The Intriguing Corner
In every house, no matter how open and guileless, there should be a little mystery. A hidden stairway to the attic, a tucked away chest of drawers that looks like it holds a million secrets, or a small collection that evokes an incredible memory. Corners of a room that aren't so much designed - they've just evolved - and that tell the story of a life well-lived (and a life in progress). Places that are perfect for hiding, or for a long, contemplative rest.
Creating these spaces can't be forced, of course. Their very nature insists that they emerge. But the design process can encourage that emergence, by asking questions (What memories do you want to preserve in this space? What do you want to think about when you sit here?) and by identifying the perfect spots for those very personal spaces.
I don't know the full stories behind these rooms, but I have a vivid imagination:
Creating these spaces can't be forced, of course. Their very nature insists that they emerge. But the design process can encourage that emergence, by asking questions (What memories do you want to preserve in this space? What do you want to think about when you sit here?) and by identifying the perfect spots for those very personal spaces.
I don't know the full stories behind these rooms, but I have a vivid imagination:
There's something about the way these pretty curtains frame this table, or the way the chairs sit, or the cool flowers, that makes me want to sit down and listen - I imagine the conversation being all small town gossip and maybe coming with a side of coffee and pie. This space just combines small-town simple with sophisticated in a very interesting way.
Maybe its because I spend so much time with my computer, but I'm finding myself increasingly drawn to places that look perfect for letter-writing. Like this little desk. Tucked into the back of a serviceable living area, this space is perfect for old-timey letters, or just to read the paper. The chair looks comfortable (especially with the pillow). I like the simple lines of the desk, too - it's not too fussy but still looks feminine. Perfect for gossipy letters on fancy stationery.
The space above is perfect for letter-writing, but this space has everything I'd look for in a curl-up-with-your-computer spot. The fun color and wallpaper and accessories - especially the globe - add energy that suggests tha this isn't your typical workspace.
This curved table looks at home in houses of any sort of design - it's perfect with more traditional spaces, but also a cool, unexpected addition to a modern interior. I like it as a little corner over by the window - there's something about the way its sitting that suggests it's seen a lot of interesting meetings and chats.
Sometimes an intriguing little spot is nothing more than a stack of books and a few accessories. This vignette - especially the combination of the abstract art with the cool bird bookends - makes me want to figure out what books are stacked there, and get to know the person who chose them.
Every bedroom deserves a corner like this one - books and a chair that are great for naps that don't quite make it to the bed. This space, with all it's natural light, is especially appealing. But it's really the taxidermy that gets me. It's unexpected in the clean, modern room and suggests that whoever lives there is more than meets the eye.
If this tiny curved staircase isn't full of stories, I don't know what is - tight spots are perfect places to stack high with memories. I love the jumbled combination of color and photos and accessories. There's so much life in this corner it's nearly overflowing.