Design for self, not to show off

By Jackie Kiaraho

Many articles have been written in magazines and books on interior and garden decor for tens of years. Writers always describe in careful detail the ideal and comfortable working or living environment.

Today, many homes especially within the upmarket locations are picture perfect. Walls are clad with the most expensive finishes, lawns are perfectly manicured and furnishings are breathtaking. There are many who do not hesitate to spend millions in the purchase or renovation of their homes.

The speed at which homes are bought and renovated is impressive and many people are running around to make sure their homes look better than their neighbours.

smell the roses

Today’s modern homes are set using a wide array of amenities from fish ponds, heated swimming pools, aquariums, Jacuzzis and spas.

For many of us, there is a scramble in the rat race to impress ourselves and others. We scan interior shops and magazines for that extra piece of furniture that would make our homes ever more charming.

We need to stop and smell the roses. Don’t run around chasing one decorative thing or the other. You live in a nice house. When was the last time you lay down by your fireplace and cuddled, read a book or even just watched the fire embers crackle and burn?

time off

What about that wall painting? Have you ever really looked at it? You’ve fitted a branded Jacuzzi or spa, when did you last fill it up with some exotic bath salts or a bubble bath and soak in it?

What of your top of the range oven. How long has it been since you took in the smell of a warm cake baking?

As for those trees, shrubs and flowers on your lawn or even in the park, have you stopped to take in and be awed by their beauty, not to mention their lovely scent?

If you live in a busy cosmopolitan environment, do you at least sit at your balcony and just look at the busy flow of people and cars passing by, or just have an easy chat with your neighbour?

I dare say that even window-shopping is time off!

When you go on holiday, surely you don’t just sit by the swimming pool the whole day. Enjoy that breeze and sunshine! Chat up the locals.

THERAPY

Watch the waves and the breathtaking sunset! Feel and sense the presence of your Maker.

Did you know that there is therapy to be found everywhere... even at watching a little girl play, the birds singing, the buzzing bees, the hills, the stars and moon... the list is endless... My friend, just think of any a worthwhile excuse!

The writer is the Managing Director of Upmarket Realtors Limited, a real estate agency.