Home Wrap-up: Leaving 2009 to Greet 2010
What have we learned in 2009 that we can take forward into this new
decade? I think the most important lesson with our lives and with our
homes is that less is more. In decorating as in consumerism, while
experiencing this recession, we've been taught (again) that it's
quality over quantity. It's made our homes, families and our
friendships much more important to us. Gone is the crazy running from
place to place seeing and doing everything and spending like there is
no tomorrow. Now we are back to the 'nesting' style that really
nurtures our hearts and our homes.
I've seen many more families new to Mammoth buying second homes and
getting ready to share the next phase of their lives with their
families and friends. It is wonderful to meet new clients who are
now buying their 'first' second home in Mammoth. Thank goodness for
the reduced prices in the real estate market that has brought a whole
new wave of homeowners to town. I'm thankful for all of our new
friends and homeowners who now have a beautiful retreat in the Sierra!
The decor for these new homes is simpler and we reduced the amount
of furnishings and focused on a clean and uncluttered look. This style
of clean and streamlined design became popular several years ago, but
now is even more prevalent as homeowners want to simplify their
lifestyle. We have provided our new clients with new lines of
furniture that we have resourced, including simple sturdy case-goods
in rugged solid wood that they can use for the next decade without
worry of it weakening with use. The colors are brighter in
upholstery , with luxurious chenille and heavy textures that invite
long cozy and relaxing time spent together with friends and family.
The mountain style of decor is heavier than other styles, such as what
you might see at the beach or in the city, but the trend for
simplifying covers all styles. We are seeing brighter colors again as
people want to "enliven" their living spaces. Reds, Rust, orange,
turquoise, white are all colors that are popping off the pages of the
home fashion magazines. Some of these colors might be a bit much for
everyday life, but we can incorporate the 'ideas' we see in a livable
fashion with throw pillows, bedspreads, an accent wall or some
special accessories that bring a 'punch' of life to any room. Even a
bowl of oranges or lemons can bring a 'fresh" energy to a somber
dining table or kitchen counter. Think color and something natural.
The green movement of the past decade brings us back to our roots as
well...it is a bit like revisiting the 1970s when I started thinking
about living off the land and eating organic! Hurray that the country
has finally gotten the message about sustainable living and eating
healthy. The movement for recycling and "green products" is here and
it's a start to a process that hopefully with not just be a passing
fad but that will provide an education to children about the necessity
to create better products that we can all use and enjoy in the future.
We sell several product lines in Sierra design Studio that are made
from recycled wood and reclaimed lumber. I wonder though, if getting
it all the way to Mammoth from wherever it comes from is actually
improving the "carbon footprint'! But we can only try to be
conscientious about our choices and how we use the resources that we
have been given the privilege to share.
I wish all of you a healthy and happy 2010 and hope that you enjoy all
you've been given and all your blessings!
