a time for change
An often heard comment from new clients is: "I just want a change. What do you suggest?" No wonder we've elected our new democratic candidate based on this immediate message. This premise is rampant in most industries feeling the pinch right now, as well as those of us remembering easier times. I am asked to consult with business owners looking for new ways of amplifying their image, as they feel the tone of ambivalence in the marketplace. In my field of design; the desire for change is often heard as a request for new color on a wall or new upholstery fabric for furniture. Very few candidates for design change, ask for something 'really different' as I would put it, but simply want a face lift to make life happier looking.
My math tutor Stacey had a bit of a problem with her cozy one bedroom apartment. Given the fact she had purchased some fairly large counter stools and a good sized chaise lounge, there was barely enough room for a nice seating group and a most needed desk area in her living area. She didn't want to loose her furniture yet she wanted it to all work together. The bedroom was her sanctuary, and it was inconceivable to imagine it as an office space. The dilemma was apparent. Then Stacey met Dave, and things became more complicated. Dave didn't have a corner in her little place, and this made it harder for them to spend time there. They ended up at Dave's house and the travel of thirty miles a trip, plus the lack of sharing time in Stacey's world felt out of sync to her.
One day while contemplating her situation, I spoke as I thought, about a series of choices she had. One of them was creating a small curtained area upon entering her apartment and setting her bed into the middle of her living room, thus leaving her 'now bedroom' as an office for two desks; one for Stacey and one for Dave. It was the room she needed for her work area. There were very few visitors, usually friends and young clients....why not?
I watched Stacey's face change instantly. She had never thought of such an idea. I mulled it over in my mind for the next few days.
I thought about how to make a bed a comfortable front room piece. I thought about how guests could relax on a bed, and yet converse with others. Would this make them feel comfortable or not? I thought about how to make a bed look less like a bed. But most of all, I thought about why I wouldn't make that change myself. The idea has made me contemplate my own preconceived notions about furnishings and 'designated rooms'.
Next up: a culmination of thoughts on my own plan for change and especially furniture placement. How can I suggest an idea, without considering the most daring of proposals....as the answer lies ahead.......
Carolyn
My math tutor Stacey had a bit of a problem with her cozy one bedroom apartment. Given the fact she had purchased some fairly large counter stools and a good sized chaise lounge, there was barely enough room for a nice seating group and a most needed desk area in her living area. She didn't want to loose her furniture yet she wanted it to all work together. The bedroom was her sanctuary, and it was inconceivable to imagine it as an office space. The dilemma was apparent. Then Stacey met Dave, and things became more complicated. Dave didn't have a corner in her little place, and this made it harder for them to spend time there. They ended up at Dave's house and the travel of thirty miles a trip, plus the lack of sharing time in Stacey's world felt out of sync to her.
One day while contemplating her situation, I spoke as I thought, about a series of choices she had. One of them was creating a small curtained area upon entering her apartment and setting her bed into the middle of her living room, thus leaving her 'now bedroom' as an office for two desks; one for Stacey and one for Dave. It was the room she needed for her work area. There were very few visitors, usually friends and young clients....why not?
I watched Stacey's face change instantly. She had never thought of such an idea. I mulled it over in my mind for the next few days.
I thought about how to make a bed a comfortable front room piece. I thought about how guests could relax on a bed, and yet converse with others. Would this make them feel comfortable or not? I thought about how to make a bed look less like a bed. But most of all, I thought about why I wouldn't make that change myself. The idea has made me contemplate my own preconceived notions about furnishings and 'designated rooms'.
Next up: a culmination of thoughts on my own plan for change and especially furniture placement. How can I suggest an idea, without considering the most daring of proposals....as the answer lies ahead.......
Carolyn
posted by Carolyn Robbins at 11:22 AM
