Designing Sacred Space

The Spirit of a City

admin — Tue, 15 May 2012 14:10:02 +0000

Last week I left the cool dry air of the Colorado Rocky Mountains to venture to the hot and humid Mississippi River Valley for the New Orleans Jazz Fest. New Orleans is a city filled with color, music, sumptuous food, and a soulful personality. It’s hard not to catch the vibe that fills the air. Staying in the French Quarter a block from the infamous Bourbon Street I wandered the streets as musicians gathered on the corner to play trumpets, trombones, electric fiddles or belt out soulful lyrics. The coffee shop around the corner where I walked to get my morning brew was tucked between two buildings, where a brick courtyard with bistro tables, chairs and an umbrella and cedar tree that provided shade from the sun and shelter from the rain beckoned me in. Like many of the courtyards lining the street, it was a delightful place to linger and enjoy a leisurely cup of coffee and the easy-going rhythm of the city.

The French Creole architecture of the neighborhood with narrow streets, brick pavers, and intricate ironwork give the city a European flair. Combined with colorful walls in hues of yellow, pink, and blue that are accented with green shutters, blue doors, white trim, and draping flowering plants, the streetscape has an allure all its own. There’s no place quite like New Orleans with her distinctive characteristics that are a unique blend of Southern hospitality and European charm. The multi-cultural personalities of those who settled here are reflected in the buildings, the music, and the food. I am amazed how much spirit the city has and how the physical environment captures the essence of the people who live here so elegantly in brick and mortar.

The Colors of Spring

admin — Tue, 01 May 2012 23:23:21 +0000

A neighbor and hiking buddy of mine left a message on my answering machine the other day, “I just went on an incredible hike south of the Mesa Trail and saw the most amazing sight. The wild irises are in full bloom and the entire valley is covered in a blanket of blue. I’ve never seen so many irises at one time!” Inspired, I grabbed a leash and my black lab, Ginger and headed up the trail in search of the irises. Along the way I spotted several other punches of color amidst the grasses and rocks, more wild flowers displaying their hues of yellow and purple and white. As much as I love the crisp white snow in winter, the bright colors of spring are a refreshing change of scenery. I never tire of their beauty and they invite me to add a little color to my life. I find I’ve adopted the spring season in my wardrobe as well, opting for the aqua pullover sweatshirt instead of the gray zip-up sweater. At home, I look forward to planting my annuals, adding new accent pillows in bold colors to the chairs on my porch and maybe even adding a new throw blanket on my bed or some colorful dishtowels to my kitchen.

Designer David Bromstad with HGTV describes being inspired by the colors in nature this way, “Nature is the most amazing place for color inspiration, since each season offers different and amazing color combinations. The warmth of the summer and fall, the cool colors of winter and the fresh hues of spring are the perfect examples of Mother Nature’s work. Color doesn’t just exist in the growth of nature, but in every aspect. A stormy sky against fall leaves is unbelievable, while a yellow rain jacket on a gray, rainy day is the perfect color combination for spring.”

To read more of David’s color tips, copy this link for the full article.
www.hgtv.com/decorating/best-places-to-find-color-inspiration/index.html

Refreshment of Water

admin — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 18:25:07 +0000

A splash of water trickling from the fountain tucked into the corner of the stone patio beacons me to stop and sit for awhile. Humming birds flutter by seeking the sweet nectar from the bright pink Bougainvillea draping over the stucco privacy wall. In the midst of the dry California desert heat where I’m visiting a friend, water is a cool invitation to be refreshed. The ancient Eastern design practice known as Feng Shui views water as one of the five essential elements needed in any living environment. There is something about water that is compelling and life-giving. A person can live for days without food, but not so with water. Near my yard, a neighbor has installed a large outdoor water feature with rocks, plants, and cascading water that is reminiscent of a mountain stream. It draws foxes, rabbits and deer from miles away who drink its cool liquid.

The fluid nature of water has captivated one fountain designer for years. He loves the way it moves effortlessly over or around any obstacle it faces completely undeterred. When we swim or sit in a bathtub, water holds us as we become lighter and gravity is defied for a moment. Water is also used as a symbol of new birth in many religious traditions. So, as I sit on the patio by the fountain, I am reminded that life is constantly being renewed and that adapting a lighter more flexible attitude can be of boundless help. I want to include this element in my home, whether its a fountain, a small pond, a glass vase, a photo of the ocean, or a decorative pillow with wavy designs that capture the magic of water.