I had a stomach ache-faker on Wednesday and Kansas City received a foot of snow on Thursday so I have had boys home for five days. Based on the contents of my pantry and refrigerator you might think we had a swarm of locust as well, except locust would surely wipe their feet when coming in from sledding.
The up-side of my work, which the boys refer to as “Find the Difference” as they catch me studying images on the computer so often, is that I can read a magazine or a design book and, waving them off, pronounce, “I’m working,” and it works.
Curled up with Veranda on Day Two I had a thought as clear and sharp as the icicles hanging from the eaves. I love to read magazines. This is why:
“All houses have a soul. They speak to you. They say, Do this, do that. It’s a sensibility I feel when I walk into a new space. I hear with my eyes. The day I moved into the lodge I had an enveloping, welcoming feeling. It’s the sort of house that as you put something in, it says thank you. Nothing seems to annoy it. It’s a combination of taste and memory and a capsule of everything I’ve ever done: my parents’ house, things I’ve picked up on holiday. It all flows together in my mind and becomes a blur.”
Designer Nicky Haslam has captured the very essence of it here for me. So, I thank him and encourage you to not just look at the pictures, but read the articles.
Image, above, swiped from Mr. Halsam’s site. His home in the March/April issue of Veranda is delightful, but I am much too lazy to scan.
You may hear with your eyes, but I loved that last post how you smell with certain scents and share lovely pictures. Just to let you know when I read your posts, I see them. So I see your words in pictures.
pve
Thank you for this interesting and thought-provoking post, and one that I identify with. I am sitting at a table writing this comment in a room in a house in the Hudson River Valley that was built in 1817 and that I and my spouse have had the good fortune to live in for fourteen years. We weren't looking for a fine Federal era house when we went shopping for a weekend get-away from New York, but found one we did, or shall I say it found us? There never really was much of a question how we would furnish the house or decorate it. Appropriately and respectful of its period, but not slavishly so. We call it "period-ish." There are certain things that look good in a Federal house, such as leggy Louis XVI painted furniture (think Jefferson in Paris), and there are certain pieces that don't, such as the earthy, close-to-the-ground iconic Eames chair. Needless to say we've opted to listen to our house on such matters, and believe me it had much to tell us! Fortunately all (both us and the house) appear to be satisfied with how it has come out (so far at least, as such things are never "done," are they?). Thanks, Reggie
I always like to say that every space has its own voice, but I like the idea of a soul even better.
NH's home is so embracing and he has definitely brought out the soul in this space. The entire current issue of "Veranda" is great!!
Mary
I so agree with Mr. Haslam's quote! We have two houses: one is haughty and handsome, forever whispering, "That's not how things are done here," like the housekeeper in Rebecca; the other first greeted us like a small mutt at the pound, begging, "Rescue me!" Each has directed my hand at every step, down to the exact shade of white paint on certain walls. Yes, houses tell you what they need, and when you provide it, they are grateful.
C.
Oh! Those floors!! I can feel their soul, and the soles of many feet wearing them into years.
Ah, so very true. I love how a space's personality is felt through the pages/websites. It's a visual journey, yes, but an emotional one as well. Don't we LOVE our jobs?!
These floors look like they've been through a lot but still manage to keep up a good appearance. Great post!
You're eyes have exceptional hearing! I love it.
The basket and flower combo is gorgeous. And the quote is right – every home is an entity to itself, from the window shades and blinds that are its eyelids to the window of its soul.
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