Inside Times
Sublime Tricks and Adventures in "Inside Time"
Hello!
I can’t believe we’ve made it to the 2022, but damn am I ready for it. The world is still unsure, and I’m in a deep state of wintering*, but I’ll take any excuse to hit refresh on the window that was 2021. Call it silly, call it superstitious, but I find the New Year to be a sublime mind trick, and one that I will always subscribe to.
2021 was a growth spurt for me, and I felt it even though I didn’t see any inches on the measuring tape. For reasons I’ll save for my memoir, many things in my life have been delayed (and I know I’m not alone here). Remember when I said this would be a “monthly dose” of good design, well at the rate I’m going it will be a semi-annual dose. I am grateful for last year, but also happy it’s in the rear view mirror. I admit I have been slow to roll when it comes to getting out there in the world again, but it’s been intentional. Frankly, I don’t want to return to things as they were. I want to shift my social paradigm, and start really protecting my Inside Time.
What do I mean by “Inside Time” you may be wondering? For me, Inside Time is the time I spend on myself, and no one else. The time I spend indoors, or outdoors; only in ways that support me, inside and out. I’m in the early implementation phase, but I do know a big part is carving out safe spaces at home, and out in the world, that allow me to harness and protect not only my time, but my spirit. To that end today’s newsletter is exploring ways in which you (we) can carve out the necessary space to support your spirit, and let it thrive.
Inspirations
Let There Be Light
This is a blog post about the importance of light in our lives. Since the days are short, and light is precious, this felt like a good read. Spoiler alert, natural light isn’t required.
Color Collisions: Amber Mauve Cocktail
Winter is ablaze right now, and what is more warming than a color cocktail of Amber and Mauve? Check out this post to be educated, and maybe even inspired!
Design Sensations
This month I’m challenging you to explore, perhaps define, what Inside Time means to you, and how to better get in touch with it.
TOUCH {FEEL}
If we’re harnessing our safe space, we need to not only feel emotionally safe, but physically. Whether it’s your favorite reading chair in the happiest corner of your home, or the picnic blanket that turns a plot of a public park space into your personal property for a window of time; it’s important to identify the surfaces, textiles, and textures that define your haven. So find your favorite blanket, or living room chair, and examine the textures that make you feel at home within yourself. Maybe your favorite chair isn’t soft to the touch, so what? Throw a favorite textile over it, et voila! As inspiration I am sharing with you one of my favorite cotton throws that quadruples as a scarf, sarong, and even a picnic blanket! It is sensationally soft, and has earned it’s name as it provides cloud-like comfort. An investment that is light enough to travel with me everywhere I go. Dare I say, my security blanket? Welp, I said it. Cheers to finding yours!
SEE {WATCH}
I don’t know where you are, but it’s definitely not summer here, and I am aching for some summer sun. As that isn’t possible at present, why not soak in the sunshine from the safety of your sofa? I just watched THE LOST DAUGHTER on Netflix, and it is the perfect dose of seaside sunning, but also quite provoking if not unsettling**. The lead character, played by the incomparable Olivia Coleman, draws you right into her summer escape. The film explores the story of a woman, but it’s also a beautiful testament to the role of spaces in our lives. Even if temporary, the places and spaces we retire or escape to allow us to acclimate to new environments, and to explore our personal histories in profound new ways. I think I watched it as much for the cinematography in the end, as I did for the storyline. I love studying the interior scenes, the furnishings, and use of textiles; or as I like to call them, the unnamed extras. (**Fair warning, this isn’t a lighthearted pick me up).
SMELL {SCENT}
This isn’t news, but it’s on topic so stay with me. We all know how a candle can light up a room, literally and sense-ationally. Scents not only brighten a room, but they help to set the tone, So honor your inside intentions with the flick of a match. These matches from BULY 1803 are scented, and so whether you are lighting a fire, candles for dinner, or perhaps trying to disguise less enticing odors, these matches are a delight. From the the scent of the Italian Countryside, to scents evoking Egypt, you can’t go wrong.
LISTEN {HEAR}
If you read my post above Let There Be Light, and/or are curious to learn more about lighting and how to approach it in your home, I found a Design Basics Series produced by Peach + Pine that I wanted to recommend. This episode covers home lighting in an approachable and interesting way for those DIY designers out there. I love how they suggest a table lamp in the kitchen, the perfect kind of design permission! Have a listen and gain some confidence in your lighting design skills.
TASTE {SAVOR}
Winter for me is all about warming foods, and with Chinese New Year ahead of us I have been cooking up Chinese congee. As the New York Times states, “it’s the ultimate Chinese Comfort Food,” and it sure has been comforting me during these cold winter days. It also might be a great recipe for those out there bouncing back from a cold, dare I say the other capital C word? You can easily make it vegan by skipping the meat, and swapping chicken broth for vegetable broth.
Curious?
Well I am! I’m curious about what’s on your design agenda? Do you have one? Want some help figuring out how to make your space work better for you without spending a dime on new things? Did you know I offer virtual design consultations? We walk through your space, discuss your priorities, and I get back to you with a game plan tailored to your design dreams. Interested? Reach out here, and let’s design it!
Xx
Katie
*Wintering - book title and term coined by the wonderful writer Katherine May. If you haven’t read her book, Wintering, I couldn’t suggest it more for this time of year, or really any season of your life.