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The Proportion Principle
I’m often asked where most design mistakes are made. Many come to mind, like latching on to quickly outdated trends, forcing furnishings or a design style that is incongruous to a home’s architecture, or doing DIY when a skilled professional is required. But one of the biggest mistakes a trained design eye will catch right away is the wrong proportion.
The Game Changer
I recently read a wonderful article by Paula Wallace, who is the President and Founder of Savannah College of Art and Design. S.C.A.D. has a stellar reputation for its arts and design programs and is considered a leading school for these endeavors.
The title of the article was “How Design Makes the World (Measurably) Better”. In
it, Ms. Wallace recounts the vision she had over 4 decades ago for the dilapidated former armory in the (then) downtrodden city of Savannah. The revitalization of this building didn’t just have an immediate impact on the institution that was being birthed. The energy that was being directed into the pursuit of restoration, renovation, and rejuvenation not only impacted the buildings’ immediate surroundings, but it impacted the resurgence of life into the city of Savannah itself. As Ms. Wallace states, “Once imposing, the former armory became inviting and encouraged Savannah to see it’s best self”.
How Do I Love Thee?
By the time February rolls around, most of us are tired of complaining about the cold weather and the latest strains of Covid that are putting a monkey wrench into things. But I actually look forward to February because they hold one of the most important days of the year, Valentine’s Day.
Words To Live By
Sometimes in life we hear a piece of music or read something that stops us in our tracks. It is usually something that has been distilled to a few simple sounds or words that conveys or sums up something so profound it could otherwise take volumes to explain. I happened to once again come across the simple little sentence that speaks to me on the deepest of soul levels, and it validates my purpose for showing up on this earth.
“I am going to make everything around me beautiful - that will be my life.”
Can You Spare Some Change?
I’d been talking to a friend about the subject of change. She wondered why it was difficult for her husband to entertain the notion of even changing a paint color. It was a source of great frustration to her, but I assured her that her situation was not unique.
Many people embrace change with curiosity and pleasure. Yet for others, the mere thought of changing a paint color, let alone changing a pattern of behavior or long held belief, can lead to paralysis.
Getting From “Before” to Happily Ever After
One of the best perks of being an interior designer is that I get to accompany people through the process of making a thought or a dream turn into a reality.
Last week I was standing with a client in her newly renovated rooms and reminisced about where we had stared and marveled at where we’d ended up. I wish I could say it happened by magic wand, but we knew better.
The Gray Zone
There’s a chill in the evening air in my part of the country and the evening sky is getting dark earlier and earlier every day. Yes, October is here. When I think of my associations with this month I always think that are scary or defy our understanding. Perhaps it’s because it’s the month of All Hallows Eve (Halloween) or that gnarled, leafless trees and dark country roads on a moonless night stir some primal fear of the unknown. But I have experienced my fair share of the strange and unexplained for most of my life. Sometimes I forget that not everyone has these same experiences, but I am used to eye rolls and skeptics. But in the spirit of the month of goblins and ghouls I thought I’d share a few stories of my own.