In the calm and quiet moments before falling asleep, there’s a profound creativity that comes alive in my mind when I’ve ‘jumped into the deep end’ of design for a new project. So far I’ve come to realize that it’s only in these unhurried and quiet moments where my mind can wander freely without any limitations or restraints – the most open-ended creativity in the most unguarded of moments.
The stillness is when all the ideas I’ve had simmering quietly in the back of my mind come to the forefront, vivid and clear (and believe me there are many). Over the years, I’ve gathered a treasure trove of inspiration – snippets of fabric, wallpaper samples I can no longer organize, and many, many pictures of unique material combinations that have caught my eye. My favorite part of the creative process is when I can pull from all these sources of inspiration and combine them through my own interpretive lens for each project.
It’s also in this stillness, with no overwhelming tasks or kids to pull my attention (I love mine like crazy and also wish I could put them on mute), that I revisit every element of a design I’m working on over and over again. Each detail, from the smooth integration of edges to the juxtaposition of textures and colors, is considered and re-considered until it sits just right – without any force, without any clash and in understated harmony.
I consider my design process to be something that ruminates and simmers; rushing too much of any project for me is the opposite of good design. The beauty of stillness is that it gives me the clarity and focus necessary for full immersion into what is possible, what may be difficult but worth it, and what elements of a design will come together and ‘make it sing’.
As luck would have it, my mind falls into this creativity almost always when I’m trying to sleep – reconsidering every choice, envisioning the space, and weaving together the fabric of a home that reflects more than just the aesthetic considerations of my clients. If I ever say to you, “I’ve lost sleep over your project,” know that it’s my way of saying that your home and your story has captured my imagination in the best of ways.
Losing sleep over a project isn’t about worry; it’s about passion. It’s about dedicating those quiet hours when the world fades away, to crafting a space that honours all the parts of your story, the memories you wish to make and the meaningful connections you hope to build.
So, next time we talk about your project and I jokingly mention those late hours spent in contemplation, remember it’s my highest form of compliment – a testament to the journey of creating not just a house, but a home filled with soul…
one quiet and creative moment at a time.