Sorell Interiors’ very first blog post!
Hello! My name is Doreen Amico-Sorell, the lead designer here at Sorell Interiors and I know what you’re already thinking, “oh gosh… another blog… does the world really need yet another blog?” Well, the answer is yes and you’re gonna be very excited to find out why!
But first, a little back story…
Many things in life can make us happy. Just ask the next 100 people you see. They’d probably answer with things like “a new car”, “a better job”, “being with my grandson”, “the latest smartphone”, “seeing my daughter get married”, and “winning lotto”. And, guess what? There’s nothing wrong with any of these. Things such as those listed above “can” make us happy. But… even if each of us had all these things, there’d still be something missing. Why? Because all these things comprise only half the equation. They are only the “conscious” things to which we frequently look to find happiness.
But, real happiness is often derived from the many things out there that “unconsciously” influence our mood and how we feel. Things like color, light, texture, sound and aromas. These things believe it or not, have been shown to have a greater influence on our daily happiness than whether or not we are wearing the latest designer sunglasses. Don’t believe me? Just think about how you felt the last time you walked by the ocean on a bright sunny day. Or what about the last time you crawled into bed with those new crisp cotton linens that took away all the worries of the world, making you feel relaxed, safe and secure? And let’s not forget the last time you smelled chocolate chip cookies baking or the perfume or cologne of your very first love? Now you’re getting the idea.
Happiness through Design!
The environment in which we live contributes more to our true overall happiness than any single material possession! Ever wonder why five-star hotels and world-class cruise lines spend millions to create environments that take our breath away. Their goal is to emotionally envelop us in an experience that is welcoming and warm yet dramatic and exciting; like nothing else we experience in our typical day-to-day life. It’s so powerful and generates such overwhelming happiness that it keeps us wanting to go back for more.
Now… imagine having that same feeling each and every time you walk in the door of your own home or apartment; warm and welcoming yet dramatic and exciting!
And THAT is why we need yet another blog! My goal for this blog is to show you how to unlock your inner happiness by teaching you how to sculpt the unconscious elements of your living environment to accentuate who you are and how you want to live! Your Happiness… Your Way!
So, Where Do We Start?
I’ll begin by showing you how simple changes to your living space can have a huge impact on your environment and daily happiness; how to feel better when …waking up each and every morning …making that first cup of coffee before going off to work …or looking to relax in the comfort of your home after a long, frustrating day. Or how to feel even more excited when getting ready for that first date, getting dressed to go out to dinner with your significant other or even when hosting your child’s very first birthday party. HAPPY!
And, I’m going to show you how all this can be done on any budget! So whether you bag your lunch in order to afford that small coffee table you saw online or have an unlimited budget with money being no object, you’re going to find the solutions and answers here! I’ve always held the belief that, “Interior design is for everyone!” For example… while sometimes the least expensive option can truly be the right choice, in other situations it may never completely fulfill your needs; leaving you regretful and frustrated, especially when it becomes money wasted when you have to replace it or throw it away prematurely. So how do you know the difference? Someone once told me that, “The only difference between the experts and the amateurs is that the experts have already made all the mistakes and now know just how to avoid them”. So why not take advantage of all that I’ve learned over my many years of designing interiors! I promise to show you how to avoid frustration and even save some money in the process!
Next…
I’m going to tell you all about the good, the bad and… yes, even the ugly. In future blogs, one of the many things I will be doing is posting pictures of the numerous design mishaps I’ve encountered over the years, teach you how to spot such issues and then discuss exactly how to avoid such common pitfalls. And why? Yup!… You got it… All in the name of happiness! Your Happiness! Remember, it’s all about how to be happier each and every day through the skillful curation of the unconscious design elements that surround us; light, color, sound, texture and even aromas. Trust me, it works!. Studies have shown that individuals who live in more aesthetically pleasing and more highly functional environments are overall much happier and significantly more productive.
So whether you’re in a tiny studio apartment in a downtown metro area, a traditional colonial home in the suburbs or a palatial estate on 20 acres, I promise there will be something here for everyone! Learn about why you would never put “that” color in your kitchen; or “that” finish in your bathroom; or “that” fixture in your living room; or even “that” fabric in your bedroom. I promise to help you learn how to do it right …and do it right the first time! …even if you do it on your own!
That’s right, it’s ALL going to be right here …and for FREE!
Why? Because I also believe that the BEST consumer is the well-informed consumer! So, whether it’s helping you better understand your own design aesthetic or learning how to deal with the sales associate at your local retail furniture store, I want to teach you how best to achieve the living space of your dreams. A space that will make you the happiest and at the price-point that you can afford! So regardless of whether you decide to take advantage of the many services I can offer through Sorell Interiors, or go it on your own, I want you to be informed.
But… There’s Even More!
That’s right, it gets even better! As an industry insider I’m also going to give you greater insight into the things you may read or see on the internet or television. One of the biggest issues that arises in any undertaking, is juggling the expectations of all those involved. What do I mean by this? There used to be this advertising slogan, “Through the magic of television”. Well, though you don’t hear that phrase much anymore, it’s still exactly what’s going on behind the scenes of many of the things we see. Unfortunately, such “magic” rarely occurs in real life. (My First TIP: “Reality TV” isn’t so real!) This is why in future blogs I’m going to lay out precisely how the design process works in the “real” world! From inspiration, through perspiration, to exceeding expectation I will show you exactly what to expect so that you can enjoy both the journey as well as the end result! Happiness through being well-informed! Your Happiness!
So, Stay Tuned… and Read On!
Because… if you think you like what you’ve read so far, it’s only going to get even BETTER! With the help of your feedback, comments and questions I promise to make this a different, exciting and dynamic blog with real tips and insider secrets to help you achieve the living space of your dreams. And why… Your Happiness!
All those unconscious elements ABSOLUTELY impact quality of life and happiness! And I totally agree that good design is so important to a feeling of well-being and productivity, that it should be achievable for everyone!
Thank you for acknowledging that such HAPPINESS with your home, rental apartment, condo or co-op CAN be achieved for EVERYONE. It is within everyone’s reach to be HAPPY and feel SAFE within their living environment, regardless of budget or style.
I so agree, the key thing about designing a home is that in the end you will be HAPPY, and happiness comes from many things that are often unconscious and inexpensive! A great designer can make the most of those things to give you that happy end result.
VERY WELL SAID! Interior Designers and Home Decorators are the experts in helping people derive the greatest function and happiness from their living spaces… regardless of size or budget. I will soon be writing a blog on how, using one more expensive piece to anchor a room of other lesser expensive pieces (dare I say “bargains”) can fool even the most discriminating eye into thinking you broke the bank,,, but in reality didn’t! An industry trick I often employ and clients really appreciate. BUT!… it has to be done “just right”… so stay tuned to learn how.
This is a great intro post and so relatable to me as a fellow decorator. Reality TV is not all real especially rings true! Congrats on your first post!
Thank you! You’re so right. Having a niece who’s co-produced several “Reality TV” shows, she will tell you that such shows are anything BUT reality! They may be entertaining to watch and help people get ideas, but beyond that, they do NOT accurately represent the design process in any universe.
Congratulations on your new blog! Always room Dyke a new and unique voice!
Thank you for your kind words and best wishes!
What a fun introduction to how our environment can have an impact on our daily happiness.
YES!… I’ve seen it time and time again… how much more happy individuals feel and how much more productive people become in an optimal and pleasing environment. Many don’t even realize the true impact of the transformation until it’s all done and they experience it first hand. This was one of the primary motivating factors behind my wanting to write this particular blog.
This. This is exactly what I tell my clients. It’s good to let them know the truth even though they may not like it. It’s better to be forewarned than to be surprised by expensive changes. I think everyone having to stay at home had made more people aware of how their home makes them feel and they want that “happy”factor.
Thank you for the helpful comments. Great minds and good service providers think alike. I couldn’t agree more. We too always strive to provide our clients with as much honest and true information as possible so as to allow them to make an as informed decision as possible. It helps guide the project to the best outcome.