A resetting of priorities is beautiful to witness as our country and the world adapt to quarantine while facing the dangerous virus.
A quarantine with power isn’t the worst situation. Staying home is enjoyable to me as there is always something to do. Additionally, my house is filled with favorite things: colorful tile, antiques collected from my travels, interesting art and objects. My goal as a designer is to create that ideal for others. I am so happy for my clients who have already updated their houses now that they are spending so much time inside of them.
A beautiful comfortable home uplifts the spirits.
My living room. (Photo: Stephen Allen)
A Winter Park renovated kitchen and family room is now light and airy. Casa V Interiors. (Photo: Stephen Allen)
My dining room. (Photo: Stephen Allen)
Love wins.
Despite all the unknowns, the economic upheaval, and the loss of life, I am uplifted by the touching stories. Neighbors reaching out to each other to assist those in need. Generous patrons leaving thousands of dollars in tips. Two young children using their savings to purchase toilet paper for their elderly neighbors and then delivering it in their red wagon. A Spaniard led a workout from a rooftop while people followed along from their balconies. Tragedy often brings out the best in people.
A clients’ renovated master bathroom. (Photo: Stephen Allen)
Beauty can emerge from quarantine.
So many people are discussing reviving discarded hobbies. They are sewing, gardening, and writing.
During this crisis, I am enjoying the time home to pursue projects that I never seem to get around to while I am working. There is much gratification as an interior designer. The creativity present everyday is my favorite part. It can be consuming, however, leaving little time for other creative outlets.
One of my daughters, now home, is quite disciplined scheduling her days in advance. Thanks to her we pre-plan the calendar making time for one creative pursuit a day. Aside from reading, I plan on completing my needlepoint seat cushion, remaking my front garden, growing some vegetables, starting flowers from seed, trying new recipes, and hopefully getting back to painting. My paintbrush was discarded long ago.
Thankfully the garden shops are open. Onions, fresno chili, tomato, and pepper plants await planting.
These seed packets are so charming. Hopefully the seeds within will turn into the plants as pictured.
There is a long way to go to finish this seat cover, but this could be a long crisis.
A good book in a cozy spot to escape reality.
A charming spot to read. (Photo: Pinterest)
Another lengthy endeavor is reading this 800-page book that has long been on my list. Heaven help me.
If I finish the first book, The Romanov Sisters is next up.
A friend gave me The Glass Ocean which was quite good.
Another lovely spot for reading seen in the New York Times.
If you do not have the home you want you can use this time to think about how it should look and feel. After this is over go hire a talented designer to help you create the home of your dreams. Before the next health crisis drives us indoors again.
Casa V Interiors can create the home of your dreams making a quarantine less painful.