Soul Space – Transform Your Home, Transform Your Life

by Carl Williams Interiors on February 18, 2012

I’m currently reading a book called Soul Space by Xorin Balbes, and its message is what I have known on some level for a long time.  Since I work in the field of interior design and home organization, it speaks to me and I want to share some of the insight by paraphrasing key points.

Where you live and what you live with are an extension of who you are, and it is sending a message to the world about your thoughts and dreams.  Consider the possibility that “interior design” includes designing not only your physical surroundings, but also the way you think, dream, live, love, and perceive the world.

When you intentionally create a space that promotes growth and change, you support a natural process.  Consider the following scenarios:

1] As you open the front door, the glow of warm light beckons you inside.  You set your bag on a handmade table near the door and slip off your shoes, placing them and your coat in the neatly organized hall closet.  The serene, beautifully appointed living room draws you in.  You sink deeply into a soft, comfortable chair and drape a finely knit, cozy throw over your legs.  The sky, visible through a large, clear window, is soothing.  A feeling of calm and revitalization washes over you.  You close your eyes and enjoy the quiet luxury of a catnap before preparing a light supper.  You’re home.

2] As you open the front door, the knob rattles.  It’s loose again.  The door sticks, and you have to force it open with your shoulder.  You make a mental note to call the super.  You stumble into the dark hallway as you grope for the light switch.  The bulb blows out, leaving you in a gray wash of dim light.  The hall closet is crammed to capacity with coats, sweaters, and things you haven’t seen in years.  You throw your coat on a living room chair instead.  The seat cushion is faded and worn.  The air in the room is stale.  A feeling of stress and irritation washes over you.  You’re home.  You look around at the clutter and decide to put your coat back on and grab a bite to eat at the local diner.

You get the picture:  There is energy that fills your space regardless of the actual items.

A beautiful space should allow you to be yourself to the fullest — not just a beautiful shell, but a place where your soul can flourish.  And good designers should be able to help create not only a beautiful space, but one that suits your soul and invites you to dream to your heart’s content.

Posted by Heidi of Carl Williams Interiors

 

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Divine Design

by Carl Williams Interiors on December 21, 2011

Rainn Wilson (actor from The Office) started a website called Soul Pancake to get people around the world to discuss “Life’s Big Questions”. One of his beliefs is that the making of art is no different than prayer. That there is not a difference between lifting up a paintbrush and touching it to canvas than to bowing in prayer. (or playing music, or creating something beautiful, or making people laugh) All are expressions of the Divine.

And maybe anything done with passion and love is Divine. Creators who are moved in some way to create something that in turn moves others is Divine.

I can tell you that the work we do at CWI is done with passion and with love. When three creative minds work together the recipe includes: ideas, passion, disagreeing, agreeing to disagree, seeing things in a new way, respecting differing opinions and ultimately a cake baked with love. I had never thought of it in this way until I heard Rainn Wilson’s interview but I truly believe that creativity is Divine expression.

Leaving the world a little better, a little more beautiful than it was before is a gift. Some people were born to be teachers (a great gift to the world). Others were born to make beautiful music or create machines that make people’s lives easier or to be doctors or healers. Some were born to make the world more beautiful, which is Divine.

Anybody, on any budget, can make the world a little more beautiful — even if it’s your one little space on the planet.

Start looking around your home and garden and don’t strive to make it look like anyone else’s or to spend more money than you have to uphold an image.

But keep it clean, maintained, organized and express your Divine creativity.

Posted by Heidi of Carl Williams Interiors

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Take It Personally

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When you give a little extra, you get a little more.

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Folding Towels for Display or Neat Linen Closets

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