I rarely go to the mall, but today I had to. There is a chill in the air and we are clearly into the harvest and holiday season and we retreat back into our homes. This message was loud and clear as I walked past the store windows on my mission. YOU NEED TO HAVE—a lovely table with layered place settings, vases, candle sticks a plenty that all match. And table-scapes of platters, cheese boards, cake stands and an elegant chandeliers above. YOU ALSO NEED—a comfy sofas and beds piled high with pillows and blankets in excess! All the home decor reminded of this post as well as the frantic calls I get to remodel kitchens and homes before family and friends arrive for both the many fall holidays.

In Fact, back in October of 2012, I wrote a Blog that was supposed to be about “Architects…What do they really do? Careers in Architecture.” In the blog I wrote:

Successful architecture tells a story of its occupants and the site. Much like a good story has a hero and a context that support the plot, successful spaces are created when the Architect understands the setting and the client and how they are going to move in and around the space and how they live and work. Trying to copy an image you see online might give you a look, but if you want that space to make you feel good like your favorite pajamas or an old leather jacket, the space needs to tell the story of you. Not the story of a famous designer ...but the story of you. It should be tailored/edited to meet your living style and needs and should have your voice.

Back then— If you are in that love it or list it mode, or you are the type that is curious about the real-estate market and you look at the listings or go to open houses, it must be challenging to tell which house is which. Today, if you are selling you are encouraged to stage your home when you list it. From what I can see it means paint everything gray, with white trim, install an Atomic light over the Modern Danish dining room table, a nearly empty mudroom, sans a cute pair of rain boots and a sun hat, and a sign that says “home sweet home” and prop a pillow on the gray couch that says “relax” and above all else, make certain all personal items, curtains and signs of life are gone. I am not doubting that this helps others in imagining themselves living here, but as for personal style, we believe this should be avoided the style for your home. Your home needs to tell the story of you.

I continue in that blog to explain:

I like to think the reason people are drawn to the images in our portfolio is because they like the stories that being told and they want us to help them tell theirs. A good Architect will help you find your voice. They will listen to your stories about your life and how you work and play, what your interests are and help you write the story of you in 3D.

I am always delighted when I get call about a new project. I am thrilled when they tell me how much they love our work. Each of our projects looks different because each client is different and has their own personality. We love to learn their stories as it in vibes the design in a way that makes it personal. A big difference between residential and commercial practices.

My advice? Be Brave! Let your story be told. Don’t buy into the “perfectly staged home on line” or on the internet Houzz site. Trust your architect/designer. Shy away from “insta decor”.* Just like you, your home will evolve. Collect art you love that has a story not “Wall Decor.”

Here at Clawson Architects we have people that have degrees and have dedicated their lives to Art History, Design and Architecture. Let our team of talented Architects, Interior Designers and Design Staff help you tell the story of you.

*Insta Decor—Adjective

Describing Decor set up for the perfect Instagram square photo.
Describing the practice of purchasing everything to decorate and entire room or home from scratch in a very condensed period of time. Opposite of the Evolved home/space.

To read the story of one of our clients that was forced to rebuild after a fire and admire their bold choices… click here