Has the meaning of ‘home’ changed for you, too?
Our homes have never felt so important as they do today. The COVID-19 pandemic has shed new light on the fact that home isn’t just our haven in a figurative sense anymore. It’s our safety bubble, our kids’ schoolroom, our workplace, and the center of our lives in every way.
I have to admit that that’s been truly eye-opening for me as an interior designer.
Creating beautiful, functional spaces has always been my focus, and it still is… but on a much, much deeper level. It’s hard to express (and maybe I haven’t yet fully realized) exactly how this experience has changed my perspectives on designing homes for my clients, but I know how it’s changed what I want for my own home.
My family moved into our current house in the mountains only 6 months ago and it’s been a work in (slow) progress. It is definitely not where I want it to be aesthetically, and I continue to have a long list of items that need to be done. Yes- the kitchen needs a complete overhaul, the stairs need to be reworked, and the god awful purple (yes, I said PURPLE!) carpet needs to be ripped out. Not to mention, we’re still waiting for our new shower door (which has long been ready and just sitting there, mocking me) to be installed. ( our home below when we first moved in)
Before everything shifted in our world, I had been looking at our home’s spaces with frustration and impatience. Ever since we found this house and I saw its potential, I’ve been chomping at the bit to be able to share with the world how I’d worked my magic to transform a dated eyesore of a house into a visually pleasing, fun and functional home.
But then the pandemic hit. We’ve all been literally hiding in our homes from something we all fear but none of us can control for what’s going on months now. It’s certainly given us all pause, and in terms of this new house of mine, I’ve completely STOPPED. I have shifted my thinking about its shortcomings. I have become overwhelmed with gratitude for what I have - a bubble of safety, purple carpet and all, protecting me and my family.
I am now looking at our house with new eyes. Many of the changes I had in mind before are still necessary and important, but Instead of focusing on the missing shower door or how awkward the stairs are, I’m wondering:
How can I make the mudroom better by designing it to be a space that acts as a buffer as we move from the outside world to inside our home?
How great would it be right now to be able to have everything (shoes, laundry, groceries, mail, packages) stay in one spot at the entry point of your home until it’s clean and safe to move it into the rest of the house?!
image : Magnolia Homes
How can I create an environment at home that supports work, education, and creativity seamlessly and comfortably?
What if you had a workspace in your home designed specifically for working virtually with a lovely background, just the right amount of natural light coming in from the right angle? The same goes for a schoolwork area for kids, but that also includes a large desk surface for projects and ample storage for all their school supplies.
How can I make my pantry work better to hold staples that we have found so important to have on hand at all times and in larger quantities?
This one’s all about smart shelving design and finding the right containers, as well as rethinking other areas in the house where things like paper towels and other necessities that aren’t exclusively kitchen-related can be stashed instead to make room for extra canned and packaged foods.
I have some really great ideas on these very spaces in our home and I’m looking forward to starting to share with you how I plan on making it all happen. And if it has to happen more slowly over time, I’m starting to be OK with that too. For now, I’m focused on remaining thankful for our shelter in this storm, as well as for the new ways I’m starting to think about the idea of home as a result.
If you are asking the same questions and want some ideas about how to make your home a better haven for this new normal of ours, we would love to chat with you. We’re now offering virtual appointments and I have to admit, I’m really loving them! It’s a perfect opportunity to connect with both brand new and past clients. These appointments have been so much fun for everyone and they’re a great way to feel more “together,” both in terms of human connection and of remaining productive in improving our homes. Now more than ever, I want to share my design knowledge and help you with your spaces and today is a great time to start. DM us on Instagram for more information on setting up a call.