Can design actually make us happy?

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Permalink Reply by Noah Coffey on November 24, 2008 at 9:39pm

I can't explain it, but when my workspace is clean, highly organized, neat, and at the same time not boring (read: creative), I distinctly feel "better" .. even happier. I feel more productive (which I believe can translate into actual productivity gains). I don't completely believe everything that Feng shui talks about, but I do think that your external environment can be a reflection of your internal environment (and vice-versa). That's about as deep as I'm prepared to get tonight ;)

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Permalink Reply by Romona Camarata on November 24, 2008 at 9:59pm

Noah Coffey-I completely agree with you. The Feng Shui book I have provides some realistic approaches to what you can do in your environment (office, personal space, home) to align with yourself. That is so 'telling' ...I gave this book to a client in Chicago, that I have and it was so simple--and informative for him--he has shared it with 10 people in 3 days. Be aware that 'you', everyone of us, has control over our environment and making it a 'peaceful' place. Have a good evening, Noah. Romona Camarata, Executive Career Coach, R.C.Consulting-LLC, 317-258-2761

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Permalink Reply by Linda S Fitzgerald on November 24, 2008 at 9:50pm

I'm a big fan of the British tenor, Russell Watson. I love his new website all done in black & white. There's a video with Russell welcoming his fans to the new site and then cuts from his latest album. When I'm perusing the forum, his music plays and really lifts my spirit. It's tough to stay away from it very long.

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Ball on November 24, 2008 at 10:01pm

2 things today:
First, when I left work the sun came out; after it was a cloudy, misty cold day, this brought a smile to my face.
Second, a few minutes ago I watch the video recommended by fellow Smoosier, Erik Deckers, called "Validation" on his blog Laughing-Stalk.

Who was the designer? I'll leave that to those who want to put a name to it...

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Permalink Reply by Rae Kridel on November 24, 2008 at 10:27pm

Thanks for the link. I love TJ Thyne!

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Permalink Reply by Erik Deckers on November 25, 2008 at 8:40am

I was going to put that up too. That brought a smile to my face that hasn't gone away for three days.

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Permalink Reply by Wanda Stine on November 25, 2008 at 3:22pm

I loved the Validation video too! It truly was a great way to spend those 16 minutes. I shared it with absolutely everyone I knew because we can all use a smile, can't we?

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Permalink Reply by Alan Archibald on November 24, 2008 at 10:02pm

I was helping a boy today, taking a walk and looking with him at the variety of leaves lingering in the lawns and collecting in the curbs. It was calming, centering to pick up leaves and check the design to identify sweet gum, pin oak, maple, etc. And though we didn't spot any notable tree shapes today, this time of year I do watch for the gnarled structure of massive oak branches exposed as the leaves fall. And I sometimes wonder how the weight of it all holds together for more than a hundred years. But today it was just leaves and a young inquisitive spirit.

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Permalink Reply by Rae Kridel on November 24, 2008 at 10:02pm

I have a set of two rugs, one in my living room and one in my foyer, from Lowe's. They really bring everything in my downstairs together and I just love looking at them, walking on them, curling my toes in them. I even loved the name of the pattern, Zydeco Multi. When I look at the curls and overlapping colors, I feel inspired and content at the same time. I wish the rest of this house did the same for me!

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Permalink Reply by Andrew Ball on November 24, 2008 at 10:08pm

I like that pattern. thanks for sharing.

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Permalink Reply by Wanda Stine on November 25, 2008 at 3:29pm

I like it too....the black (or dark?) curves and curls wind and gently turn in just the right places. If you want to know how to spread that look through out your home---I think some of the black wrought iron pieces that are free standing (plant stands, sculptures, etc) would look great. Some of them hold candles and you can hang them on your wall, or a nice clock in the same style. You can also spray paint black plastic rings from 6-packs (of pop of course) after you cut them into individutal circles. Then attach them like a paper chain (three of them) and bind them together at the top and 2/3 of the way down. They make really interesting plant holders. It sounds cheap and cheesy, and maybe it is...but it really does look great!

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Permalink Reply by Edgar Huntington on November 24, 2008 at 10:07pm

The thing I noticed today was one of the remodeled McDonalds. As an adult I felt welcome. The earth-tones and bistro decor are classy - the flat panel TVs had on CNN , a nice older lady was using WIFI on her laptop. The restaurant seems calmer and quieter since the remodel. People came and went as they got their lunch - blue collar, while collar, women with kids. It's a very comfortable environment.

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