| Welcome to the summer of 2020, virtual and distanced – still. There is no substitute for face-to-face interaction. But we have to find comfort where we can, and since mid-March, it has been mostly with, and inside our home. But really, most of us were probably spending time with some people for no truly identifiable reason – and not spending enough time putting socks back into pairs. Our concept of home as sanctuary changed overnight via the pandemic hit. What we once considered as normal home time, abruptly altered. So, as always, new circumstances create new challenges. On top of that, our home, once considered a refuge from the world, now offered little solace from the social, economic and political unrest raging around the globe. Whereas once we railed against FOMO, Fear of Missing Out, we were now forced to instantaneously shift to FOGO, Fear of Getting Out. Now, more than ever, we needed a soothing, calming haven, a bulwark against the uncertainties and upheavals of the outside world. Fortunately for me, I rolled into this scary pandemic without much of a social life, so my strategy so far has been to continue not having much of a social life. It’s been a pretty smooth transition. I also had no idea how much Tupperware had been missing from my life. But the most disorienting thing of all, is that our home now has to serve so many purposes and activities…Zoom calls, reading and thinking space, hours on the computer, homeschooling, children underfoot, a yoga and exercise studio, Doritos and wine storage…the list goes on. We have to now balance activity with privacy and introspection. How do we do this? Number One: The best way, and for purposes of historical clarity, is to rearrange and/or eliminate pieces of non-essential furniture and belongings for instant, easy access to more space for living and working every day. (Look for this extremely long sentence to be emblazoned on T-shirts everywhere.) What really matters is whether it’s just enough (and not too much) for you. Determine your list of “must-haves”, then narrow down your stuff to match it. Most of what we think we want is superfluous. Really, our needs are remarkably simple. In other words, when things aren’t adding up in life, start subtracting. Number Two: An intelligent use of mirrors can make any room feel larger than its physical dimensions, bringing in more light, and maybe even reflecting the outdoors. Number Three: Large landscape paintings or photographs can offer virtual windows within otherwise boxed-in places. |
Number Four: Lighting. Light and its shadows reflect moods, and are achieved with the mindful placement of dimmable light fixtures and lamps focused on walls, ceilings and surfaces, spreading and softening light, without the harsh glare. For example, a floor or table lamp pooling soft light beside a comfortable armchair, is a refuge from sensory and mental overload. Number Five: Practice social distancing from the refrigerator and overcoming the pull of carbohydrates. To be a true sanctuary and ally, make your home as personal as possible. Do what works for you and what you love. And make space for your new hobbies. Like screaming into a pillow. While the latest (white and grey!) trend may be visually stunning, don’t necessarily adopt it and others wholesale. Think if it reflects your character, values, and cleaning cravings. Believe in yourself, despite all evidence to the contrary. Home should be a place that reflects and serves who you genuinely are and how you want to live. Keep your eye on the prize, accept things as they are, and apply what you’ve learned over the years from watching mobster shows and movies. |
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