistakes. It all starts with a FR*EE phone consult. Think Virtual + Vision + Vous = Feeling Incredibly and Invariably at Home, in no time flat!
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Why Design Coaching?
December 31, 2009
Would you like to experience more Joy, Peace or Beauty in your life? Are you wanting to break-free and live your Life feeling more connected, awakened and on purpose? Learn how to transform your life through the transformation of your home with The Conscious Home.
The Conscious Home offers a completely new approach to Home, Heart & How-to. Learn how to create a space that truly makes you feel at home; by you and for you. To know more, read on!
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A New Year is Approaching…
December 24, 2009
and the pressure is tremendous. With new beginnings come ideas of a new self, a new start… a fitter, happier, more productive me (Radiohead anyone?).
Well, if you’re anything like me, a new self seems super appealing, yet a bit unrealistic. You see, I’ve tried this before. Year after year in fact. I’m still pretty much me; super optimistic about what could be, mildly amused with all that the world has to offer, and yet in the end downright savvy to my ways. The truth (for me) is that my new behavior will most surely come from a shift in the bedrock of my being, the way I see things. My conclusion? Shifting my “way of being” will not only take time and practice, but Vision.
So my New Year’s resolution for 2010 is to focus more on how I’m seeing the world, and how I’m seeing my place in it. Today, on the Eve of Christmas Eve, I will choose to see and be the Peace I wish to see in the world. It just seems like a nice place to start.
How about you?
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DIY Design — Create a Design Palette for YOU
November 30, 2009
This is a simple Step-by-Step Guide to creating your own design palette.
Step I
- First establish your Cornerstone item. This can be a fabric, vase or piece of art. The first requirement is that you absolutely love it! The second is that it contain at least 3 colors.
- In this example, the “Cornerstone” fabric by Jim Thomson uses 4 colors; white, blue-green, yellow-gold and olive and it printed on a medium weight linen (great for drapes or pillows).
Step II
• Introduce your Main Fabrics. Main fabrics are usually the ones you’ll see most. In this case we’re upholstering a sofa and large accent chair.
o Fabric “B” introduces softness and texture, we’ve decided to use this on the sofa, as it’s deeper color and will ground the space. We especially like this fabric as it matches the olive accents in the Cornerstone Fabric.
o Fabric “C” introduces a woven texture similar the Cornerstone Fabric, which is printed on a linen weave.
Step III
- Introduce your Accent Fabrics. These fabrics are ones that will more than likely be used in smaller doses. For example; dining seat cushions, accent pillows, benches, ottomans, trimming etc. However, they are very important as they assist you in creating layers to your palette. If you consider just using Fabrics “A, B & C” you will not feel the full impact of your Cornerstone Item and the space can feel unfinished.
- Fabrics “D” pulls the blue-green out of the Cornerstone Fabric, as its base is blue-green, but contains a strie of gold. In addition, Leather “E” is an ostrich print that adds interest in texture as well as a greater degree of durability
- Alternatively, Leather “F” reads olive in this palette. Since the Cornerstone Fabrics has a small accent of olive this is a nice color to use as a small accent as well.
Layer your upholstered goods and draperies with varied finishes like burnished bronze or antique mirror. Add books (lots and lots of great books), objets, art, an off-beat area rug on the diaginal and fresh flowers. As John Wheatman always says, “A good house if never done.” Allow your Home to be the organic, living breathing space that it is and you’ll find many moments of joy and comfort await you.
Happy Nesting!
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Clearing Clutter, The Easy Way
November 13, 2009
Clearing clutter can be an anxiety provoking endeavor, AND it can be one of the most liberating action steps you can decide to take. Everything is energy — and if you’re reading this article you’ve probably realized that you don’t want a bunch of stuck energy taking up your precious space! Read on, and have fun!
- Set A Date – Set a time of when you’d like your home to be clutter free. Involve your entire family. It’s a great tool for kids to learn for the future and everyone gets the rush from letting go.
- Ask For Support –
Letting go can bring about confusion and doubt. It helps to have a sounding board (supportive friends, children, neighbor) or if no one is available ask yourself, “does this (______) totally support and nurture me, my family and my home? Is it in alignment with my Vision?” To learn more about “Vision” and how to “The Three Simple Steps to Creating Sacred Space” locate our post labeled, “Creating Sacred Space”. - Prepare – Have garbage bags and marked boxes ready. For example, “Donations”, “7-Day Decision” “Gifts” and “Good Will”. Have a set for every member of your family. Giving everyone their own box empowers your children to make their own decisions, learn to organize and facilitates taking responsibility. Remember, you don’t need to make every decision right away. If confusion or doubt sets in and your sounding board or your litmus-test questions aren’t working, put it in the “7-Day Decision” box and move on.
- Leverage – Also, if you are clear about an organizing project that may be long and time consuming – hire someone to box up and alphabetize those files or organize your basement. Delegate and free up your energy for the next decision.
- Remember The Process – It may take several runs through before you get to the end of the box. Whether you do it all weekend or for a few ours each Sunday is entirely up to you. Just do it. You will not regret it.
- Be Fearless & Honest – Don’t be afraid if everything goes. I had an experience a couple of years ago, where I went through my closet – asking myself, “do I absolutely love this?”. I ended up donating ¾ of my clothes, shoes, belts, bags, you name it. I had things I didn’t even remember, things that were worn out or didn’t quite fit (even after alterations). The purge felt great. I felt free, light and more energized. The cosmic lesson came when I realized the Universe wouldn’t give me more, unless I was engaged with what I had. We’ve all heard, “use it or lose it”. The same applies with “stuff”!
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A Simple Coat of Paint!
November 6, 2009
The right paint color can make a room — not to mention it’s the least expensive way to transform the look of a space. So when considering a new look, follow these tips:
Step I — Take color clues from existing furnishings, artwork and adjacent spaces. Is there a color or hue that would uplift your flooring, furniture, favorite artwork?
Step II — Think of the “feel” you’re wanting to achieve; read my posting on “Creating Sacred Space”, as this will provide you with tips on how to make a design decision using your creative intuition.
Step III — Once a color direction has been established, look at all of the colors on the paint strip, the darker colors will inform you where your color has been derived from and can give you clues as to its base colors; blue, yellow and red, or green, purple and orange. If the color leans into the reds it’s wise to evaluate if the existing room colors are complimentary to red.
Step IV — Test all colors on your walls prior to committing. The advantage of paint is that it’s not permanent, and yet it’s still nice to only have to apply it once! Paint a large 2’x2’ (60x60cm) swatch on all four walls. The natural daylight will effect the color, so watch the color throughout the day and evening this will be the true test of the color.
Paint Finish Tips:
I suggest using a matte finish on walls — this will mitigate imperfections in the wall and appear to have a softer effect. However, eggshell or satin finish will reflect more light and can create an interesting effect if used as an accent. Steer clear of any higher sheen finish, as the high shine draws a lot of attention. Most flats in Hong Kong do not have the architectural detailing that warrants this type of finish. See the posting titled “A Simple Coat of Paint” for an illustration of how impactful color can be!
Before Photo:
James realized he wanted to feel the drama of the art he had collected over the years. So his Vision catch word was “Drama”! Without a big budget we decided to use a simple coat of paint for starters. This small change transformed his whole experience.
After Photo:
“I didn’t realize it could be so simple. I love it and can really feel the Drama!”
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