Design Your Sexy Sanctuary
May 7, 2012 | Leave a Comment
The expression “I’m sexy when I’m me” sums up every beautiful room I have ever designed. A beautiful room speaks. It says, ” Welcome, come in and enjoy the space. Be comfortable, be happy, have fun and feel good while you are here.”
The key is confidence. When a person walks into a room looking sexy, they also have a confident attitude and they catch your eye? They may have a smile or in some way seem approachable. You want to get to know them, hear what they have to say and learn more about them.
This is what I strive for in every room I design. A sexy room articulates the voice of its’ confident owner. This personalizing can be done in many ways, including carefully chosen textures, unique combinations of colors, unusual shapes, interesting materials and specific furniture styles. However before beginning to create your “look”, you must look inside yourself and identify your authentic taste and style. This is your design DNA which reflects your perception of the exterior design. Most importantly, YOU must be comfortable with your choices. Nothing is more debilitating than feeling like you don’t belong in your own home.
Unlike decorating our bodies, we don’t decorate our homes every day. Therefore, decorating & design is often perceived as mysterious and scary. We lack the confidence because we may not have done this before. The truth and good news is that we know the answers inside us…we must look inside ourselves for the answers of our personal taste and style, our design preferences. Exploring our feelings about colors, patterns, textures, woods, metals, and more is the way to discover these sometimes illusive preferences. And know when you choose from within you will always love the outer results. This is how you gain design confidence…just like sexy confidence.
If you think about it…it’s the same as getting dressed in the morning. You selected the clothes in your closet. You select which top to put with which bottom? Which shoes would look best? Then of course it’s decorating yourself with accessories. Short earring…long earrings…how many bracelets and which ring. Even your underwear has to be appropriate for the overwear! The most creative time each day could be when you get dressed. You are creating a picture of you! The same concept as when you create the design of a room.
Our fashion statement or image is the result of the choices we have made. But how do we know what choices to make? I believe everyone has their own built in “interior” designer. So making choices for our rooms, our most personal spaces, has to come from deep inside, then we will feel comfortable, happy and proud of our choices. This will affirm confidence and attitude which will give us that sexy look and feel in all our interiors and exteriors.
Always remembering, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
Because I enjoy working with people and their interiors and want the world to benefit from this knowledge, I offer you my book The Bajaro Method: Rooms have no Feelings, YOU Do! and the on-line Color & Design Personality Profile. Both can be purchased on this website in Products and Services.
What Color Are Your Sheets?
April 5, 2012 | Leave a Comment
WHAT COLOR ARE YOUR SHEETS?
Your bedroom is your most personal space, so be sure when making choices to surround you in your bedroom, that you love them.
Also keep in mind how you look lying on the color of your sheets? Are they in your best colors and how does the color make you feel? Even with your eyes closed…you know the colors of your sheets. If the color is dark have they faded? Did you buy them because you like looking at them and slipping into them every night or do they match something in your room that you don’t even like?
With the new spring season it might be time to make some inexpensive changes. Consider painting a wall in your bedroom, buying new bedspreads or at the least new sheets. Keep in mind that sheets and pillow cases don’t have to match in color or pattern. This is also practical, because if one of these pieces wear out, you don’t have to replace the whole set. You may also mix and match your sheets and pillow cases for design effect, excitement, interest and practicality.
You can painting an accent wall or all the walls in a new color. Don’t ignore the ceiling since you are lying down. The ceiling can be your accent wall. Possibly add funky or romantic pillows on your bed or simply take your favorite vase and add a bouquet of fresh flowers to enjoy the beauty and scent that permeates your space. The changes don’t have to be big; small but calculated differences can have a huge impact on your home sanctuary.
For example, with new eyes, take a slow and objective look at your master bedroom or even take a photograph. In a picture you will see things differently than if you are standing in the room. Ask yourself questions like, “What looks tired and faded, are your pillows worn and flat, and are your night tables stacked with old magazines, books and catalogues.” Do you really still care what is in them? Is your night stand customized for your exclusive use. Is what you need from bed in easy reach? When you are in bed do you feel supported by your surroundings? What is the last thing you see at night and the first thing you see in the morning? This can affect your dreams and your attitude for the day.
If new night tables aren’t in the budget, you can take a piece of glass and spray paint the underside of it and then cover the paint with a fabric. Lay the fabric side on the nightstand. This will add an accent color to the top of your old night stands, which can be color coordinated with the new colors you are introducing in the room.
If you are buying new sheets here are some information to take with you:
1- Measure Your Bed
Whether you have a twin, queen, or king sized bed there is no longer an absolute standard measurement for beds? While the top measurements are rather consistent from maker to maker, there is some variation. So before you go shopping, measure your bed carefully, noting the dimension from top to bottom, side to side, and the thickness of the mattress. Some are wider than others or longer.
2- Check the Sheet Measurements
Since you know the exact size of your bed, check the exact size of the sheets. Be sure that the fitted sheet is deep enough for your mattress, or that you haven’t found a California King sheet set and your bed is an Eastern King. Remember that many sheets will shrink as much as 7 percent in the first washing.
3- Have fun with color
Sheets are a fun and an inexpensive way to add a splash of accent color to your bedroom décor. Consider mixing and matching sheet sets; this is a great way to use pillow cases or bottom sheets that are still in great shape.
4- Learn About Thread Count in Bed Sheets
Check the thread count which is printed on front of the label by the manufacturer. Thread count refers to the number of threads per square inch in both directions in the weave. The higher the thread count, the more luxurious the feel of a fabric. But beware! A higher thread count usually means that the individual threads are thinner and may not wear as well. For linens that balance comfort and durability, choose a thread count in the 400-600 range.
5- Choose Your Sheet Fabric Wisely
Because you’ll sleep on the sheets every night, treat yourself. Choose the best you can afford. Cotton is the most popular sheet fabric, but some people prefer non-wrinkling cotton blends. There are more unusual and opulent choices such as satin, silk, or microfiber. Pillowcases may make the greatest difference so see which you prefer before buying a whole set.
Always keep your comfort and personal preferences uppermost in your mind when selecting sheets and designing your bedroom. This is one of the times you can and must choose exactly what you like!
Always remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
As the One Hour Designer, I would be happy to take you shopping. See what a difference an hour can make!
Loving Your Home is Loving Yourself
March 13, 2012 | Leave a Comment
Loving Your Home is Loving Yourself
Your home is the most important outward expression of who you are, after your physical body. The way we treat our selves…what we eat, how much exercise and rest we get, and all the other daily decisions we make about our body including, our appearance, speaks volumes about who we are.
Our home becomes an extension of our body and soul. It is our sanctuary where we can be real and heal. Like our bodies, it is the expression of all our thoughts and desires, our fears and doubts. Home is the safe haven for our body, mind and spirit.
Keeping this in mind…what does your most personal environment look like? Does your home have the look and feel of comfort and fun? Does your home support and reflect who you are? When people come into your home do they see you?
When someone comes into your home they are seeing the real you. James Allen wrote in, As A Man Thinketh, “Men do not attract that which they want, but that which they are. Therefore, your home is a reflection of you, as you are right now.
Your home may no longer feel in sync with who you are today. It may have lost its continuity and harmony with your needs. Possibly you have outgrown or become bored with your surroundings. A new energy may be needed. If that’s the case read on. I have answers for you.
This is the time to begin your journey of reevaluation and redesign. It may be as much as a move to a new location, a remodel or just to rearrange or refresh what you already have. The size of the project doesn’t matter as much as the specific changes you intend to make that will impact you to make a difference. Keep in mind; the walls don’t care what color they are or the floors their covering or the sofa the size and shape of the pillows…but you do. When you know what you like and all your design and decoration decisions are made to please you, the decisions become easy.
You may ask, “What about the people I live with?” Easy, this is an opportunity to open conversation about how each of you wants to live and how you can accomplish this together. It needs to be a family project with input from everyone to find what is important to all.
One of the things you can do together is look through magazines to discover what you like and as importantly what you don’t like. Once you think you have made a few choices, test yourself:
• Buy a can of paint and experiment with a new color on one wall.
• Bring flooring samples home to see how they look in your light.
• Throw some daring accent pillows on the sofa…you might only need one.
Observe what happens to the room and feel your reactions. Don’t make quick decisions. See how it looks at different times of day. Take your time. Get used to the changes. Begin to understand your choices. You might like one change but not another. Become aware how each change affects something else. So do one thing at a time. Don’t be afraid to challenge yourself. And most of all trust yourself. Only you know how you want to live. Most of all remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
There is so much more to learn about Loving Your Home is Loving Yourself, so as a gift to you my readers, I have a video with more information and a tip a day on my YouTube Channel or website www.BajaroMethod.com. See you there. We are always here for you to tell you more about “Interior” Design for Mindful Living.
Interior Design Ideas: Love Your Home Event is Almost Here
February 15, 2012 | Leave a Comment
Decorating your home can be more fun if you get ideas from interior design experts. For people in Paradise Valley, Scottsdale and the Phoenix metro area, the Love Your Home Event is coming on February 28th. We have many interior designers, lighting experts, healthy environment and quality living speakers lined up that will make it easy for YOU to “Love Your Home”.
As one of the experts providing gift certificates and advice, I promise this is will be fun and rewarding for everyone who attends. You’re probably thinking ”Barbara, what are you giving away?” My answer:
$625 Gift Certificate for home or office Design Consultation, Design Plan, Guide Book and Profile
You deserve a living environment that reflects your style and makes you happy to be home. Invite your friends and neighbors that want to redecorate a single room or their entire house.
Hope to see you Feb 28 at the PV Design Center.
For the complete speaker’s schedule, directions and list of prizes, visit www.bajaromethod.com
For more decorating tips, read my previous blog posts.
February is “Love Your Home” Month
February 1, 2012 | Leave a Comment
29 Ways to “Love Your Home”
In recognition of Valentine’s Day, Interior Designer Barbara Kaplan has proclaimed February “Love Your Home” Month because after all loving your home is loving yourself! Here are the decorating tips, interior design secrets and redecorating ideas you can all use:
1)- HOW TO HANG PICTURES. Change or re-arrange wall art placement. For drama you can hang larger pieces in smaller spaces and smaller pieces in large places. Sometimes the art doesn’t have to be centered. Be sure not to hang wall art too high. Make sure art is not blocked when viewed while seated. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
2)- EMBRACE COLOR. Color is key. Don’t be afraid to express yourself with color anywhere and everywhere. See how much you can handle living with and of course make sure you “love” the color. Start slowly with an accent wall or pillow. Then you can add an area rug or chair. Keep going and have fun. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
3)-WHAT TO DO WITH PHOTOS. Take a treasured photograph out of your photo album and put it into a frame. Make sure the frame matches your room so it won’t look out of place and detract from the picture. If you add a backing that matches the room you can replace the picture often regardless of the picture size. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
4)- WHAT KIND OF LIGHTING? Is the lighting in your work areas sufficient? Task lighting can be installed under cabinetry in kitchens or offices. Always light the areas where you need to see…otherwise ambient lighting creates “shadows” for mood and interest and highlights accessories. Lighting can also spotlight focal points of a room. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
5)- THE PILLOW TRICK. You’ve probably heard about the pillow trick. But sometimes it only takes one fabulous pillow to make the difference. Especially if you can match it to a piece of furniture in the room that you paint the same color. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
6)- THE REAL ENTRY TO YOUR HOME IS OUTSIDE. The “outside” entry is what people see first. Buy a new large mat that coordinates with your door, if possible. Position the mat like a runner so people step on it several times, which helps clean their shoes. Make sure your door bell is clean so people will feel good about ringing your bell. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
7)- TREAT YOURSELF TO FLOWERS. 
Buy flowers when you go to the supermarket. It only takes one stem in a small vase that you love and place it somewhere just for you…by the kitchen sink when you do the dishes or by your bathroom sink when you brush your teeth. If you buy a bouquet, you can separate the flowers and place them anywhere. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
8)- YOUR GARAGE CAN FEEL LIKE AN EXTENSION OF YOUR HOME. Paint/de-clutter/clean up/ and even hang pictures in your garage. Definitely keep it clean. After all, it may be the last thing you see when you leave and the first thing that greets you when you arrive home. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do! For ideas watch this video: Amazing Cars and Impressive Garages
9)- HAVE A PRETTY PANTRY. Imagine a pretty pantry. Build custom height shelves for your food. Customize for your smaller and larger size items. You’ll have more space, visibility and organization. Paint the walls and shelves complementary colors you enjoy. Give the pantry door and handle its own style. Store your food items in visually pleasing containers. Create a sense of organized pleasure. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
10)- LOVE YOUR HALLWAYS. That could mean different things. Either take down the hodge-podge collection of family photos and frame them all the same for a unified look or create a gallery for art with proper lighting or thirdly make your hallways a calm space with nothing on the walls to create a transition from room to room. Your choice…which feels right to you? Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
11)- CLUTTER, AGAIN! It’s time to de-clutter. Take a walk through your house and take away anything that is broken, that you don’t like, too dirty to get really clean, or has a bad memory. This will give you the chance to appreciate more what you have or replace it with something better. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
12)- CREATE YOUR OWN SANCTUARY. If you don’t have one yet, create a special and private place just for you where you can do anything you want, like read or meditate and where you will feel comfortable and relaxed…a place where you feel nurtured and secure. A place no one else can touch or use. Even if it’s a chair or pillow on the floor with a lamp or candle…it is yours. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
13)- GIVE YOUR CHILD A TIDY ROOM. If you struggle to keep a child’s room tidy, involve the child in creating space for their needs. By providing a place for everything they will learn to put things away. Decorative storage pieces can be purchased inexpensively and don’t forget to utilize space under the bed for storage bins. Install ready-made units to organize the closet that will grow with the child’s needs. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
14)- “BE YOUR OWN INTERIOR DESIGNER”. See Barbara on Video Take all the furniture out of a room you want to change. Removing and replacing each piece one at a time. Observe what happens as you create empty spaces. Some pieces can be totally eliminated. Be sure to try each piece in a different place than before. Try angling the furniture or changing the flow. Most importantly, take time to get used to the change. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
15)- SEE WHAT YOU HAVE WITH DIFFERENT EYES. Change the seat at which you eat all your meals today. Look around and see your room from a different perspective. Is there anything you see that you would like to change or that you didn’t see before? Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
16)- ENJOY THE PIECES YOU ALREADY HAVE. Go to the cabinet that has your fine pieces of china, flatware, crystal, serving pieces, vases and bowls, etc.. Take out the ones you love the most. Keep them out for several days to use and enjoy. Hopefully you’ll never want to hide them again. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
17)- NEW HARDWARE CAN MAKE CABINETRY LOOK LIKE NEW. If you like the cabinetry in your home, but wish it could be spruced up or updated, change the hardware. New handles will make a huge difference. You can change the handle shape, style and even the finish. Go from conservative to formal or funky. It will be like getting new cabinets. Be sure you put different handles in each room. The kitchen shouldn’t look like the bathroom or the hallway. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
18)- STARTING YOUR DESIGN PROJECT. Starting to decorate doesn’t have to be overwhelming. If you first start with a piece you love or adore, it is easier and more fun and will give you greater pleasure because it reflects you. Even if you have to spend extra on it, build around it. Beginning your project with pieces you love, and sticking to the theme, will insure the happy outcome you will want to live with forever. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
19)- WORD OF THE YEAR IS “OCCUPY”. How are you occupying your most personal space, your home? Is it a reflection of you? Have you expressed your style, taste, collections and hobbies. If you have, great; if not, now is the time to do it! Begin with a list of what you like and don’t like in your home and decide how you would like to live and be seen. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
20)- KNOW YOURSELF BEFORE DECORATING. Before you begin a decorating project write a brief journal or answer a few questions about yourself and how you want to live. Interview yourself or have a dialogue with someone who really knows you. This is great to do with someone you live with. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
21)- CREATE A ROMANTIC EVENING AT HOME. Plan a dinner in a room in your home in which you generally don’t eat. It could be your family room, bedroom or garden. Use a small table with a pretty table cloth and comfortable chairs. Buy two special dinner plates and definitely have candles everywhere. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
22)- SING AND DANCE IN YOUR HOME. Purchase your favorite dance music and move the furniture aside to create a dance floor. Dance by yourself, with a partner or invite friends. Your home can be a source of fun and joy. Any other ideas to bring fun in? Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
23)- SPLURGE ON ONE THING AND WORK AROUND IT. Everything doesn’t have to be expensive. Just buy one thing that is very special to you and decorate from there. Make it the focus of the room and add pieces that blend or contrast but not detract. Let your special choice be your inspiration. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
24)- “REFRESH” NOT REPLACE. To replace what we have in our home can be expensive so just “refresh”. Refresh means use it differently. Refresh is to move something in the same room or to another room, eliminate something, use it differently, rearrange your accessories or wall art. Let your imagination flow and do the unexpected. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
25)- BE SURE YOU LOVE THE COLORS IN YOUR HOME. If you have not originally chosen all the colors in your home, now is the time to change that. Paint a room, change your pillows, slipcover a sofa, paint a piece of furniture, eliminate old drapery. It could be as simple as new placemats. Be sure the colors you see everyday are the colors you like. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
26)- KNOW YOUR STYLE. Decide if you want glamour, serenity, comfort, etc. and make sure you eliminate pieces that don’t reflect your taste. Every room doesn’t have to be the same. Especially if different people live in the rooms giving a different purpose and energy. Each room in your home can have its own personality. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
27)- BE AWARE OF ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION. In the home there are many sounds and many aromas. Be aware of them and make sure you are not negatively affected by them. Conversely you can have positive reactions to music, water running in a fountain, food cooking and flowers. Tune into your stimuli. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do
28)- DIMMERS AND TIMERS LIGHT UP MY LIFE. I love dimmers to create mood in a room. It creates shadows, interest and mood. Timers take care of you. You can time when you want lights on and off and never have to think about it. You will never be in the dark or return to a dark home. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
29)- NO HAVE TO’S IN SIGHT. Put work and exercise equipment out of your bedroom and away from the room you eat, entertain or recreate. Creating a tranquil and peaceful environment is important and brings health and healing. It is preferable to have a separate exercise room and office. Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
Visit me: BajaroMethod.com
The Philosophy of “Sexy” Interior Design
November 3, 2011 | 1 Comment
Sassy – Sensuous – Serene
Do you think your home is “sexy”? “Sexy” interior design is all about attitude. It’s creating a personal space in which you feel alive and tells your story. The room expresses and reflects your way of life.
So often rooms are designed to look good and certainly there is nothing wrong with beauty. However, if you are living in a beautiful space that does not express your heart and soul, the beauty only lasts so long until you feel the need for personal comfort and self expression. The comfort is for your physical body as well as your mental and emotional self. The self expression is your need to be heard and seen as you truly are.
You don’t want to live in another person’s idea of what looks and feels good. It is a human need to be surrounded in the taste and style that personifies who you are at your deepest level.
When we feel sexy we feel alive, we feel real and we feel in our power. How wonderful to always feel this way. However, it isn’t always possible. We are in many environments all day long over which we have no control. That is why it is all the more important that we achieve this in our home…our most personal space. It is the only place where we can decide what colors and style we want to live with. When these decisions are made with the people we live, it strengthens our connections and creates a unique look that tells “our” story. It becomes an environment to share and enjoy together.
There are three basic styles of “sexy” interior design. They are sassy, sensuous and serene. You can carry any one of them throughout your home or combine them to create your own style.
Your entire home doesn’t have to be just one style. Each room can have a different style and feeling to express the different purpose and function of each room and the personality of the person or persons using the space the most.
The three basic styles of “sexy” interior design are:
- Sassy – fun, energetic, bold, dramatic, exciting, lively, playful
- Sensuous – textured, stimulating, sumptuous, luxurious
- Serene – calm, mellow, relaxed, comfortable, organized
Have fun and play with your own words that describe these three types of design for you. It will get you started thinking about how to create a “sexy” home designed and personalized to express your personality and interests.
You can also take one or a combination of these styles to interpret and create your own individual look. Decide the amount of each one you want to use. The meaning of your environment affects your attitude and how you express yourself to others. That’s why it’s so important to use your own words and come up with your own meaning. Give your style a name that expresses the way you want to feel in that room and how you want to be seen. Interior design is not a science it is an art and you are the subject. Create your own portrait in your own home!
Remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do and creating a “sexy” home is the best way to feel alive and vibrant in your most personal spaces.
To learn more about “Sexy” Interior Design and discover how you can create this for yourself, you can attend a free design and decorating workshop. You can also treat yourself to a private consultation. Call for details. Barbara Kaplan 480-998-5088
Website: www.BajaroMethod.com & www.BarbaraKaplan.com
Facebook: http.//www.facebook.com/bajaromethod
Your bedroom is the most important room in your home. Why? Because it has to support you in so many ways. It’s the room we spend the most hours in. Even while sleeping we are affected by what is going on around us.
Since sleep is when our bodies rest, heal and reenergize we have to be sure we are creating the best environment for this to happen.
All of our senses need to be considered. We react to our senses all the time. Such things as sound, light, smell and touch are affecting us even when we are sleeping. These same stimuli in our surroundings are important as we fall asleep and to stay asleep. The way we wake up and what we see, hear, smell and touch can set the tone for the entire day. You’ve heard the expression, “I got up on the wrong side of the bed today.” That certainly is a beginning but there is much more to consider.
Think about some of these suggestions for optimum comfort and rest:
- Dim the lights in your home as bedtime approaches to raise your serotonin.
- Make sure your bedroom is quiet and dark so you can fall asleep easily. Lights outside your room are visible too and will affect you. So will a TV and music playing.
- Be sure your bed is the right firmness and size so you are not affected by movement from someone next to you or an animal sleeping with you.
- Be aware of the sounds that put you to sleep and wake you in the morning? A pleasant sounding alarm is a must. Not to mention someone snoring next to you.
- There is nothing better than soft, smooth sheets, and a mattress and pillow that you picked for your comfort. Make sure you like the color of the bedding too. If you like, you can have several color schemes and even mix and match them.
- Change blankets with the seasons. Especially comforter weight for warm or cold weather will make a big difference. A different color for each will also subliminally indicate a change in how you react as well as give a fresh look to your room.
- Provide enough space on your nightstand for everything you need close by and check the height for easy reach. Getting up during the night for something can make it difficult to get back to sleep.
Now add your own needs. There are so many more considerations and they may be personal just to you. Don’t ignore them and give yourself the comfort you need to enjoy your sanctuary.
I could go on because there are so many more ways to customize the most important room in your home. For now consider your individual needs and make sure they are being met and supported in your bedroom. You can design your dream bedroom and add all the wishes that will make your dreams come true for you.
An intimate bedroom is a place to enjoy, relax, restore, replenish, rejuvenate, and sleep. It all begins with you. Surround yourself with what you love. Create an atmosphere of serenity, peace and comfort. Whether you focus on art work, candles on beautiful holders, wonderful scents or pretty fabrics make sure you express yourself completely in your most personal space.
Always remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
If you want a bedroom that is customized for you, take the Bajaro Color & Design Personal Preference Profile before leaving this site. You will know all your colors, textures, and metals and so much more! Just click on Profile in the menu.
Small Objects Can Personalize Your Room-The Power of a Pillow
March 14, 2011 | 1 Comment
When decorating a kitchen for a client, I created a small sitting area in her large eating area. We decided to add a chair with an ottoman. For a little oomph, we found a wonderful fabric in a great color to pull it all together and used it for a pillow on the chair.
Recently, I received a call from that client saying that this pillow needed to be re-stuffed. While the pillow was being repaired, she called again to say, “I miss my pillow! The energy of the room has changed. Without the pillow, everything feels different.”
This is a good example of how small objects can be missed and can change the feel of a room. Conversely, we also feel the shift when something new is added. This often happens when I install new furniture and accessories in a client’s home. Because we have become used to what we have around us, it’s a surprise when new objects are introduced.
Clients often say, “I’m not sure how I like this new look.” My response is always, “Wait, live with it and see how you feel in a few minutes, hours or days.” It may take time to welcome something new into your home and “bond” with it.
What are your favorite objects in your home? Which did you select because they caught your eye and you had to have them? What gives you a feeling of comfort every time you see it and you’d miss if it weren’t there? Is it a chair, a picture or a piece of jewelry?
Often I ask clients these questions, and they tell me that it’s something in a drawer or packed away – which I suggest we take out and make visible. First, we decide what room it should be in and then how to make it decorative.
If it’s a picture, you can frame it. An old chair, can be reupholstered. A scarf or a tie can be incorporated into the design of a pillow. A piece of jewelry, such as a pin, can be attached to a pillow and taken off when worn and reattached afterwards.
No one else can pick these pieces for you. Those special objects create a feeling only you understand. This is your imprint, your monogram for the world to see.
The most fun in decorating is feeling that you have created something no on else has – that it means something to you that cannot be explained. It’s having a secret that no one else knows or understands.
Living in a home that gives you a sense of your taste and style empowers you to take this to all areas of your life. This includes your wardrobe, choice of stationery and flowers – even the car you drive. This personal identity you’ve chosen for your home continually reinforces your sense of self. Celebrate who you are in all that you choose!
This is what “Rooms have no feelings – YOU do!” is all about.
Everyone Has A Day to Share!
February 13, 2011 | Leave a Comment
Everyone Has A Day to Share!
It’s important to remember that everyone has stories to tell about their day, if we take the time to listen. We are so accustomed to hearing the stories of people in the news that we sometimes lose track of the fact that the people closest to us can enrich our lives. The most important stories we need to listen to are the ones of the people closest to us. Everyday we have experiences that change us and when we talk to each other it can be delicious to hear the new experiences of the people we care about in this world. We are always changing based on what happens to us and by sharing these experiences we don’t loose touch with each other. I’m sure you have heard people say the reason their relationship is good or has lasted so long is because of good communication. This could be with our best friend, spouse, significant other, child or parent.
Often we are so excited, absorbed or worried about our stories that we cut off the stories of others. We don’t ask questions or let them finish when they start.
We interject our thoughts and feelings without even realizing what we have done. It may shut others off from sharing with us and we miss hearing from their hearts.
Sometimes the shy, quiet person needs the most encouragement and has the most amazing information to share. It is up to us to take the time to find out.
The people in our lives may be like us or be very different, but, both have great stories to tell. Each person learns lessons, makes choices, and develops a unique perspective, which only they can claim and share. Even two people who have had very similar days will remember and internalize the experiences differently. Take the time to ask questions and listen to the answers without judgment or interjecting your own opinions. You will find that every person has a unique perspective from which to express themselves.
Bearing this in mind, we have the opportunity to approach the world around us in a new way. When we don’t take our relationships for granted and retain the spark of curiosity and the warmth required to open someone up by showing our interest, we will have a new and deeper connection. We just have to begin by asking.
And remember, rooms have no feelings, YOU do!
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Why do we fear change, when it can bring us what we want?
January 30, 2011 | Leave a Comment
If this is your first visit to The Bajaro Method, let me introduce you.
The Bajaro Method is about 15 years old, but the philosophy is really thousands of years old. It has been around since people have had wants and desires for life at it’s best. Bajaro has simplified the process to achieve your success.
The Bajaro Method is about your feelings. Every moment of the day and every environment you are in, is all about you!!! How you feel and look, how you feel about how you look and how the environment makes you feel. The Bajaro Method approaches life where it begins and ends, inside you…your “interior”. Bajaro recognizes that you react to people, places and things based on your experiences, senses and preferences. These experiences began the day you were born and you are living with the results everyday. The very good news is that you have the opportunity to make changes if you are not happy with something and change is what Bajaro is also about.
Why is it that so many of us fear change when it can actually bring us what we want? We may fear change because we aren’t sure how to change or where to begin. We may also be that we won’t get or achieve what we want, so why risk the disappointment? We might even fear getting what we want and not know what to do with it or how others will react and treat us. The truth is that when we change everything around us changes and that is fearful.
So what are we to do? Well, to start, we have to be ready to start. Sounds strange but beginnings can be frightening. It is a journey which includes self discovery and that can be powerful. This road gets us closer to what we want and need in our lives. And remember, we only have this one chance.
The Bajaro Method guides us and gives us tools on this journey to make it easier and fun. Bajaro teaches the 3 elements which are: understanding, accepting, and allowing.
Since you are the focus, begin by understanding your needs and wants. Then you can work toward your goal. Once you also understand the picture you want to create, you are able to accept the reality and become comfortable with it. Acceptance is key to make change happen and ultimately get what you want. After you have done this, everything begins to flow as you allow the process to happen. You have to allow what you now understand and accept and be willing to do what it takes. Allowing may also require bringing in others to help you.
The Bajaro Method brings your new found awareness into action. In addition to helping you be your own “interior” designer when decorating for yourself, The Bajaro Method can be applied to every part of your life. What began as a technique for interior design and decorating has empowered people to change their lives and not be afraid to do things differently.
Yay Bajaro!!!!!
Personal growth and positive change is worth it!
If you are interested in personal growth and positive change for your personal and professional lifestyle contact me at www.TheBajaroMethod.com
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