Our credo this year is Harmony and Prosperity. Why be so preposterous as to claim that 2012 will be harmonious and prosperous, you may ask? Well, we believe that unless you claim it, it will not happen. So claim it! Say it enough times and your attitude will change. You will set into motion an important chain reaction that begins with you.
In 2012 you can create change that will bring harmony – to yourself and the people in your life; and good design follows the very same principles: Dare to dream, let go of preconceived notions, be bold.
So, let’s start with your dreams. The house on the ocean, the ski chalet in Maine? Maybe it is not so far off. Prices are low and there is plenty of real estate available. If you can’t swing it alone then partner up with friends you would not mind seeing on an occasional weekend or a vacation-a sort of summer or winter rental share-but for grown-ups. It is possible as long as you think creatively. And for starters take a trip to the area you are dreaming about and bring your partner with you. Vacation Rentals by Owner, HomeAway and a relatively new site that is for people who are offering their homes as “B & Bs”, called Air BNB, are great places to start.
A second home can be funky and fun. Allow yourself to be young and adventuresome, and, dare we say it: bold. The fact that it is a second home gives you lots of leeway for trying new things. Perhaps you see something outrageous that strikes your fancy in a flash and you buy it…if you didn’t pay much and it was a mistake, then out it goes after a while. If uptight or picky guests want to weigh in on your choices, silence them with, “This is still a work in progress” or “We found this at a garage sale.” (How long has it been since you actually picked up something at a flea market or off the street? Not since your college days, right?) Enjoy the process of slowly creating something new for yourself, your friends and your family-something that reveals more about you or another side of you that you have kept under lid or didn’t even know about. If you aren’t the flea market type, many sites cater to your frugal and fun side such as www.Etsy.com, www.theFoundary.com and www.supermarkethq.com.
If that second home isn’t in your future (yet!), you can still find a new sense of harmony in your existing home’s design and décor. If you have sole rein (in other words, all the power), then get going on everything from updating the shelf paper to fresh new linens. If you are teaming up with someone else, consider letting that person take charge. You will be surprised how easy it is to let go and designate another person to take care of design. If you are the type who always frets, maybe this is the time to sit back and enjoy the bliss of knowing someone else has all the responsibility.
If you still feel unsure or uninspired, consider this: February is Valentine’s Month, so maybe a little design steam will heat you up!
Harmony and prosperity-for all.