Indre Kisonas
My observation for today is “Living from the heart”.
Country living offers a communion with nature which undoubtedly alters our interactions and way of being. We are immersed in trees, greenery and wildlife. We inevitably pay more attention to the seasons, the insects, the weather and can afford to slow for this observation. This ease with nature is also transferred to a social ease. Strangers talk, not just about the weather, but oddly, conversations can be quite meaningful on street corners or at the footy or dog park.
There is connection because the personal space barriers are not there. The rushing about is reduced in the country. We are not combating traffic and crowds so I daresay, our living is better for our health.
To make another general observation, I would state that in the country there is no pretence. I have noticed it both personally and professionally. Comfort in the home and in personal attire is wonderfully acceptable. Interior design is also approachable and personal. It is to make you and the occupants of your home happy and content.
Recently I had a city client who asked for the design to include a formal lounge room. It got me thinking that I haven’t had a client reserve a room or space specifically to receive guests for a very long time. I love that we have evolved our spaces for total use; relaxed our expectations of how we live and entertain. We don’t keep a room immaculate just in case we have guests to entertain. Guests now are privy to our messes and everyday clutter. Our comforts and casualness. The lack of formality makes for honesty in our relationships and interactions.
My parents and grandparents certainly had the formal room and good crockery with glassware that was carefully pulled out for special occasions. I remember as a child, carefully peeking in at the neighbour’s formal room, replete with the what-not of Royal Dalton figurines behind glass. It was a total waste of space and finery, never to be enjoyed.
Enjoy every day, I say. Embrace the beauty of using fine china daily and sitting in the finely presented lounge room with the cushions that are soft and plentiful and with the stylish throw rug that is used for comforting the dog as well as you. You deserve it every day. Go as far as surrounding yourself with colours and materials that reflect you and your favourites, rather than what the glossy magazines tell you is popular. Be comfortable mixing your preferences to gain comfort in your own space rather than what you think you should have.
Work from the heart. It seems to be more easily done when living in the beauty and relaxation of the country.
As Banjo Patterson famously wrote, “Townsfolk have no time to grow, they have no time to waste”.
Indre Kisonas is a Daylesford resident and the owner and principal designer of iok design. She specialises in colour & interior design.
indre@iokdesign.com.au
