Home Design 101
There’s a lot more to just the blank walls of your house than you think. People are getting more and more conscious these days about how ‘amiable’ and ‘hospitable’ their houses are through the looking glass of passersby and house guests. Quite honestly, not your clothes, cell phone, computer, nor your personality will dictate how (most) people will perceive your life for the remainder of your presence in the neighborhood.
In urban residences, especially in subdivisions, getting the lawn mowed is a sign that one is tactful in doing house chores. Getting the tone of your house gate or front door to attune to the neighborhood’s mood is one way of professing consanguinity with neighbors. Embellishing the front of the house with decorations and ornaments during holidays means all is going well with the family and career. In fact, just making the visible portion of the residence look pleasant to outsiders is a good way of telling them you’re an okay person.
Now the hard part begins – the interior of the house.
If you’re someone who wants to make a statement, leave the house out your cynicism. The interior of the house is the last thing you’d want to pour all your sensitivity and panache into. People who visit your house – and yes, even your inner circle of friends – will only be there for a few hours. Savor the delight of their presence by decorating your house modestly – thereby directing their attention to you.
First off, make sure that the lighting is ambient enough. You can save on electricity if you are receiving generous amounts of sunlight inside the house. As for people who still like dim-lit houses, keep at least a good portion of your house susceptible to sunlight when windows or drapes are opened.
Decoration-wise, place large vases, jars, or any other precious artwork away from the reaches of children and first-time guests. You may want to place your most important collections on places that are visible, yet hard-to-reach. Distance your chairs and furniture from walls and electrical outlets.
As for appliances, keep the living room view free from any visible appliances other than those that are used for entertainment. There should also be a discrete space for religious and spiritual figures and icons – do not leave individual pieces located independently from one another. As for flowers vases and other organic decorations, make sure they can be easily watered or maintained. If not, you can put them away or just leave a few ones.
There is a never a perfect setting for any house, but for the many who aspire, there are several ‘flavors’ than can “spice up” or “tone down” any setting. Instead of purchasing mass-produced stuff to moniker your passions, why not try handicrafts to give your house the real, personal edge it aspires for.
Do remember that substance will always rule over style. The overall function of a house is to comfort, protect, and enlighten. Carry that motto whenever you start ramping up your design ideas.
