Breaking from tradition, the freedom to fall....or fly. Last Friday I was riding home on the train, staring deeply into the New York Magazine home design issue and getting inspired. Then, thanks to Megnut (and Boing Boing), I started recieving a ton of comments to a post I wrote about painting my floors red over the weekend. The result? I am more than convinced that not only are people hemmed in by their clutter and possessions, they don't have the space to TAKE RISKS and have fun in their homes. Why is it that only the most expensive, interior designed homes have big fun statements and look comfortable and expressive?? I don't think it is just having more space or more $$. It is having the gumption to not be attached to stuff, to let go, and to try something new. Most of the posts I recieved yesterday voiced pleasure with seeing the change to our floors, but a number voiced horror that we would do such a thing. Case in point. We did do it, and we're going to do more and it feels great! AND if we make a mistake or dislike something, we are also committed to fixing it. Maybe that is it, we are comitted to our home and worshipping no idols.

But what about inspiration? The picture top right has been my inspiration this past week. In a totally white apartment, which I have issues with, but admire for the chutzpa, the brilliant things are the organic and handmade objects like this amazing painting by Peter Gee. While in another article, there is a photograph of a room in Lou Reed's house with this amazing lamp by Garouste and Bonetti (can't find any link for these two French women aside from their book).
And then there is the ancient interior designer, Albert Hadley, who did this drawingroom on 5th Avenue with his partner, Sister Parrish, in bright, high gloss, taxicab yellow years ago. Bold, colorful, fun.

What the hell am I trying to say here? Forget the concept of clutter. Forget the concept of trying to figure out storage. Rise above simply housing your belongings in your apartment like a big storage closet and think of your home as your canvas, your refuge, your only place that is entirely you. Put art in it. Put handmade in it. Paint your own picture. And get rid of anything that stands in the way. MGR