26 October 2013

rethinking design: home is where the heart is

Have you seen the thought-provoking and heart-ripping TED talk by photographer Iwan Baan yet? If not, you should. It celebrates "humanity's ability to survive and make a home - anywhere." 

In Caracas, the capital of Venezuela, nearly 70 percent of the population lives in slums.
It comes at a time when I'm downsizing to a small condo in an effort to live more simply and sustainably, as I mused about at the beginning of the year in this post. Instead of feeling cramped and less 'worthy' I feel gratitude and peace at being able to carve out a small and lovely space that I can make my own. Having less stuff and a smaller financial commitment is a stress relief. And really, 700 square feet of space is all I need so why take up more?

A house is a structure that provides shelter. A home is a space that provides emotional support and safety from the outside world.  Sometimes us single folks can feel a little lonely when we hear over and over that "home is where your loved ones are." Sometimes we don't have the luxury of living with others, or even living in the same city or country as loved ones. So I cling to the concept of making your home a refuge with design and things that you love and cherish. And those things will be different for everyone. It's not about copying the trends in magazines or buying modern furniture. It's about what makes you feel good when you walk in the door. 

 The photos by Baan prove that this feeling of making wherever you are your 'home' is a universal feeling. They show that even in structures that can't really be called houses, people make lovely homes. It's humbling and inspiring. 

An unfinished office tower in Caracas where families have moved in and communities have developed.
One of the homes in the unfinished tower.
A community in Cairo, Egypt where garbage collecting and recycling is the main source of income.
An elaborate home inside one of the buildings in that community. 
An underground cave home in China. An estimated 40 million people still live in sunken courtyard houses which sit seven meters below ground.
Hope you go and check out the video. All images by Iwan Baan via TED

19 October 2013

top 8 organic holiday wreaths - part two

I know, I can't believe it either, but it's getting to that time of year when I'm thinking about a wreath for my door. I've done a couple of popular posts in the past: "top 8 organic holiday wreaths" and "20 best DIY holiday wreaths." Since wreaths seem to be so well-loved, here's a new round-up of natural wreaths that will deliver enjoyment now right through the holidays.

source
source
unknown source
unknown source
source
source
source

17 October 2013

fireplace refresh

I recently visited friends in Ottawa who purchased a 1950's bungalow and are renovating. They've done an amazing job opening up the kitchen, living and dining spaces, creating a modern and cozy living area while staying true to the mid-century vibe of the home. What a fantastic way to live in a modern and functional space without building new.


The fireplace was recently re-surfaced, and shows the amazing transformation that can happen with tiles. Well done! 

BEFORE

15 October 2013

living small: make the most of your staircase

Living small doesn't have to mean sacrifice. Using every bit of space wisely allows a small home to be functional, comfortable and sustainable. Staircases provide great opportunities for storage. Are you making the most of your stairs?  

source
source
via
via
via
via
source
source
via
source

14 October 2013

gratitude



“Walk as if you are kissing the Earth with your feet.” 



11 October 2013

modern rustic space of the week

source

8 October 2013

hooked

via
via
via

6 October 2013