Kim Meckler
Design has many faces, moods and characters.
It is a fluid almost live entity that evolves and merges with current events and will take on the life and personality of the demographic where it resides. If you are fortunate enough to travel you will experience many different facets of design depending on where you find yourself visiting.
Considering all aspects of design, we fondly remember and still love the classics.
Vehicles, homes and clothing are all extremely vulnerable to design changes and fluctuations yet we yearn for the days of classic vehicles and homes. We trek to distant lands to see the parlors and ball rooms of yesteryear and will pay thousands upon thousands to own that superb, vintage automobile. When we see a perfect example of Victorian architecture we involuntarily let out a huge sigh as we take in the stunning detail and personality of the home.
If we are standing on a street corner and the thrum of a vintage Mustang convertible catches our attention, we will stop what we are doing and wait to catch a glimpse of this magnificent piece of machinery. If a starlet wears a vintage Chanel dress to an awards show it is snapped again and again by the paparazzi.
I don’t think any of us are immune to the awe of modern architecture. It is somewhat of a miracle to see skyscrapers, bridges and towers that defy the laws of gravity looming before us.
Even a trip to downtown Calgary is a feast for the eyes as some of the new structures are being built.
The shape and use of metal and glass is breathtaking and for us mere mortals (not architects) it is enough of a pleasure just to be able to gaze upon these modern works of art. More than just structures; these buildings are like giant honeycombs where thousands of people inhabit, work and create and beauty is only the surface of the vibrancy of these contemporary structures.
In most of us I think there is a small corner of our mind which yearns for simplicity.
Have you ever been caught daydreaming about a small cabin in the woods or quiet hut on the beach?
When I was little I used to watch Swiss Family Robinson and would dream of someday living in a treehouse on the beach where I could catch fish and roast it over an open fire. It may be a pipe dream and I would probably only last a few days in true off-the-grid simplicity but those tiny self-sustaining homes can be extremely appealing.
I believe the most important aspect of design is comfort and familiarity.
If we have surrounded ourselves with items and memories, any place we choose to lay our heads will feel like home. Those classic cars may remind us of our youth and those little cabins may just bring us back to a soul satisfying family vacation. Whatever our favorites may be, they stir something deep inside our souls and give us a thrill just to look or spend time in them once again.
Design can be many things to many people and there is no right answer, no perfect formula. Each individual must decide what they crave and what brings them comfort and then begin to create their perfect space from that perspective.
Kim Meckler is an interior designer in Red Deer with Carpet Colour Centre.