When something is old, age, in and of itself, does not necessary make it good or bad.

When something is new, such, in and of itself, does not necessarily make it good or bad.

For some people, however, old and new are extremely important factors in the design of their residential interior spaces.

One group is of the position that old is the plus ultra interior design as it represents the highest economic-social level of status and is, of course, the gold standard . The older, more shabby, more worn, more faded, et cetera it is, the better they like it.

The quality of the design, materials, aesthetics, functions, practicality, logic, et cetera are not always contributing elements to the design composition.

God forbid anything that hints of “nouveau riche”.

Then, there is the segment of the population which is 180 degrees from that position. Everything has to be the newest, most advanced, most functional, most efficient, most logical, smartest, best quality, most intelligent, et cetera, and thus is the highest level of status for the current time.

Any thing old is strictly not allowed.

Both groups, of course, are totally free to express themselves as they chose.

For professionally designed residential interior spaces, the laws of physics and the elements and principles of aesthetics must be used.

When everything else is in balance, old or new should not be a factor in the design.

When you are designing your residence primarily for your desired hierarchy of status, you should evaluate very carefully and very thoroughly which is more important to you – excellent design or egoism.

Food for thought.

Webster: “the conscious use of skill and creative imagination in the production of aesthetic objects.”

Art of the appropriate quality, flavor, and style can be a completing final touch to the design of our residential interiors in much the same way as herbs, spices, seasonings, et cetera completes the tastes of foods.

Art is not limited to just beautiful objects that are placed as part of the aesthetic composition of an interior space.

Using the principles of aesthetics, the laws of physics, creative imagination, and an intelligent approach, the entire interior space can be designed as a work of art as well as the entire structure of the residence itself.

Consciously, or unconsciously, we react to beauty in the choices we make and to our to our physical environment.

The higher the intellectual level and quality of the art that we view, the longer and more satisfying will be it’s nuturing

At what level and what role does art play in the design of your residential interior?

The choice is yours.

Food for thought.

I am an intelligent, educated, sophisticated, and financially successful independent individual who likes and is comfortable with superior quality and intelligence in my life style and experiences.

I am content and comfortable with myself and can appreciate my talents, knowledge, and accomplishments and respect the same in others.

I have no need or desire to display my wealth or social status to the world.

I enjoy aesthetics in all areas of my life.

I like manifestations that fit, are functional, and express me and not what is important or impressive to other people or what is popular.

These rewards of my efforts complement and nurture me and are fulfilling experiences of my quality of living.

Such are the reasons I want a professional interior designer to guide, educate, work with, coordinate, supervise, and produce a professionally designed interior for my residence(s).

In life, I generally get that for which I pay.

What of these may be applicable to you?

Food for thought.

Dictionary: “of the highest quality and outstanding of it’s kind”

A classic design manifests the best and highest level of it’s time and place in history.

Nothing needs to be added and nothing needs to be taken away.

A classic design is based upon the elements of design and not upon costs, fashion, social-economic status, rarity, trends, or popularity.

A classic design is timeless and does not become dated.

It can be used in any design composition compatible with it’s style, aesthetics, and function.

In it’s category it can be, when appropriate, treated as a work of art and used and appreciated as such.

It’s intelligence and aesthetics are obvious, in a non-shouting way, to those who are aware of and seek such.

A classic design merits it’s costs

Look for, find, enjoy, and appreciate classics and the experience will greatly enhance your intellect and emotions.

Food for thought.

There are three parts to a successfully designed interior space: The function of the space which is for what it is to be used. The aesthetic which is the level of beauty manifest in the space. The ambience of the space which should reflect the personalities of the people using it.

There is a mixing together or combination of the aesthetics and personalities which determines the resulting aesthetics because what people like is a major factor in the total design results.

In many of life’s decisions our emotions trump our intellect.

Such is the situation when some people get carried away in decorating an interior space with what they like versus what is good design.

For example: I like patterned tile. So instead of two or so coordinating patterns of tile in my kitchen, I put a patterned tile on every surface in the room which results in a dizzying, hodgepodge effect. But, I’m going to do what I like.

For example: Instead of two or three coordinating objects on a shelf, I cover the entire shelves with different objects. It’s what I want to do.

What they like becomes an over doing upon which they insist manifesting.

More is not better. Too much is worse.,

Get the picture? What one likes over rules the principles of aesthetics. The emotional of what one likes trumps the intellect of aesthetic composition.

Looking at some of these such interior spaces, I think that if they just put up a sign and price tags on every thing, they could open the doors and be a retail shop. Is such how a residential in space should look?

Food for thought.

Research by the Lighting Center at Polytechnic Institute has proven evidence that there is ” a connection between light, color, and our well being ” as human being. *

” A healthy circadian response ” for interior spaces light ” is every bit as important to our health as diet and exercise “.

We, as human beings, have evolved in tune with the natural rhythms, including light, of this planet since the beginning. We are still human beings living on this planet and still subject to the natural laws of it.

Light is the single most important element in the design of any interior space.

How much thought. research, planning, resources, and efforts go into the lighting of the interior spaces in which you live and have your being?

Food for thought.

* ” Science Says Light Brighter ” in Metropolis April 2019

A 7000 year old Japon pot from Japan in the British Museum is an example of the oldest known pottery in the world.

It is about the size of a child’s sand bucket and is made of coils of clay layered around and pressed with fiber so that the end result looks like a basket which is with what they were familiar.

Even at that primitive time there was an inner need to add aesthetics to an item that was totally utilitarian and they did it at their level of consciousness.

It is an historic example which shows that human beings desire a level of beauty to their surroundings.

As we live in the 21st century with a more highly developed level of intelligence, knowledge, and unlimited sources and methods of physical manifestations, at what level is your aesthetic consciousness and how do you express beauty in your surroundings?

Food for thought.

The new color is …. Trends in kitchen and bath designs include…. The important design features in new home constructions are…. More home owners are …. Do you ever see such pronouncements in your life’s activities?

Such information is constantly coming across my desk. Have you ever noticed how many ” the color of the year” there are? Each paint manufacturer has one. Home shelter magazines each have one. Decorating divas have one. Home furnishings manufacturers have one. The list goes on.

And what of the colors and trends advertised for appliances, furnishings, building materials, construction, life styles, et cetera. And the “here’s what popular now”. And the “it’s what they are doing now”.

Residential design, construction, and living are not the same as fashion for clothing and dressing.

With new advances in chemistry, manufacturing, techniques, changes in life styles, finances, the market place, the availability of more colors, options, and ranges of building products, and materials is good. However, what does the such mean to you personally? How is it a factor in your life style and choices?

What if you don’t like it or it doesn’t go in your chosen design direction? Do you want to be like everyone else and follow the crowd are do you want to chose your own direction? Do you want to be popular or unique? Is it important to you to have celebrity or status choices and brands and names attached to your life style? Does such make you feel better and more important?

The same can be said for other trends and directions of kitchens, bathrooms, construction, features, manufacturing, et cetera which are of interest to manufacturers and building contractors and others who are concerned with mass production for mass consumption which is where some people choose to be and live. What’s your choices?

The ultimate is to manifest that which is functional for your life style, reflects your personality, and is the best possible level of quality and aesthetics.

Every thing else is superfluous.

Food for thought.

You can’t use those colors. Those colors don’t go together. Neutrals go with every thing. It doesn’t match. That’s not the way to do it. It’s not traditional.

Have you ever heard these comments before?

Many people have a psychological fear of colors or a variety thereof as if there is some rule or law or principle that determines what is the “right and proper” use of colors and not conforming to such is a “mistake” and manifests undesirable results which are wrong and bad and as such reflects undesirably on their personality. This fear is caused by their exposure, background, and misunderstanding of the characteristics, physics, aesthetics, and possibilities of colors.

There are unlimited combinations of colors that have never been conceived and used and can produce beautiful results. Colors are determined by lighting which is the most important and prominent aspect of aesthetics. Yet, many people insist upon staying in their conceived box and severely limiting themselves as to results of colors.

  To explore, experiment, and seek new and different uses of colors opens up one to unlimited beautiful possibilities that greatly enhance one’s environment. Traditional is not always the best. Don’t let cultural conditioning, other’s opinions, or fear stand in your way of achieving higher and more beautiful results. The fear is all in your head. Get rid of it.

I have never seen, heard of, or read of any one who became ill or had to be taken to an emergency room because of colors. Colors do not bite. Colors are not a source of infectious diseases. Colors do not inflect pain.

Get over it! It doesn’t cost any more money. Do it!

  Expand and enjoy your life.

Food for thought.

He just keeps putting money in that house. It’s just a money pit. He’ll never get his money back. It’s just an endless pit. Some day he will have to sell.

Have you ever heard those comments made? What is the speaker saying and why?

  If money is used to improve a house to make it more convenient, functional, beautiful, practical, comfortable, efficient, and compatible with your personality, lifestyle, and reflective of your tastes, it is an investment in living. Is such an investment not of merit for the quality of living that you experience as a result of said investment?

Is the goal of life for your residence to live in it to the fullest or is it just to make money?

Food is another necessity for living. Is the money spend on food primarily expended on nutrition or on food and drink that we like and enjoy consuming?

The same concept can be applied to our residences.

What is your choice and position? Is your residence your place for living, experiencing life, your personal space in the universe, and your home base? Or is it just a place to exist as a financial investment?

If you only want a place to exist as a financial investment, have you ever considered purchasing rental property and living in the basement?

Food for thought.