I’ve been thinking a lot about design lately, and how and why we make the choices that we do for the spaces in our lives. It may seem obvious, but when we think about designing and decorating the spaces of our homes, we need to start with one very important question. A question that is often overlooked, which is, how do you want to feel in the space? Of course, we all want to feel comfortable, and we want our spaces to reflect our personalities. But if we dig deeper, we will find out just what it is about a space that allows this to happen. We can get to that point by asking ourselves some easy and maybe not so easy questions. Questions that undoubtedly will have different answers for each individual according to whatever stage in life they are in, i.e., single, children, empty nesters, working, etc.
What is the current state of your life? We tend to get so caught up with the day to day routines of our lives, that we don’t even notice how we’re feeling! Are you stressed, busy, depressed, sedentary, pressured…or happy, easy-going and active?
How do you want to feel in the individual rooms of your home? Maybe you want to feel differently in your kitchen than your bedroom. Powerful, glamorous, romantic, feminine, masculine, nurtured, playful, formal, casual…do any of these fit the bill?
How do you want to use the space? Do you like to read in bed or watch TV? Do you want to be able to play with your children in your kitchen?
Pay attention to the answers to these questions, because they provide valuable clues about how you might want to consider arranging and designing the spaces in your home.
I’ve chosen a few pictures that are for the most part quite different from each other. Pay attention to how each picture makes you feel, and whether or not that feeling is a positive one and one which you would want to experience regularly in your home.
Want to feel feminine, nurtured and romantic? This is your style!
Powerful and masculine? Here you go.
Do you want to feel connected to the past, feminine and nurtured? This space has got you covered.
Longing for a room that makes you feel glamorous? I would say this might work quite nicely.
A sweet kitchen that would be perfect for the person looking for comfort and a connection to the past.
At the opposite end of the spectrum, this space is the epitome of modern design. One couldn’t help but feel powerful and authoritative in a space like this.
Source
It may very well be likely that none of these rooms appeal to you. They are certainly extreme in one way or another! I choose them for that very reason. So that your initial gut reaction would be obvious, and hopefully provide clues to where your heart is. Pay attention to this feeling, and you will certainly create a space that you will love. Or, if you’re like me, there are elements in each of them you might find appealing.
I enjoy and appreciate all kinds of design, from vintage to ultra modern, and there are elements in each of the above photos I like. But I wouldn’t necessarily want to live in any of these spaces on a day to day basis. But you and I can decide which of the photos is most appealing and why. For me, I prefer #1 and 3, but might want to tone down the girly touches just a bit to make it perfect. And you?
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Connie says
Well it would be no surprise to anyone who knows me that I would probably feel the most at home in that farm kitchen looking one. I like soft and country and laid back. But too many frills make me feel like I can’t breath! I do like clean and uncluttered too, just not cold and bare. Beautiful pics!
cynthia keeley says
I would have, in another time, been drawn to those you like too, but now #2 appeals to me. I want to be rid of the clutter and layers!
The Honeys says
I agree Connie. Cynthia, that view would seal the deal for me. Wouldn’t matter what was on the inside, although I do have an attraction to that room as well.