In these challenging economic times, we are examining what we have and questioning what we really need to buy.  Most importantly, we are finding more creative ways to enjoy what we already have. 

 

    Down-scaling or re-scaling a home or office?  Combining furniture from two homes?  Clarifying a space so that it reflects more of who you are or the area in which you live?  House Shaman offers expert consultation in editing out what doesn’t work, rearranging what does, and offering a fabulous and knowing use of color and texture. 

 

   

      There is a sense of euphoria in the moment of finding a new location or a new function for an object or a piece of furniture that you already own.  The space is alive again. 

Born anew!  And so are you.  And there’s even more to relish:  You don’t need to take time to shop.  Nor do you need to spend money on something new.  What you already own has found a rightful and beautiful place in your home.

 

 

    My Dad said “It’s not having what you want, it’s wanting what you have.”  This insight is about loving ourselves and who we are.  It’s also about awakening to the infinite choices we have, and inviting ourselves to play...using exactly what we have.  Alter the color!  Lift the height of a piece!  Place it next to something that makes both objects sing!  Suddenly we are immersed in a profound, transformational moment.   For the core of what makes a house a home... . is . . . Relationship.   Nothing exists in a vacuum;  objects are only seen in relation to what is beside, above, and below. Placing a piece of furniture next to something that “talks to it” magically transforms both objects.

 

    A third precept of House Shaman is the transformational (and inexpensive) power of color.   Well chosen color, that is. For instance, you can literally lift your spirits by painting a furniture grouping into a cohesive and lyrical whole.  

Or painting a small, dark foyer or bath in a great, strong color.   The newly colored ensemble or space becomes a special room in itself, rather than simply a pass-through.

    Transformation happens by using what you have in a new way, editing out what doesn’t work, adding well-chosen color where needed, and buying only what is necessary. 

These acts bring your home into harmony with who you are

and how you live.

    I had a low primitive “outdoor” bench.  I treasured it, for it had been made for me by a friend.  One day, it found an unexpected and totally satisfying home directly in front of my smooth-grained, bosc- colored wood armoire in the living room.  With the addition of a bench cushion in a rich and subtle print - similar in hue to the armoire - the integrated combo of armoire and bench continues to surprise and delight me to this day. Together, the two pieces appear to be a far more substantial piece of furniture!  The bench provides seating for two more guests!  And the whole unit gives the room a central focus!  Now the eye - gratified in seeing a really interesting, substantial and uniquely architectural unit – takes in the whimsy of the piece as well:  the vertical door handles are Mexican tortilla rollers.  And at the top, the collection of gourds look like large bosc pears! At once original, perfectly scaled, functional, and playful, the result is ultimate harmony.