Series Introduction
Today I want to introduce a new series of posts in which we will explore different ways to bring your individual story to life through the use of color, art, and pattern. An authentic home that taps into the owner's story naturally feels timeless, personal, and welcoming. It's that extra special something that you can't put your finger on.
Several years ago I was with Clint and the kids just north of Boston. We had a couple of appointments that were not super fun for the kids, and a hotel pool near a mall only goes so far. I decided to call one of my long time Cape friends, Wendy. She lived in an adjacent town, and if anyone is good with last minute spur of the moment plans, it is Wendy. She drove over and had lunch with us. On the way out, she invited us to come by after we visited Walden Pond. The kids heard there was a zip line, and that was that. We were going to Wendy’s house.
The driveway wound around a little bit, so it felt like we had really arrived somewhere special. It was chilly out, and walking into Wendy's home on this very early spring day instantly felt like being at home. I had never been to this home, and our styles aren't even that similar, but somehow it just felt perfect.
The designer in me started analyzing things. Was it proportion? Was it materials? Lighting? It took me a little time, even after our visit, to realize that it wasn’t one thing, and it isn’t something you can buy. It's something you have to tap into yourself: your story.
Wendy’s home exuded her taste and personality. You could see her in every detail. From the art on the walls to the way the plants were arranged on the end of the kitchen counter. Every detail was deliberate, from color to texture to the furniture arrangement. It was not precious or perfect, it was expressive and real, and it was full of story.
The entire site of the house was situated around a view of the pond, lovingly named Winty’s Pond after her Dad who worked hard to create and preserve it. The footbridge in the pond was constructed by hand and had so much character Clint instantly wanted to capture it for a future painting. Everything about the land and the home was woven into Wendy’s story. Her story with the world and all of the people close to her. There were "no matching sets from a showroom floor" in sight. Even though it had been years since I had seen her, I walked into her home, a place I had never been, and felt immediately at ease. This is the power of story.
There is a true art to weaving story into our spaces. In this upcoming series of posts I’m going to explore different ways we can bring our interiors to the next level by tapping into our own journey and emotions. Look for at least one post a month on the Art of Space & Story. Let’s get started!
* Note: none of the images are of Wendy's actual home. I was way too taken with the atmosphere and company to even think of taking a photo.*
