Designing a Life

I have often thought that the decoration of a home brings the dream of who we are (or want to become) into tangible, livable form.  When someone who loves to cook imagines a kitchen, it isn't just a place to boil an egg, it's a "dream" kitchen.  When we talk about our dream home, we're really describing the perfect place to shelter our dream life.  

I read years ago that when Ralph Lauren designs a dress, he begins by imagining a woman- what she reads, how she lives, speaks, works, travels, and entertains.

How much more interesting it is, and personal, to think about who we are, how we actually live, and what we love, and then design our houses, clothing, and accessories around ourselves, instead of trying to mold ourselves into the latest fashion or home decorating trend.

I do believe however that houses and clothes can be wonderfully aspirational- I just made that word up.  There is a certain practicality, if only partial truth, to the idea that the clothes (or sofa) make the man.

When our houses are beautiful, we may want to live better.  A friend once told me that when her house is sparkling clean and neat, she finds it easier to stay on a healthy diet.

The way we are inclined to walk more gracefully in an evening gown, or stand a little straighter in a dinner jacket.

So perhaps if we create a home that reflects who we are, it can help us in turn stay true to ourselves.  We certainly feel more connected to our home, and tend to have fewer decorating disasters.

Synchronicity aligns who we are with how we live and flows through our lives

to create a more cohesive, potent message.

Oprah's Interview with Ralph Lauren

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Images:  Ralph Lauren except 3, Lanvin, Video: Vimeo via www.thegentlemansgazette.com