Interior Design

I picked up a book by the late William Pahlmann while rummaging - ahem - through some boxes at Goodwill last week. "Pahlmann's Book of Interior Design" is surprising me. First of all, its copyright is 1955, so the design itself is sort of old school (especially when all pictures are in black and white). But after I poked around a little online, I found that Pahlmann's design was quite revolutionary to the industry. 'Eclectic' is the word used most frequently in all writings I've found on him, which is my favorite design style, as it combines a little of everything to make a space uniquely yours. The fact that he seems to be a brilliant artist, from what I can tell, is actually secondary to the real reason for this post. Though I still don't know much about who he was as a person, I want to share a little from the book which makes him seem like a pretty classy, down-to-earth kind of guy...
"I am aware that to make an original comment on the word home, either in its generic or specific sense, is licked from the start. Not only has the subject been enshrined by everybody from Shakespeare to Robert Burns...but also the feeling for it is instinctual to the human heart... Personally, I have strong and shameless sentiments on the subject. I believe that the home - that setting for the basic family unit - is not only the measure of individuals but of nations. Home is the place where all the battles will be won or lost."
Brill. Plus, he starts the book off with a quote from Charles Dickens: "In love of home, the love of country has its rise." How sweet. Timeless. Classic.
Pahlmann goes on to say that having a fancy dancy house means nothing if you can't actually live in it or if none of it is really you.
from me: Your home should be a reflection of things that make you smile, give you joy, bring you peace. Home is a sanctuary from the outside world. Since it's one of the only places in life you can control, why not make it the best it can be? Write Bible verses on the walls, splash your favorite color everywhere, mix old with new. There's also a balance of too much going on and that can actually evoke feelings of tension, so be smart about it. Be organized. Have built-in storage units (I know a guy who could hook you up). Then use your things for better living. Display favorite books or plates or that quilt from great-grandma. Nothing says 'you' like your home. May it be a reflection of all the unique and beautiful character qualities of your heart. Don't let anybody sway you otherwise.