Be it raze the current house to the ground allowing me to create an entirely new dwelling or remodel and ameliorate the existing property bringing it into the 21st century, lying ahead of me are a myriad of decisions that need to be made.
Rather than feeling overwhelmed or daunted I am so excited to embrace this new chapter and having recently converted from a slightly 'withheld' individual to a vehement go-for-it, yes-sayer (hallelujah!), this newly found state of being has led me to completely step away from all known comforts and trodden paths to forcibly challenge myself to experiment and try new and unknown things.
Call it what you want (just not an early midlife crisis, I do turn 40 this year you know, eek!) but boom, feeling the fear and doing it anyway is so god dam invigorating, I'm embracing this new attitude of mine with open hands and heart.
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| Ha ha this-a-way, ha ha that-a-way, ha ha this-a-way my oh my! |
I've been contemplating the concept of open living for some time. Being a complete tidy-freak, I mean seriously, a COMPLETE tidy-freak - just one thing out of place and I'm stressing out (doh), this whole open plan life of mine adds to my stress level beyond belief.
Ok, it's really great to have everything in sight line when at home; Heidi drawing at the dining table while I bake in the kitchen (cos that happens loads), Simon playing the keyboard (with headphones on thank god, no he's actually quite talented) and the dog and cat playing silly buggers in the conservatory (best buddies really) it all sounds idyllic doesn't it?
Yup, but then Heidi gets all crafty with glue, paper and loo roll inners then leaves it there to set up a clothes shop whilst dancing around to Simon's piano playing (headphones now removed and volume cranked up), cat and dog chasing about having been in the garden in the rain (muddy paw prints, splattered dog shake-off) all while I try and remain calm in the kitchen (having now poured a glass of medicinal wine)...stuff, mess, noise, dirt aagghhh...are you feeling my vibe yet?!
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| The 'idyllic' open plan living chez nous |
From an aesthetic point of view, it all looks great - the space flows, feels larger, more sociable and when tidy (which is all the time, hence my inability to ever sit down) is a delight to hang out in. However if anything is out of sync; there is music / tv on, fragrant dishes are being crafted in the kitchen, the cat has his crazy half hour and climbs the walls or I just need to take 5 mins out and get some peace, forget about it, this haven of minimal calm living is upset and there is nowhere to hide (except the loo) and even there, well let's not get into that!
I have enjoyed this lovely space but you know what, having coveted others homes for their open spaces prior to having my own and having waited a long time to get it, you know what, they can keep it. I am over it. I am moving on and stepping back in time and lusting after separate rooms or 'broken spaces' at a push. Open living is done and dusted for me.
I am dreaming of a dining room.
A living room.
A play / music room.
A kitchen.
All separate, all enclosed, all with their own walls. Fancy that.
Open living is dead. Long live open living.
It's the end of an era for me and I can't wait to see where this takes me...
Hostess trolley?! - practical hey, keeping your seconds warm, while you eat the first plateful (nom!)
Kitchen-to-dining room hatch?! - awesome, serve through the hatch, close the doors & no need to clear the pans and dishes whilst you eat and drink in peace. Saves walking to and fro each time you need a top up. Does it mean I need a chef / housekeeper though *wink*
What do you think about open plan living?
Will I eat my words when I come to finalising plans with yet-to-be-chosen appointed architect for the new house #chatterparklympstone? Well, hey I don't mind eating my words, just make sure they're chocolate dipped (smile).
www.homerestyler.co.uk
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| A token shot of scrumptious Winnie 💛 |
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