I just got around to watching the PBS documentary on the Roosevelts. In addition to learning many more historical details and intimate facts of this very influential American family, I took note of the houses they built for themselves. Their homes were immensely important to them. They choose particular pieces of land, designed layouts and added on when changes called for it. These residences were landmarks that shaped their family memories and to which they would return to whenever they needed to retreat from public life. They were also a show of their status and importance in American society at their time. I was especially fascinated with Eleanor Roosevelt’s yearning for a house she could truly call her home. For her, coming home to her own house represented her emancipation; this was where she could express herself and be herself.
Creating spaces that my clients love to come home to is my drive and passion for doing what I do. I truly understand this longing of “just making it home” after a hard day at work or a cold, tiresome commute. Another thing that I noticed was the comfort that the Roosevelt residences radiated. The scenes, filmed at their homes, with family or prominent visitors present, showed comfortable settings of cozy sofas and chairs, side tables within reach, around a fire or with throws and pillows close by. The walls displayed paintings as well as maps, trophies and photographs. Books covered multiple surfaces, as well as, shelves. The rooms spoke of their inhabitants, their present interests as well as their past journeys. I remember a lecture when my professor showed us photos of interiors she had chosen as examples of good interior design, I considered them flat, uninteresting, and just plain normal. I was looking for the exciting eye-catcher. Today I am thankful that she got us right back on track when we tried to impress or distract with extravagant ideas. I learned that I am not designing a “cool” picture for my website, but rather spaces that welcome you home everyday.
Wishing you a warm, comfy Presidents’ day!