“I like houses to be cozy, comfortable, and personal. Not cluttered, but filled with interesting objects and toys and as many jokes as I can get away with.”
— Candice Bergen, American actress
Here at the Prairie house we’ve been sheltering for about nine months now. It’s not particularly hard when you enjoy being a homebody. Some days pass slowly, but not many. Perhaps we move slower and find ourselves in projects we hadn’t intended. Then before you know it the sun is sinking and the sunroom starts to feel a bit chilly. It’s time to pull out a book, a newspaper, a magazine, or one of a zillion of catalogs found in the mailbox each day. The days have also given time for observing things around the house needing attention. Sam noticed water pooling in the corner of the upstairs shower only to find some rotting wood beneath. The project resulted in moving all the daily accoutrements from the shower to the guest bathroom. The move and the use of another bathroom felt like we were a guest in our own home. Not really a bad thing, as it broke up a little of the daily humdrum.
Further investigation of the shower leak proved the problem needed to be addressed from beneath the shower floor which would involve removing a portion of the ceiling from the breakfast nook below. The breakfast table was removed to the sunroom. The dining experience now included a view of nature through the windows on three sides. Tablecloths were changed to reflect Thanksgiving, followed by a Christmas setting. It was all very simple and drawn from items we already had, but the changes in the physical appearance and the daily schedule gave a little pep to the day, a break from nine months of monotony.
A paragraph from Chic Simple Home states, “memory and wit are qualities that personalize space. In a world of mass-produced products and television-defined lifestyles, a room designed with a sense of your own signature is crucial. References to personal history and a shared past make a place unique. Humor in the shape of something unexpected always has a welcoming effect … a wall stencil that subtly pulls the room together to an oversized piece of art or poster that rivets immediate attention. A well-balanced room should not only function but delight.” I was finding delight in the subtle changes, knowing when the project was ended all would find its way back to its place.
The use of an oversized piece of art reminded me of a wall hanging in a neighbor’s home. The home would probably be regarded as a tiny house yet there on the wall was a painting about 5 feet by 7 feet. It appeared to be abstract splashes of vibrant paint colors. The owner asked, “What do you see?” It was not until he asked, “Do you see Jesus?” that the portrait became obvious and delightful.
At home Sam continued to wind up his project, creating an extraordinary ceiling covering over the breakfast room. Chic Simple Home suggests “The ceiling offers the chance for a purely visual gesture, something pleasing to always look up to.”
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You can help your community
Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 41 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
