Your Home Should Create Memories.

Memory is such an interesting tool. We can, given the right stimulus, recall with clarity a moment in time, long past. There are times, when moving through a crowd when I catch a scent and will be catapulted back in time to my Grandmother’s house on Clear Lake on a Saturday morning. Sometimes it’s just a simple smell, like fresh berries,cut grass or fried fish that brings back vivid memories of my childhood. 

At Grandma's house we would begin our day by looking out at the lake and consider the possibilities. My Mother and Uncles would all be getting ready to water ski, fish or pick black berries. Sometimes all I have to do is look at Grandma's old hand carved cedar chest where she kept, what she called, the most important things. 

One of my most vivid memories was when Grandma decided she needed a new front door. The entrance to her home was always unremarkable so we all chimed in and encouraged her to get something unique. Then the question, "what would make it special?" We began on-line and stumbled upon a wonderful website artfactory.com. We then chose a style that reflected the ambiance of the lake home and its surroundings. With all the possibilities they offered we then all agreed that it should reflect our lifestyle and the things we all enjoyed doing while we were together. We got out a lot of our old photos of fishing, the woods and all the moments we loved when Grandpa and Grandma were together. 

We were excited to work with Scottsdale Art Factory because of their reputation and their ability to use our family photographs in the hand carvings on the door. Grandma was so pleased with her new custom door! The rest is history (see the photo included of our door of memories). 
It has been several years and Grandma is no longer with us but every time we get together at the lake house warm memories overwhelm me. 

It has been said that all we ever really have in life is our memories. If that is the case then I suggest we make memories that last. I once heard that it’s better to be looked over than overlooked and in the context of making lasting memories I believe this to be true. Why go through life in beige if chartreuse will linger in the memory? Why opt for basic black if tangerine will seal the moment? Why be boring if bold will cause you to stand out and be noticed?

As with all theories, there are exceptions; however, when it comes to our homes, making a lasting first impression is a must.

Speaking of lists, have you been adding to yours? Last week we were standing on the threshold of your home trying to assess what small projects we could undertake that would make your home a bit more beautiful. What did you accomplish in this regard? How did you make your home more beautiful? 

Please write and let me know how you’ve improved on the impression your home makes on others and how it will be remembered.

For ideas and actions I suggest an American manufacturer with a long reputation of being able to create hand carved doors, handmade lighting, and top quality furnishings of all styles. This company has many designers that make interior decorating a no-brainer and at prices most can afford. Visit Art Factory to see examples.