Do you feel stifled? We all do from time to time. I don’t care who you are, it happens—it may be a relationship or some negative routines you wish to break. Perhaps it’s a space you’re sick and tired of. I think this time of year can be tricky. Many of us feel blocked now, the holidays are over and we feel meh. This time of year in Chicago can be tough, especially on the gray days. I’m happy to say I feel optimistic. How about you? I want your heart beating beneath your skin, like you’re alive again.
Interior architecture and design are a fine art, very much like creating a painting or novel, it takes time and patience. All the details and nuances must come together in a harmonious way whether we’re talking about a color palette, furnishings, room proportions or scale of the pieces in the space. The cadence of my work must move lyrically as if I’m composing a song. The process is similar.
So let’s shake some things up!
What’s Bothering You?
Good question. How much time do you have? I’m kidding, well a little. Sometimes I look around my house and want to change everything right NOW. Do you remember Samantha on Bewitched? She sure could work wonders! Seriously though, all worthwhile endeavors take time, patience is a virtue and all that good stuff our parents and grandparents taught us. Now don’t roll your eyes, it really is true. I think being patient can be harder for some of us than others, I get it, I truly do. I used to be the most impatient person, but I’ve learned over the years to manage my expectations. Beautiful things take time, I want you to be dazzled, so I’m willing to wait.
Many of us begin to eat a certain way or exercise because we want to look or feel better. There’s nothing wrong with either or both! Many times we establish bad behavioral patterns we need to break, these things take time, but they can be changed. You’ll be happier with yourself once you do, trust me. How do you think I broke the cycle of being impatient?!
When it comes to interiors or our physical space many of us look around and throw our hands in the air daunted by the thought of what an “inconvenience“ it will be to have a contractor tearing up your space. Perhaps the thought of change is invigorating initially. Well that’s a good thing, but you have to see it through to the end, and that part can be difficult. But, I promise you, it’s well worth it when the project is done. I think the key is managing your expectations and what you want vs. what you can afford to do. The word ‘afford’ refers to mentally as well as financially. This is why many of our projects are done in phases. The phasing method can be effective for people who are on a time or financial budget. Lastly, I cannot stress enough how important it is to remain realistic, things can go wrong or run behind despite everyone’s best efforts.
It all begins with a conversation. First you have to be ready to do the work, the next step is we get together to go through all your thoughts about the project. Once we’re retained, we’ll give you an accurate timeline and budget. Ready, set, go…now you can sit back and let us do the heavy lifting. Just remember, you have to break a few eggs to make an omelette. Once your project is done you have a delicious repast to enjoy for years to come.
I hope I have inspired you to move forward to reach your goals. I look forward to hearing from you!
Let’s shake some things up, xo-
~Ken
