Big Love

Some ideas for a fresh take on design in the new year

What makes a space special? Is it the location, the materials, the age and patina of the space, the style? Likely an equation of all of the above plus that je ne Sais quoi?

Since I have moved often in my life and recently, I have thought a lot about how to make a space inviting and warm, in essence, feel feminine and like me. Sometimes I have done it, pulled it off, other times, I failed miserably. Living in small spaces has also motivated me to think beyond aesthetics and prioritize living for me and my two young children. We have no need for a formal sitting room, nor the space or furniture.

I’ve also been thinking about what makes for a good, full, content life. What whispers, sit here and read your book, or why don’t you enjoy sitting down to color next to the window?

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Thoughts on design:

Our homes should inspire us to go out into the world to do great things and then welcome us back for refreshment. Melissa Michaels

Design can be art. Design can be aesthetics. Design is so simple, that’s why it is so complicated. Paul Rand

Beauty is the harmony of purpose and form. Alvar Aalto

Architecture is really about well-being. I think that people want to feel good in a space…On one hand it’s about shelter, but it’s also about pleasure. Zaha Hadid

Simplicity is about subtracting the obvious and adding the meaningful. John Maeda

I think that the ideal space must contain elements of magic, serenity, sorcery, and mystery. Luis Barragan

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Here are a few ideas I wish to use to inject some more living into my home:

1. Say goodbye to the wet bar and hello to the tea bar. More herbs less alcohol. Even better with an herb garden to gather fresh herbs for tea. Think apothecary. Elixirs. Perhaps the wet bar could stay but be reimagined.

2. Mix up the black and white formula for paint. Instead choose a signature or favorite color to pair with either black or white. Mine would be peach with white.

3. Night gardens. More time outdoors, in a moon garden, fire pit or no. When I first learned of gardens with white flowers, that bloom at night, and are scented, I was enchanted.

4. Incorporating the sense of smell into a home. Using a few curated, natural smells through oils, sprays, etc and elimination of all non natural products and scents. Lavender is my scent.

5. Cozy and warm kitchens with seating at tables. Slabs and stones can be beautiful, but need warmth to counterbalance. I recently got a farmhouse table with so many chairs so that everyone I care about can gather together one day.

6. Importance of sound in design. A quiet bedroom. A bathroom that has sound privacy. A fridge that doesn’t fill the house with noise. Neighbors, roads, trash, etc sound design for less subconscious disruption.

(All quotes from the Studio Schicketanz Instagram Feed)