Analyze the Message of Your Home
The "message" or the statement that a structure or home gives is a very subjective, broad topic and is influenced by many factors, including the personality and image of the owners.
This report will touch on some examples of general messages and themes, give you an adjective/noun screening exercise, and finally ask you to state the message of your home.
You are the expert and biggest contributor to your home's message. Your values will be reflected in your home. If you do some introspection - what do you stand for? - you will find that many of the adjectives used to describe yourself can be applied to your home.
Read through the following groups of nouns and adjectives either aloud or silently; scan each word and try to be non-judgmental in your reading. Use a stream-of-consciousness approach, so that you let the words simply be registered but not thought about.
1. flexible, relaxed, active, fresh, upstanding, local setting, well-planned, unfettered, plain, welcoming, utilitarian, unoffensive, general, congruent
2. meticulous, diverse, vibrant, territorial, thoughtful, exclusive, stylish, sensible, modern, antique, collection, well-meaning, chic, classy
3. secure, secluded, active, vast, castle, open , unshakable, generous, centered, subdued, private, controlled, cautious, solid, peaceful, homestead, inspiring, wise, formidable, jagged, refuge, towering, shelter
4. hardworking, practical, random, simple, effective, rustic, worn, easy, no-frills, industrious, prairie, helpful, country, neutral, sprawling, random, spontaneous
After re-reading the above word groups, choose the one group that appeals to you most. Then match Word Group 1 - 4 with the themes below to get a starting point for style determination and direction. Word Group 1 matches A, Group 2 is B , 3 is C, and 4 is D.
Examples of Home Themes
A. Modest: A home or structure with a modest theme will be located in an unpretentious setting, such as a middle class neighborhood or rural setting. The design itself will originally be unimposing and moderate in size, as will the surrounding landscape and environment. Many times the layout will feel somewhat utilitarian though cozy, in overall size as well as the use of space. A home with a modest theme may have a relaxed or even an unkempt feel, which is good because visitors can at once feel at ease and at home. Tones and hues are mostly comfortable, uncluttered and straightforward.
B. Sophisticated: An elegant feeling to a home usually is found in a prestigious neighborhood or on a secluded estate. Rich, subtle colors and lighting will reflect the occupants' class and style. This style is not constrained to be either large or small, but is more defined by its balance of architecture, tidy surroundings, and richer choice of building materials and colors, which convey subtle complexity and elegance.
C. Fortress: The planner of a home which has a fortress theme will be a very careful and thorough individual, prone to "overkill," which is a good thing considering the environment where these sturdy structures are found. Exposed to high winds, heavy snow or other natural phenomena, these structures need a solid foundation and logical planning to offer a secure abode in harsh elements. The fortress theme is inspiring and encourages guests to congregate and linger, to enjoy the beauty and security of the fortress. Therefore, it is no surprise that many lodges and resorts incorporate this style into their design, as they require more space and are prominent and expansive. Typically they will have a stout, rustic flavor. Interior design options, however, are not constrained to a certain style because timbers do not cover the entire wall and ceiling. Faux painting, wall paper, modern art, and a wide range of colors can influence or accentuate your theme for spectacular results.
D. Pragmatic: A project or home with a pragmatic theme usually has to do with a ranch or country or farm home. These dwellings are built with industriousness in mind. Because practicality takes precedence over elegance, these simple designs have their own style. A pragmatic theme strictly adheres to a principle which guides everyone, regardless of background or occupation: "We do what works," or stated differently: "We take the path of least resistance". This is an honest and straightforward style, in which the reasoning of the builder can be easily retraced. Folks visiting this type of home may feel compelled to roll up their sleeves and "pitch in"!
All styles and themes are impossible to include because individual project styles will be as diverse as the occupants themselves. Hopefully this report has been fun, thought provoking and inspirational.
In closing, what is the "message" of your home?
