Everyone has a story. Does your home tell yours? That’s a great question for reflection as we begin a fresh new year.
As the holiday decorations are carefully tucked away, it always seems to be a good time to take stock, not only of new beginnings in our habits and life, but also in how we live in our homes. Some of you may have applied of a coat of fresh paint or added a few pieces of furniture, in order to get your homes celebration-ready, while others may have used the distraction of a sparkling tree in order to buy a little more time before facing the inevitable!
Either way, it’s the perfect time of year to make a review of your interiors while you’re in full-blown organizing mode. After all, an important aspect of interior design relates to the planning stages. Without a clear focus, it would be like trying to put a hundred Christmas balls away in a fifty ball box!
In speaking of new beginnings, just where do you start?
Interior designers often refer to the process of creating a ‘story board’ for our clients. It’s a way to collect visuals to help them peer into the future, prior to taking action or making an important investment. It’s also a great thought-organizing tool! I think it equally helps to look at your home as venue for sharing an intimate narrative.
I’ll share four key questions I ask my clients as they consider any project.
1. Does it reflect what is meaningful to you and to those with whom you share it? From traveling the world to collecting local art to impromptu family gatherings; design a home with your lifestyle in mind.
2. Does it allow you to live your best life and is it effective in its function? Life has never been busier and creating an efficient space has never been more important. Pretty always follows function!
3. Do you have a feeling of pride, excitement or warmth when you cross your threshold? Interior design is largely about emotion. How you respond to your home has a direct impact on how you relate to the world.
Dining room with Darton’s Way Chairs
You can achieve the above look with Hooker Furniture’s Darton’s Way chairs.
4. Have your interiors been largely untouched for over five to seven years? Contrary to popular belief, a home shouldn’t need updating solely due to current trends. Consider how changes in technology prompt changes in functional interiors, especially in home entertainment or office applications. There are also lifestyle changes to consider… new family additions, empty nesting, and aging in place are just a few of the transitions which impact your day-to-day activities.
An office concept I’m considering using Hooker Furniture’s Classique desk and chair and Chelsea House floor lamp, along with Phillip Jeffries wall covering.
I know I’ve got a few projects to address in the Horton family home. My office needs a little TLC and I think the concept above, utilizing Hooker Furniture’s Classique kneehole desk and the Classique arm chair might just get me off to a good start!
How about you? What’s on your interiors agenda for 2013? I’d love to hear about it!
{ 3 comments… add one }
2013 is bringing major changes our way, not that we were looking but we lost our home and most of its contents ti hurricane sandy. We are working with an architect and builder and are in the process of deciding what to purchase. Our home was coastal casual- if you weren’t comfortable it was your own fault! We’d like to keep the coastal carefree vibe but with more industrial touches like hardware lighting and possibly tabletop. A friend suggested hooker today and I’m taking my first look. Wish us luck!
Linda, on behalf of Hooker Furniture, we would be honored if our furnishings can help you rebuild and refurnish your home. The look sounds wonderful and we wish you Godspeed. Let us know how you progress and how we can help.
Linda,
I’m just now reading your comment and I would like to thank you for stopping by to share your story and for taking the time to read my post.
I’m so sorry to hear you lost your home to Hurricane Sandy. It would be difficult for many of us to imagine going through that and I commend you for your great enthusiasm in planning for your new home. I know you will find a wide variety of design ideas and product through Hooker Furnishings and it would be wonderful if you would share with us the choices you are considering.
I send you all my best and if you have any questions, I know we can connect you with the right person!
Thank you!
Wanda S. Horton