Kate's Five Things
Plus how to visualize your design plans and deal with unlucky streaks
Catching up…
I’ve had what one would call an absolute shit week. Nothing has gone smoothly, not even the little easy things. I spilled an entire cup of coffee on my computer, got hot sauce in my eye, lost a contact in the middle of a tennis lesson, scraped up my knee during that same lesson, and couldn’t seem to get good WiFi no matter where I sat in my house.
As annoying as it is to hit an unlucky streak, I’ve come to learn to lie low and wait it out. It’s a nice time to take things off my plate instead of rushing through it all. This perspective helps me prioritize what actually needs to be done and let go of all the stuff I try to cram in to feel “productive.”
All the inconveniences aside, the week hasn’t been all bad.
Last week’s House Call…
In last week’s paid newsletter I shared some thoughts on reframing failure. I found that sharing my personal feelings about failure and its attachment to this second act of my career was both challenging and freeing for readers alike. I think that’s why I like using the word itself. We have a visceral reaction to the context failure brings. It’s personal and loaded with loads of subconscious beliefs to examine.
Here's an excerpt:
When the worst-case scenario happens, or it’s time for an evolution, or you find yourself in one of those uncomfortable periods of growth, it is easy to feel sorry for yourself. Growth is like a series of waves, peaks, and valleys. This middle period is like starting at the bottom of a valley between two peaks– the past and the future. We know what it took to ride the first wave, and if we’re not careful, it’s easy to get stuck worrying whether we can make it to the top again.
This is one of the hallmarks of the messy middle. It can help to know that it’s uncomfortable—and that the discomfort is part of the process.
Leaving a job, a relationship, or a city—changing your circumstances in any way—inevitably requires a period when you're in transition. When you don’t have everything figured out, when the learning curve is high when you experience judgment (or worse, indifference) from others around every turn. The messy middle is tender and uncomfortable, but it’s necessary for you to evolve, to get to the other side.
When we’re stuck between a rock and a hard place, we’re experiencing a process that brings about transformation. So how do we move through it?
If you like topics like this one, please consider upgrading to a House Call paid membership! Sometimes I share bonus content like a peek at my interior design projects. It’s how I’m able to do more of this (writing and creating) and less sponsored content. Thank you to everyone who has become a paid supporter of my work.
What I’m reading… The Guest by Emma Cline. My copy just arrived in the mail and it’s been the talk of the socials given its divisive ending. Love it or hate it, I’m always interested in books that leave us chattering long after we’ve finished them. Let me know what you thought!
What I’m watching… My favorite fall movies have been Manhattan and Annie Hall since college. I felt nostalgic for them this week, but watching them after really knowing the kind of person Woody Allen is certainly taints the experience. So does being nearly forty (vs. when I watched them in my twenties). If anything, the music and Diane Keaton still hit just right.
What I’m eating… Thinly sliced apples (cut through the center to look like donuts) topped with almond butter, sliced almonds, a drizzle of honey, and cinnamon. Delicious.
What’s in my cart… I took the plunge on some J. Crew icons and they did not disappoint. I got this bag, these shoes, and this coat. All have been on my list for a while, and it reminds me how different it feels to purchase the things you know will enhance the clothes you have. Chasing that feeling for the rest of my fall purchases.
What I’m looking forward to… The weather turning colder and our trip up to Lake Vermilion before school starts. Give me that Kathleen Kelly freshly sharpened pencil feeling.
Reader Question:
How do I visualize the color/pattern/furniture flow between rooms?
My Answer:
Visualizing color, pattern, and furniture flow between rooms is essential in creating a cohesive and harmonious home design. I often find that buying things we love is a great way to get an eclectic look, but sometimes we need to get our arms around the POV of our homes to give us some guide rails. Here are some tips to help you with this process:
Create a mood board: Gather inspiration from magazines, websites, or social media platforms and create a mood board that represents the overall aesthetic you want to achieve. Include images of colors, patterns, and furniture pieces that catch your eye. This will give you a starting point for visualizing the flow between rooms.
Choose a color palette: Select a color palette that will be used throughout your home. Consider using neutral base colors and adding pops of accent colors to create visual interest. Use swatches or paint samples to see how the colors work together and flow from one room to another.
Consider sight lines: Stand in one room and look into the adjacent rooms. Consider how the colors, patterns, and furniture will interact with each other as you move from one space to another. Aim for a sense of continuity and balance between the rooms. If one space is busy, consider the adjacent space an opportunity to pull things back a bit.
Use consistent flooring: Using consistent flooring materials or colors can help create a seamless flow between rooms. It visually connects different spaces, making them feel cohesive. If changing flooring is not an option, consider using rugs to tie the rooms together. Again, I’m always a fan of the mix but this rule can help people who are having decision fatigue, too. Go with a cohesive flooring and mix it up with rugs if you’re unsure what to do.
Coordinate furniture styles: Choose furniture styles that complement each other and create a sense of harmony. Using a bold print on a chair? Consider a sofa in one color that is pulled from the bold pattern. It’s not about matching! It’s about making things feel like they are related. Also make sure to consider the scale, color, and materials used in each piece.
Play with patterns: Use patterns strategically to create a cohesive look. Mix patterns of different scales, but make sure they share at least one common color to tie them together. Balance bold patterns with more subtle ones to avoid overwhelming the space.
Test with sample boards: Create sample boards with fabric swatches, paint chips, and images of small furniture pieces to see how they work together in different rooms. This will help you visualize the flow and make adjustments if needed before committing to larger purchases.
Space of the Week
The home of Kristin Ellen Hockman is a huge source of inspiration to me these days. I lover her use of antiques and color, always with restraint and intention.
I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
Are are my favorite Kate. Loved these thoughts this week!