Transition
Driving up Route 1 yesterday in the late afternoon I read a sign that spoke to me on many levels:
"In order to get the fruit of the tree
you have to go out on a limb."
Further up the road I passed several breathtaking marshes transitioning into their Fall colors. The misty fog backdrop heightened their vibrance: deep russets, rich layers of greens, splashes of burgundy, crimson, tiny dots of bright yellow and deep purple replacing last month's lime greens and softer blues. Even the river reflection had taken on its own renewed color - more of a teal than it's Summertime blue.
Witnessing Mother Nature's prowess started me thinking about Transition. I believe our homes, like our lives, should constantly be evolving & transitioning as we grow and our needs change. What we really liked and suited our needs 10 or 20 years ago may be completely different from what we like and want to live with today. Whether it's simply evolving or just a flat out mistake there is no sense to continue trying to make something work that you've finally admitted just isn't working - life is too short (and I may tell you that your curtain panels are, too). Perhaps it is better to let go of the old in order to make room for something that is a better fit for you and your home today.
I've experienced this first-hand with several clients over the years who bought the oversized chair-and-a-half that eats up far too much floor space and is just not practical anywhere in their home. I've also had clients who purchased a forest green sofa when they really desire a more soothing palette of light grays and blues. Other clients have bought a "bedroom set" rather than integrating a mix of furnishings that would create a more interesting mood in their sanctuary. I do always encourage my clients to keep anything they really love and want to make work somehow, but it's transitioning the mistakes out of your home that will make way for a fresh start in order to create a better match for your needs of today. And whatever you let go of will find a new home and be loved elsewhere. Of course there are some of you who make the right choices from the very beginning and can love an object your whole life, but even those beloved items will need an occasional renewal with periodic new paint, stain, parts or upholstery.
After my drive I returned to my studio and grabbed a few Elle Decor magazines from lower on the stack to be sure to re-visit some older issues with a fresh eye. The first page I opened to, the very first article I opened to was by Holly Petersen 'Turning The Tide' July/Aug 2014, and the first sentence read:
"Change is a funny thing. We fear it at first,
but once we take the scary leap, we are drawn
to it like bugs on a porch light."
How apropos. Change is in the air this Fall! So, go out on a limb, garner some confidence, be brave, make the decision to start fresh and allow yourself to think about what you really want in your life and your home - today - and make that transition this Fall, or at least take the first step toward it. Maybe it's something you've been thinking about for the past 5 years and been putting it off, but for what reason? My advice is don't wait any longer - I'm telling you it's time to pursue what it is that you want; don't prolong loving your surroundings. Whether it's your Bedroom, Living Room, Bathroom, or other, if you need help with your transition, complete the Client Questionnaire form on our website and someone from the studio will follow up with you.
Please keep in mind that we are typically booked 5-6 months out throughout the year so be sure to plan ahead. Visit our portfolio to view some design transitions we've done for clients: http://www.lisajenseninteriordesign.com/residential/