Not your ordinary designer

My friend, Walter, asked me to speak on his NPR program in the Catskills .  In his introduction, he described me as "an Interior Design who has designs on your interior."  He had a way with words! You might think that an odd thing to say.  Although I was in New York working on a design job, Walter was more interested in my other work - researching reincarnation and spiritual growth.

Interior Design was and is a great training ground for my favorite avocation because learning to trust my intuition about my clients and my jobs is essential to my success.  That was never more evident than when I worked on a model in Estero, FL.  I was very sensitive to the energy of the property and the building. The designs for the model came together organically.  Every detail moved in to place like pieces of a puzzle, including a portrait of Thomas Jefferson for the Study.  My assistant hated the portrait but something told me to use it anyway.  The model was sold before I finished it and a meeting with the new owners enlightened me as to why the portrait was important. I shared the files of furniture, wallpaper, finishes, window treatments and, of course,  artwork with the client. When I got to the portrait of Jefferson, the client told me that he was born on Jefferson's birthday, April 13.  Even more interesting, that very day was April 13th.  I knew these were more than coincidences.

For me, interior design is more than creating beautiful spaces; it is also about the relationships we create.  People touch our lives for a reason. If we can be "open" to that purpose, the process is magical.  Sometimes, that purpose goes beyond the obvious - like my experience with Peter, who asked me to help him with the Feng Shui energy of his home.  The real purpose of the meeting was to make the connection between Peter and his deceased friend,who we lovingly call "Clarence" because of a promise Peter's friend made to Peter before he died. Clarence wanted to let Peter know that we do not die.

While I do love to create beauty, what I really love is creating spaces where love grows.  I think that's what Walter meant when he called me an Interior Designer who has designs on your interior.

Just as we all have a unique style of decorating, we all have a unique path of spiritual growth.  It's fascinating creating different styles and honoring different paths.