Monday, September 24, 2012

Every House Tells A Story...


To us our house was not unsentient matter--it had a heart and a soul and eyes to see us with, and approvals and solicitudes and deep sympathies; it was of us, and we were in its confidence, and lived in its grace and in the peace of its benediction. We never came home from an absence that its face did
not light up and speak out its eloquent welcome--
and we could not enter it unmoved.
- Letter to Joseph Twichell, quoted in Mark Twain: A Biography



Does your home have a soul?  Does it tell the story of those who live within its walls?  If not, indulge me as I take you on a journey to find the soul of your home.  I am not talking about just pinning up school projects or family photos, but rather a deeper journey to tell your family's story in a way that is unique to you and to each family member.    


Diane Keaton's Library, designed by Stephen Shadley and photographed by Scott Frances
Often times a house is decorated by the woman of the house choosing her favorite furniture,fabrics and accessories or following the lead of her designer.  While this is totally an accepted manner, there are far more unique pieces that can be added to the design.  Anyone can choose popular furniture lines, the designer fabric du jour or sought after accessories, but what really sets your home apart from your neighbors?  How can we create a soulfulness in our homes?  

We must find creative avenues to express our inner selves in an external way through our decorating.  In doing so, we may be able to honor the personalities of the people who live within the walls of the home. This may sound far fetched, but it is possible.  It doesn't happen quickly, but the process is rich within itself. 

Once we find our own authenticity, how do we then find it for each member of our family?  How do we weave each of these individual threads together to create a nurturing home for our family?  The home we are working to create could be considered a tapestry of sorts.  

Tomorrow....


From The Book "A Perfectly Kept House is the sign of a Misspent Life" by Mary Randolph Carter
Project by Pamela Bell







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20 comments:

  1. Great series...I'll stay tuned tomorrow.

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    1. Thanks Linda, it took me a while to post today as my blogger was acting up! ugh!

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  2. So true ... the personal is what makes design fun and unique! xo

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  3. ohhh I really love this post. especially your quote to start with. i want my home to have soul. i think that's like the "6th sense" of decorating.

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    1. oooohhh, I might have to use that 6th sense...that is a good one! thanks Bethany!

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  4. LOVE!!! Awesome post, and the quote is beautiful....

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  5. Lovely post with a beautiful sentiment! xxoo

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  6. I think you have started a remarkable Series. Your approach to "decorating" one's home has been generally missing in today's "I want my home to look like a magazine" ! You have hit a home run! You have my attention!

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  7. Hi, Lisa -
    We love our old Ca. 1918 home. I believe we are the third owners. Coincidentally a client (who is a designer) of mine used to play, in our house, with the daughter of the family who lived here many years ago. That was probably about 40 or 50 years ago. We've only owned the house 4 years. Definitely with soul and stories to tell...
    Hope you are doing well!
    Cheers,
    Loi

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    1. I know without even looking at photos that your home has soul. I can tell by your photography Loi but then I have seen some great pics of your home so guess I have cheated! Did you ever tell me what kind of camera you have?

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    2. I have a couple, but my favorite is the Nikon coolpix S8200 :)

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  8. Lisa, I live in a So Calif. track home. If anyone has ever lived in Calif. you know what I'm talking about. I have put my heart into this home. You have to be creative when you live in a box home. To set it apart you have to be creative.

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    1. I would love to see what you have done! I know it is great!

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  9. Can't wait to see what more you have in store in this series Lisa!

    www.donnaviningblog.com

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