Well…I’ve had a challenging week. It’s been challenging because I’ve been late getting home and under the rug tired e—v—e—r—y n—i—g—h—t this week. What has been helpful has been the decor at home–small accent pieces, little punches of color and aromatic scents. Trying out items, color-watching, and mixing and matching single items or groupings of items, allows me to see how these products might be used to enhance the private spaces of our customers. We only sell things that we really love; things that are well made and represent value, quality and the best in handmade craftsmanship.
People I talk with speak about their idea of comfort in a favorite chair, a favorite throw or pillow, a favorite scent, a wonderful picture on the wall or the use of a favorite place setting when they have their meal. The vernacular of comfort is fairly universal. It is the details (or logistics) of comfort—the complexity (if you will) of our sense of comfort that makes the difference I think. Even though smell-a-vision hasn’t been perfected yet, a description of the simplest things helps you to create and imagine them in your minds eye. Think of a wax potpourri called gingerbread, or vanilla bliss. What comes to mind? You can smell it (or any scent) in your head (especially if you have a history with it) because you know how it smells & makes you feel. Whether it is a scent, a chair in a small nook of a room, a throw, a pillow or a yummy cotton shawl to wrap yourself in, these items can represent a thimble (& sometimes that’s all you need) of sanity in your own cozy corner of the planet.
So think of the simple things that bring you pleasure. Remember a favorite book or a song that you like. I still have vinyl records and when they play, the sounds are like flying notes in the air. I notice how music provides a layering effect as sight and sound converge in relation to objects that I place in and around my space. Try it out & you’ll see what I mean.
Here’s a simple exercise to try to keep your environment interesting, cozy, inspired and most of all—-comfy:
Think of textures, colors and scents that help you relax
Try to keep your space free from clutter (clutter defeats relaxation efforts)
Position special items in your special space that you love and soak up the good vibes
Use sound as a primary or secondary way to transform your environment
Scent your place with an aroma that you will enjoy (if you have allergies or cannot use scents, use your other senses such as seeing, taste and touch— visual and tactile aids to transport you, ( i.e. pictures, books, sculpture, even a beverage can work). It’s all about travelling to or being in an alternate place where you can recharge yourself. These are trips where mental clarity and life quality can improve.
The idea is to be creative. Creativity is that spark of inspiration that takes our interiors from drab and uninspiring to Eden-esque splendor. Home is our own little slice of heaven, our space, our garden, our capsule, a nest in time that we feather, with all the things that are to us —-special, meaningful and divine. Recharging after a long day is serious business. We need the ‘right stuff’ to bring the relaxation home.
As I am always combing for inspiration and take my own advice (most of the time), I am looking through some wonderful textiles and have come across a large Ethiopian cotton shawl. It is embroidered, the size is very generous, the tone on tone colors are decorative and subtle on a neutral background. The wrap is an elegant piece that would really dress up a casual look. It is a natural, handmade product made the eco-friendly way with love, patience and the fingers of a skilled artisan. We will be offering these for sure.
What home decor items do you love? Print out today’s blog entry and take it with you the next time you go shopping. Sometimes we forget our agendas once we are driven to distraction. Carefully spent dollars, a few wonderful pieces, tandem gift-giving and thoughtful purchasing, will inform your shopping habits.
By the way I’m Karen – the President of brownstoneshopper and the author of all posts up to now with more on the way…….
Karen
brownstoneshopper.com
