An Inside Job: Searching in Spring
In Swedish the word “to exist” is finnas till, and finnas, it means find.
Hello!
I have been spending some time in the south of France, by the sea, to search for the words to describe this season of my life. Being in nature has a beautiful way of allowing us to see not only the world, but ourselves in new stunning light. I’ve been pondering my path, how I want to show up in the world, and in my work. I’ve been searching for answers to big questions, like what does free will feel like, and what does it feel like to be embodied; especially in a body that is not always kind to me.
As the search continues, the inspirations keep flowing in, and I wanted to share a few inspirations with you as we are finding ourselves immersed in Spring; a season is a waft with new scents of flowers in bloom, and new beginnings. As I share in Design Senses below, I stumbled upon a film I can’t stop thinking about. It’s a story about a family and a home they built together, and oh what a beautiful embodiment of freedom and daring it is (more on that below). As the Swedish born architect and homeowner of this beautiful maison shares, in Swedish the word “to exist” is finnas till, and finnas means find. Along with this sentiment she continues to share not only her daring home, but some wonderful reflections on living. On the topic of finding, she adds,“to be really alive, to exist, you have to find things, and how can you find things if you’re not searching?”
So with spring in full bloom, I am searching, and perhaps for the first time not because I feel lost, but because I’ve realized that is how we truly embody existence; to continue the quest. Searching, seeking, questioning - all of it is part of the great finding, the great quest for freedom. So wherever this newsletter finds you in your own seeking, be that in your home renovation, or your own unique inner worlds, I hope this note helps you to feel a little less lost. I hope it’s a reminder that to search is to be truly alive. The act of searching is to experience existance in all its pureness. And isn’t that what the art of living is all about, to feel utterly, simply, deeply alive?
So cheers to a beautiful new season, to searching, and to designing a life that brings you to life! I hope the inspirations below and invitation to indulge your senses, help you in your finding.
Inspirations
Color Collisions: Orange you glad you met Emerald Green?
A royal collision of colors; from Dutch Orange to the jewel tone Emerald Green these historic colors are quite a match.
Do it Your Damn Self
I have been renovating an apartment of my own in Paris for over 2 years. Along the way I reached a point where the only person I could trust to get the job done was myself. From installing drywall, to plastering walls, to plumbing and installing tiles, you name it, I did it! Okay, I am far from having done it all, but what I’ve learned in doing it my damn self has been remarkable.
Design Sensations
WATCH {SEE}
This film is, simply put, a gift. I think the story is one that touches all the senses, if you let it. It’s part of the Apple TV series titled HOME, and I don’t know how I only just stumbled across it. The series centers on architecture, but the episode I am sharing is at its core about living a life that is daring and free. And as you read above, that is something that rings deep in my soul. I love how Anne Chavepayre explains their home, “the architecture disappears in a way, and just lets the sun coming in.” And you can almost feel the sun’s warmth as you delve into this story. When discussing their ambitions with architecture, Julien Chavepayre shares it’s not about changing the whole world, but just about “doing our best.” And what a beautiful aim, to do your best. That’s all we can really ask of ourselves, isn’t it?
SMELL {SCENT} | TASTE {SAVOR} | TOUCH {FEEL} | LISTEN {HEAR}
It’s a story about a “house that is full of imagination, and that’s offered to your imagination.” What more could you ask for? So here is my sensory invitation, do yourself the favor, and take 35 minutes to savor this film. Imagine the scents of the garden, the feel of the sun pouring in, the tastes of the produce they source from their neighbors, the sound of the crickets as the sun sets, and just bare witness this daring home in all its roaring freedom.
Curious?
As always if you have a design quandary or question for me don’t hesitate to send it my way. I’m all ears! And if by chance you feel this letter might bring some joy to someone you know please feel free to share it via the button below.
Xx
K