On March 23, I attended the Architectural Digest Home Design Show at Pier 94 in New York City. While everything that is advertised in an issue of Architectural Digest far (far!) exceeds my own budget, I still had a splendid time.
On Minimalism: Love The Idea, But Can't Fully Commit
In the past 15 years, more and more people have joined the lifestyle movement known as minimalism. It's amazing really. My favorite minimalists are Graham Hill and The Minimalists.
From Watching Hoarders To Helping Them
If you're not familiar with Hoarders (and it's TLC equivalent, Hoarding: Buried Alive) it's a television show intended to examine (humiliate) a person who has accumulated so much in their home that they are nearly unable to function.
When Your Stuff Gets in the Way
Has this ever happened to you? You realize it's been a while since you looked at pictures of your grandmother. It bothers you that since she died you cannot remember her face as clearly as you used to. You long to see her face.
In a Film, a Home I Love
I just watched the film Take This Waltz, directed by Sarah Polley, and I found myself at times distracted by the home the characters lived in. That is, instead of reading their faces for emotion in a very emotional film, I was thinking "Wow, I love that kitchen... the blue used in the bedroom... teal or turquoise?"
Up Close: Lauren's Apartment
They say it's location, location, location. Well, Lauren's girlfriend's apartment has it first and foremost. The address is a secret but if you were standing at the Washington Square Park arch and I was screaming bloody murder from their building's courtyard in the middle of the night, you would probably call 911.
Making Do: Get Along With The Means Available
"Making do" is a term I just love. It is a simple phrase that captures the philosophy of using what you have. Often, making do is required when resources are scarce.
Lila is a recently divorced mom of two charming little girls. She has a beautiful, spacious apartment in NYC and when I first met her she was making vegetable stew and gushing about the art she saw at a recent exhibition at the Affordable Art Fair. It would be a great Christmas present for herself.
For a year I was the book buyer for the interior design section of an evil super-sized bookstore on the upper east side of Manhattan. The buyers at the home office figured this store should have this special section for students of the New York Interior Design School situated near by.
After all, how can a professional giver of advice on all things streamlined and utilitarian have these dusty things hanging about in her own closets and under bed storage?
B. D. Wong Tames His Inner Hoarder
I loved this article on so many levels. First and most superficially, they used the word "tame" to describe the actions taken to make a gorgeous space and which is personally and professionally relevant.
As a (somewhat) reformed pack rat I know I should only be telling people to live with what they need and what they absolutely love. Everything else should go. That's a major rule, a principle, something to live by, no exceptions!
The secret to being that amazing put together person who leaves the house composed and ready for the day is: Doing everything the night before. Ta da!
What motivates you to make change? Seeing an achievable goal is what does it for me. I spend ten minutes looking at Design Sponge or a House Tour on Apartment Therapy and suddenly I am looking around wondering how I can make something in my home look like a corner of a featured home.
If I am considered tidy during the weekdays it is only because it is a basic requirement for functioning. In other words, a lack of order causes problems for us and slows us down as a family so we spend extra energy keeping things neat so we can find it the next day.