Ritual: Zen Retreat at Home

This year I finally finished redecorating my living room. My next decorating challenge will be the bedroom. Our kitchen and library are already in progress and my husband is responsible for decorating both of these rooms. Although we consult each other on the main thematic elements for each room, anyone can immediately see the dramatic differences in our styles. I like to mix bohemian and Victorian elements with an underpinning of Asian motifs. My color palette is extensive yet subdued, in contrast his style is monochromatic yet far from simple. He adds depth to the monochromatic scheme with pops of modern art and the geometric patterns of the fixtures and furniture.

In bringing to life our visions of each room we considered it's utility as well as our creative and spiritual goals. We wanted to create spaces that indulged our senses and celebrated our values while serving as sanctuaries for our private lives. In order to do this we are only keeping things we love. And now we only purchase for our home things we consider beautiful and well-crafted. When you shop in this way you make far fewer purchases which helps maintain your home simple, clean and free of clutter. Each room also has one or two elements which can be the object of a meditation, a brief daydream or an inspiration. Our home is now an oasis of serenity, a place where we can unwind, and be truly at peace.

Lapis Lazuli, 1885-86
James McNeill Whistler, American, 1834-1903
(a print in our living room)