It has finally clicked. I've always had a hard time putting words to exactly what it is I love about being a designer. Usually when people ask, I simply ramble out something like..."wow, yeah, I mean, It's just so great to be creative, you know?" Truth is, the longer I am in this line of work, the more I am able to see the aspects of my God in the creative transformation process. In fact, my God is in the business of transformation. He takes things that are broken, and ugly, and dingy and offers help and transformation to those who will take it. When Jesus offered his life, He did it knowing full well that in doing so, he would unleash the possibility of a life of transformation for all who would accept it.
Please, I must be very clear that I am not putting myself on the same level of transforming ability as my savior. But when I read in the Bible that we are made in His image, I kind of get that when I look at WHY I enjoy design. I enjoy taking spaces and breathing new, fresh life into them. I find great satisfaction in watching how changed spaces actually change the way people live. Isn't it also neat to see that in people? Bad habits broken, or poor decisions redeemed?
Anyway....that may be a bit of a long explanation to give people when they ask why I love design so much, but I thought I would at least share that with you in this forum. If you believe that all of the Jesus business is a bunch of malarkey, perhaps you can at least appreciate how wonderful transformation of any sort is when you experience it. I truly do enjoy the art of transformation.
With that being said, I will get down from the pulpit. No seriously, I need to step aside, because THIS reveal is of my Pastor's home. He and his wife came to me a while back telling me they've been meaning to paint their house for over 10 years. I was so excited to help, and now I bring you a few pictures of some of the results (and some before pictures if I can find them.) Some of it is still a work in progress, but I'm to impatient to wait until it is all done....
Enjoy the pictures of early transformation....hopefully I'll update with more throughout the remainder of the process.
This before picture shows you the white walls and layered window treatments. I did a pretty lousy job of documenting before pictures on this one...(I did most of the work w/ my little munchkins as escorts, so I will use that as my reasoning in this scenario.) Anyway....this gives you somewhat of an idea of the original tone of the room.
This photo is of a piece in the dining room.....I suggested it be painted black to bring some visual weight into the room. I love that the pastor and his wife were willing to try anything, and trusted the plan even when they couldn't picture the end result. (I could probably go into another spiritual parallel here, but I will spare you.)
One of my challenges was making the lighthouse artwork fit into the design scheme. This piece had a lot of meaning to the family, and so it actually became our inspiration for the room. This is one of the "after" pictures showing the progress. We still have to add a few plants, lamps, and accessories, but I believe it is coming together quite nicely.
Remember the "before" shot of the window and white walls? Here is an "after" shot showing you what that portion of the room currently looks like. I must tell you, it is starting to feel SO warm and inviting.....They may have a hard time getting people to leave now!
Another view of the room progress. By the way, I am in love with the rug. It brings out colors from the lighthouse print so nicely. I am so glad they went with it! The front door will soon be painted red, and we will add some wall art and plants....but all in all, this room is well on its way to completion.
Oh....and speaking of transformation: This is the piece they painted black. Once we get paint on the walls in the dining room, this space will have a whole new feel to it. I love seeing it all happen before my very eyes!
That is all the blogging I have in me for today. Keep checking back though, I'm trying my best to update you with all of the fun more often. Until next time, find your own way to contribute to the transformation of the world around you. But I must warn you, it can be quite fun and addicting once you get started!
