OUR HOME - OURSELVES

By Natalie Weinstein, Allied ASID

Most of us know that our home is our single most important investment and for many of us, the largest, we'll ever make. As a designer for almost 30 years, I'm often asked questions about color, space, budget and how and where to begin - but rarely am I asked about how our homes affect our lives on a personal level.

Recently, Feng Shui, the ancient oriental art of placement, has become better known to our culture, and people are beginning to associate their homes with influences on health, wealth, relationships and general well being. Many designers have practiced good Feng Shui without even knowing it by simply practicing good principles of interior design. But people today are still seeking answers and the unique connection between home decorating and how one feels about oneself is a topic worth exploring.

I, as a practicing designer for almost three decades, have filled the needs of many of my clients, while actually satisfying my own personal need as well. No - not spending someone else's money, but creating a positive and fulfilling environment, one that enriches, not with possessions, but with good feelings of personal worth.

How many of you have walked into someone's lovely house and felt immediately at home? The seating was inviting and comfortable, colors were harmonious. There was, "good karma." Perhaps you didn't even notice the specifics, but you felt a sense of contentment and enjoyed being there. More importantly, the homeowners seemed to feel that way as well. They were proud to have guests in their home, but on a deeper level, their souls were being nurtured.

The essence of a beautiful and gracious home, one that is decorated with care and love - not necessarily a great deal of money, is that the people in it view it as an extension of themselves and feel empowered and enriched by their surroundings. They "recharge" when they're in their own personal space - ready to face the world outside, a better person.

If this philosophy sounds odd to you, consider for a moment some very simple facts about the places where people live. If they are surrounded by clutter, in rooms and in closets, worn or torn furniture or carpets, unsafe conditions (leaky faucets, unattended repairs, even blown out light bulbs where accidents might occur) and general disarray, they are suffering negative effects whether they know it or not. It may be problems at work, with their children (at home or in school), family interaction in general, and most seriously, feelings of low self-image and personal frustration.

I often recall a situation early on in my career in which redecorating a client's home changed her life and that of her children's in a major way. Her husband had left her, she took to her bed eating meals there, her children were in need of guidance and discipline, and her dog had run wild in her house, which was literally falling apart around her.

By cleaning up the clutter, repairing and replacing necessities and finally decorating, the transformation in the family actually mirrored the home! Happily, the beautiful new house represented a new life for the woman and her children. With renewed self-esteem, she returned to school and then to work. Even the dog was sent for obedience training! The sense of pride and personal, as well as physical change, were direct results of creating a living environment with positive energy.

Perhaps most situations are not as drastic - but everyone can create a better world for themselves by improving their personal space. But sometimes it takes a lot to really see what's around you and face up to it.

First, you must know that your home is truly an extension of yourself. Facing the clutter, disorganization, closets packed with clothes you'll never wear again - means facing the "you" that needs to be improved. It's not easy - but definitely worth it. Tackle the tasks one at a time, setting short term and long term goals. If your space is limited and you're a born collector - try giving it away (as opposed to throwing it out) or at worst, put it all in one localized space (basement, attic, storage location) and keep moving on with your project. You'll be surprised how much you'll accomplish and more importantly, how much better you'll feel. Here are some tips for quick fixes that help create a new look without a great strain on your budget:

Paint - The least costly way to make a big change especially if you can do it yourself (and it forces you to clean up, throw out and clear the clutter). Look for legitimate sales and bargains; end of year sales, clearance centers and outlets.

Use the Natalie Weinstein Home Decorating Club Resource Center for discounted designer fabrics, wallcoverings and ready made bedroom ensembles and the club's 51 recommended sources for discounts on quality items and labor for the home. If you're handy, you can sew your own slipcovers, curtains, skirted tables, pillows, throws, etc.

Try your hand at refinishing, paneling, plumbing (Get some good "how to books"). Use your own collectibles to accessorize book collections, photographs, or posters (well framed) doll or other collections.

Use your good dishes and glassware to enhance display areas in dining room pieces. Live plants make a good accent feature (as long as they look cared for).

Area rugs - can change the look and style of your room and don't have to be expensive investments (They can also go with you if you plan to move).

Remember, we can control our environment with determination and a little help from experts in the field, and there is nothing more empowering than opening your own front door at the end of a long hard day and seeing a beautiful orderly home that is all yours - where you can renew and recharge in surroundings that make you happy. If we see these changes we have made - the next step is to make the changes within ourselves. Once we do, we will not only view the world around us differently - the world will view us differently, as well.

Editors Note: Leading LI interior designer Natalie Weinstein broadcasts weekly on WLUX, 540 am on The Home Show with Natalie Weinstein, Thursdays at 7:00 pm. She writes LI Focus for HOUSE Magazine and has been published in HOUSE and DISTINCTION Magazine's a well as NEWSDAY and THE NEW YORK TIMES. She can be reached on the web at NataliesClub@aol.com, NatalieWeinstein@aol.com and at 631 862-6198 for advice or information. Check out her website www.NatWHDClub.com or, www.NatalieWeinstein.com.

apr 2002