genius loci: the distinctive atmosphere or pervading spirit of a place (compliments of answers.com)

Have you ever looked at your home or place of business and thought to yourself, "This just doesn't evoke the feeling I want it to evoke."?

Every defined space needs to speak to you. How do you want to feel when you enter that space?

Don't get frustrated if you are feeling overwhelmed! The space that first came to your mind has qualities which can be developed! Just like petals come together to form a flower, there are many "petals" in design that must come together to create the desired bloom. My goal is to help you think through each petal as you create the perfect space!

No matter what your style, the petals of design remain the same.

• color
• light
• texture
• lines
• scale
• balance

Over the course of the next 6 months (I am blogging once a month), I will expand in detail on each element of design.

My challenge to you is to begin to see the spaces around you in a new way, and to help you manipulate them to create an environment that you (and others) look forward to being a part of.

My next blog will be Friday, April 9

Elizabeth Kennis, LEED AP and Designer