Interior Design - Home of the Heart

The House You Grew Up In: Home of the Heart Design

4/25/2016

The Moore Family Home

"Show Us the House You Grew Up In -- Does it influence your design tastes today?" was the title of a post on Houzz.com* a couple of weeks ago. I'd discovered this site in searching for images of interiors that might help me describe my heroine's apartment in my romance novel, HOME OF THE HEART. What I found was more

than images; it was community as well as a place to create Ideabooks for my own home.
When Houzz editor, Becky Harris, put up this particular post, she wasn't sure what to expect. What she got were over one hundred responses. Many photos, yes, but even more notes, sharing memories of past times, places, and people. From mansions to tiny bungalows, from mid-century modern to colonials, the sentiment for these homes was remarkably the same. These recollections weren't just about houses, they were about family. I found some of the comments were especially heartwarming:

The house I grew up in, just shy of 1200 square feet and shared by 8 people, did influence my home-buying: I learned that I don't need or want a big house.

My grandparents bought this on a half-acre lot in the mid 40's … Consequently, I too am partial to modest homes on large lots with lots of trees.

Here's the new house I grew up in with my brothers and sister … We had fun in that house.

The lesson I received from all the wonderful remarks was that it's the memories we take away from our childhood homes that influence us the most. And I encourage you to create wonderful memories for yourself and your loved ones, making wherever you reside, the Home of Your Heart.

Note: Ms. Harris chose my childhood home and description to be included in the first of her follow up posts: You can see it at http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/6644599

From Home of the Heart, warmly yours,
Linda

*"Houzz is the leading online platform for home remodeling and design, providing people with everything they need to improve their homes from start to finish - online or from a mobile device."

Speaking of House Plants: Home of the Heart Design

4/18/2016

I introduced the subject of houseplants in an earlier blog. In addition to being decorative, they can have a huge impact on making your home feel warm and welcoming. Why is that? I've been reading a number of articles on the benefits of houseplants, and here's one of my own. I think it has something to do with what I call, the "nature factor."

That's right, even when you can't be outside, houseplants help bring the outside in. The benefit of houseplants is physiological and when as physical. Have you ever stepped into the deep shade of a forest and suddenly felt your shoulders relax? There's something about the green, the smell, the texture of the duff under one's feet that create a sense of peace and well-being. Being in the same room as a green houseplant can trigger that ancient forest memory that is embedded in our DNA. That's my guess, anyway.
Scientific studies have shown that houseplants increase needed humidity, clean the air, and even prevent allergies. Try incorporating a few houseplants into your home, and find your own personal benefits. I'd love to hear about your experience.

Here's to a home for your heart,
Linda

P.S. You can visit this website to learn more about the benefits of houseplants: http://www.mastersinhealthcare.com/blog/2011/15-fabulous-health-benefits-of-house-plants/being. Being in the same room as a green houseplant can trigger that ancient forest memory that is embedded in our DNA. That's my guess, anyway.

Inspiration From Art: Home of the Heart Design

4/5/2016

I'm a big fan of the Swedish artist, Carl Larsson. The weather where he lived and worked was often very cold, so he and his family spent a great deal of their time indoors. Being artists, both Carl and his wife, Karen, designed their home with loving, artistic eyes. Carl documented the results in marvelous paintings of their home life. (See the book, A HOME, that includes many of Larsson's paintings.)

The Larsson painting at the top is a favorite of mine. Its title is The Flower Window. We have it and a companion painting hanging in our dining area. Looking at these two pictures always makes me happy.
The Flower Window inspired me to create my Plant Window, shown on the left.
You don't have to be as literal as I've been to be inspired by art work. For instance, you can copy the colors of your favorite painting by repeating them in your furnishings.
If you have a favorite painting displayed in your home, I encourage you to think about how it might inspire you. Feel free to share here..

from Home of the Heart,
Linda

Author

I loved writing about Meg Cary's interior design career in my romance, Home of the Heart. Meg worked on some pretty spectacular projects that I've only dreamed of. But my greatest pleasure has been exploring what's involved in creating one's personal Home of the Heart, both helping others as well as the evolution of my own home design. I'll be sharing with you what I've learned over the years as an interior designer.

Archives

December 2016
October 2016
August 2016
July 2016
June 2016
May 2016
April 2016
March 2016

Categories