Mastermind Design Groups

Traditional mastermind groups are designed to catapult you to success by holding each member accountable for their life's goals and objectives. I like this idea a lot.

I also love the idea of creating a Mastermind Design Group to plan and execute your major remodels, redesigns or new builds; to bounce ideas off of one another; and to maximize your buying power. Mastermind Design Groups can last for a just short while or for a lifetime!

It is best if your group happens to contain an interior designer, architect or builder. Ask them to take you on a shopping trip to the design markets. A designer with great sources can introduce you to a world of products and catalogs from which you can place your order as a group, often at very substantial discounts.

If any of you need to rebuild, your design group can approach local service providers and subcontractors who can give your group some of the best deals around. So find your neighbors and friends who need similar jobs and if you can all agree; offer the work to the same subcontractors.

Making Sanctuary Spaces

My personal definition of a sanctuary is simply a place to go to hibernate for a while. I'm easy that way. Though it would be really nice to have just one room devoted to the pursuit of cocooning, my sanctuary begins with a peaceful state of mind, and for about $200 you can also create a sanctuary space that moves with you.

Here's how:

Satisfy your inner child. My inner child is really happy with soft pillows, fresh flowers, art supplies, blankets, dream pillows and comfortable lounge wear. A big chair facing the ocean with a great book and my iPod is always a great option too.

If you are fortunate enough to have an unused or an underutilized room, for about $300 - $500 you can totally devote the space to the pursuit of Zen. Paint the room a color that reminds you of your favorite nurturing space, vacation, or family home. Add some ceiling accents. Try using words on your walls and playing world music to remind you to slow down and zone out. A great lounge chair, some floor pillows and maybe a bit of sound-proofing to keep it quiet and you're on your way to total relaxation.

With a larger budget, you can create an all-out retreat. Build a treehouse of your own or buy a rustic cabin in the mountains or a bungalow at the beach. Just make sure it's a comfortable commute or it will become more of a hassle than a great getaway.

Lise

Design Innovation

I was reminded today that before this huge resurgence in the craft industry, craft got a bad rap. And some art did too; being deemed "outsider art". But thankfully craft, outsider art, and all sorts of provocative, spicy and juicy ideas have taken up residence in an area that has been fairly slow to innovate --- interior and exterior design.

I am definitely an outsider designer; or even better, an indie designer. I don't like to design uninspired spaces. I like color and personal objects. I like to feel good when I come home and I want other people to feel good when they come inside from work and school too. I want them to dream big and act boldly, and contribute to making the world a better place. And yes, I do think a good space design can encourage all of that.

So I suppose, this is the same approach an outsider artist or creative crafter would take - the approach that says I'm going to make myself happy by creating something that feels good and very personal.

And yet, this whole idea may seem unconventional when compared to a traditional design approach. But I don't mind unconventional at all - the iPOD was considered unconventional when it came out too!


Yep, an unconventional, individual, creative, outsider, design approach - the idea that your home is a manifestation of your thoughts, feelings and creative ideas.

- wild -n- radical ideas, and why I am really fond of the title of indie designer :-)

And even better embracing the indie side means sharing all the techniques and treasures we can find around us. We're living in a world of abundance after all. And technology brings everything to our doors. I love that. So here are a few inspiring resources worth exploring:

• The Center of Intuitive and Outsider Art - exhibits, inspiration, fun



• Canvas Corp - makes these wonderful Homespacing kits and all sorts of products for the creative DIYer. They also have a line of paint that I'm anxious to try which is not only environmentally friendly but can paint over nearly everything. No more sanding old furniture! Yay!! (I'm more than a little excited about this, can you tell?)



• Craft Revolution - neat ways to share your crafty side



• Edible Estates - awesome ideas for those of us who don't want just a basic lawn



• Moda Muse - Aussie designers



• Craft Sanity - Cool DIY projects; including some for the home



• Be, Dream, Play - Find inspiration. Make art.



• Green Chair Press - cute stuff to entertain our friends with

All of these websites and blogs get the quirky bird for creativity :-)


Enjoy!




Lise

New Workshop Leader

I meant to tell you all about a newly licensed Artistic Lifestyling instructor. In addition to design services, Marja Chapman will be teaching Fear of Color Workshops in the Washington DC/Northern VA area. You can reach Marja at her website for information on her schedule.

Cheers!

Lise

Dr. King's House

With all of today's celebrations for Martin Luther King, I started to think about what his home would look like if he was still alive today.

I imagined that he would still live in Atlanta; the city where he was born. I pictured a brick home on a hill, with a clean manicured lawn. The neighborhood would be accessible - not gated. I don't picture him wanting to separate himself from other people.

At Easter I can just see him sitting on his front porch, alongside Coretta. They overlook the rainbow of children present at the annual Easter Sunday egg hunt. Together they watch a sea of young children dressed in their Sunday best, searching for brightly-colored Easter eggs near the magnolias and redbud trees. As two children begin to argue over the coveted candy within the last egg, Dr. King rises slowly from his seat and approaches the children. He offers a few words and immediately brings peace to the situation. Amicably dividing the prize; something he has been working on all his 78 years - equality for everyone.

Inside the large front door you'll find a library filled with books he's both read and written. Books that chronicle the history of our world. His published sermons are on the shelf and notes for next Sunday are carefully stored inside his desk drawer. Atop his desk are many photos - from family to foreign statesmen. This room is where he receives his guests - some expected, and some that were just in the neighborhood. At first you are struck by the room's tall and stately bookshelves, but looking at the unpretentious well-worn leather sofa, you find the room equally accessible. This is a man that cares deeply for people, and he's spent many afternoons discussing various matters with people he loves and respects.

Of course all that talk would make him hungry. And through a center hallway we find a dining room that holds a large table - enough to seat 20 or more. At any given time this room could be filled with politicians, famous talk show hosts ,or young children in party hats. On a rainy day you might find the table being used to create an elaborate drawing of the garden just outside the window. This room holds a lot of memories, and a lot of love.

And late at night, you might find Dr. King in the kitchen, sneaking a peek in the fridge for some of Coretta's left over dessert. Keeping the lights low, he might make his way over to the keeping room (his favorite one in the house). Sitting in his favorite chair near the fireplace to eat his peach cobbler, he puts his feet up on the hassock and reflects on the day's events.

On this day and always, I hope every conversation in every home will touch on this man, his dream, and a legacy of a life well lived.

Be well,

Lise

Style Points: Surprise Passageways

I had one of those recurring dreams this morning. No surprise that it was about an old house that I seem to own. The intriguing part of this dream seems to be the need to explore the home. It was not designed using a conventional floorplan as there are various hidden staircases all around that lead to rooms you might not stumble upon for years at a time.

So this "dream" house prompted me to look for ways to incorporate secret doors into home design. I was amazed to find a few companies that provide faux bookshelves that are really a passage to another room. There are also movable stairs, furniture and fireplaces. That panic room you saw in the Jodie Foster movie is indeed doable.

This design element sparks a lot of creativity. You can make a hideaway art studio, office, storage for valuables, or even a 'secret' passageway linking children's bedrooms; small enough for children to climb inside and dream up lots of fun. Or like me, you can just dream about it, literally.

Have a fabulous weekend!

Lise

Style Points: Making your Home Ready for Resale

I have been in no less than 15 houses on my quest to find my next home. While this journey has been fascinating, I bet many of these homeowners would like some information on why the average buyer would not be interested in forking over top dollar for their homes.

Here is my top 10 list of reasons why your house may not sell for what you want:

10. I love color! But strong wall colors do not make buyers happy. White is safe, but also a bit boring. Choose a beautiful and sophisticated wall color that makes even a small older home warm, inviting, and ready to sell. Neutrals are safe, but they don't have to be boring. Check out the Farrow & Ball designer paints. My favorites are Bone, Light Stone and String with a crisp white trim. And speaking of trim:

9. Many older homes have stained trim. I know some people are afraid to paint stain-grade wood, however most homes I've seen lately would do better by having the trim painted in a lighter and brighter color (white, off white, shell white). It really helps visually heighten the ceilings.

8. Mirrors. I'm thinking here of one particular home that was really very lovely except for a wall of mirrors in the dining room. Forget the 80's mantra that mirrors extend the living space. Unless you are selling a dance studio, take the mirrors down, paint the wall, and hang art instead.

7. Carpet issues. If your carpet is old and worn out, replace it before you list your home. In some cases, having your carpet cleaned will do wonders, but be careful of the ring around the room. (Yes, carpet rings will appear on lightly-colored carpets where the carpet cleaner can't reach.) Also, bubbles and lumps, frayed, worn or just unsightly won't help your cause either.

6. Popcorn ceilings. A personal pet peeve. Popcorn ceilings are great for builders, but lousy for sellers. This foamy paint mixture is simply sprayed on the ceiling. Quick, easy, cheap - and if that's what you intend for your home sale - great.

5. Mess. This includes messy yards, rooms, furniture, closets and kitchens. Especially kitchens. Pare down and remove clutter.

4. Inconvenience. Hey seller, if you actually want to sell your home, make it convenient for the buyer to see it. A motivated buyer in this market may be difficult to find at a time that works for you. Consider that many buyers are in town for the weekend, or have many houses on their list. This isn't about you or your family, if you don't want to sell, don't list the property. Ouch.

3. Finishes. Nothing dates a home like the finish on light fixtures and hardware. Brass hardware screams old. For an instant update, consider switching out your light fixtures in key rooms to a more updated oil rubbed bronze or brushed steel. Definitely change lighting in the master bedroom and bath, kitchen and dining room. Fixtures are found at many price points, so this is not an expensive change. It's well worth it. While you're at it, add a few chandelier shades for an opulent touch.

2. Cracked or scratched vinyl floors. Replace individual tiles or vinyl that has seen better days. A current look is better than a worn one, so if the makeover budget is small, you're still ok with the numerous choices on the market today.

And now my #1 reason your home may not sell for what you want - Smell. The first home I visited was at the top of my list given the realtor's description. But I nearly ran out of the home because of the horrible scent of dog and mildew that permeated every square inch of the space. If you live with pets and can't detect a problem, call an honest friend for a sniff test.

Well I've got to run and get back to staging my own home!

Be Inspired,

Lise

Style Points: Our Homes Begin as Simple Ideas

I believe the often-made distinction between house and home is essential. Why? Because a house is simply a shell for us to act out our lives. But a home is the manifestation of our ongoing thoughts and choices, plans and ideas.

We may have passing ideas related to our homes that may include safety, security, family, togetherness, legacy, aesthetics, spaces, breathing room, ideas, creativity. But our homes are simply the reflection of who we are and why we're here - a product of our imagination, wishes, dreams, and experiences. Yes, your home says all that about you. And that can be mind boggling if you've never taken time to think about it. Consider for a moment what a chaotic space says about how you're thinking or feeling. Contrast that with a space where you feel relaxed, comfortable and secure.

Our homes allow us the space in the world to nurture, begin, refresh, renew, replenish, energize, spark, relax, resist, and rethink. Home is where we can reflect, replace, retry, refrain, regroup and re-approach. What better place to connect to the ideas resident within our souls?

For our children especially, home is a learning environment. It's where we are able to teach what, who, when, where, why and how. We learn planning & timing; menus and recipes; mending & crafting; joys and triumphs; patterns and behaviors (both good and bad).

When I was 21, I was ready to take on my life outside the home, only to discover the importance of coming back home. At a certain age I recognized that it's not about the parties and hanging out at the restaurants until 3 am. It's about your own bed, and comfortable pillows; the scent of your linens and the sheer pleasure of your collective accomplishments. I can simply look around to see the things I've done that I'm proud of.

When we realize that our home is the manifestation of all of our thoughts - we need to make sure we actively choose the right ones.

Welcome home.

Lise