Life after death fascinates me. I’ve always felt that there is a reason to live which then carries to an afterlife. I am also curious whether our senses travel when they disappear from our physical body, transcending to the elements of the environment. It’s like a rollercoaster of senses that has a beginning, an ending, and perhaps another beginning.
When I was studying my sports science degree in Australia, I was motivated to find ways to help athletes become better then their opponents by triggering their senses. But first, I had to achieve this feeling myself. I read a fair amount of motivating books but there was one book that changed my perception and understanding of self awareness. This book is called “The Complete Peaceful Warriors Way” by author Dan Millman.
A great book to get in touch with your senses
So what if we build our senses to the point that it could affect our presence that guides us to a better path. I believe this can happen and I am now aware that we can stimulate our five senses through multiple ways in an interior space. There is one particular room in a home that aligns all senses. The dining room.
This is a space where you are able to sit at a position and look directly into someone eyes, share the same aromas of a cooked meal, discuss stories and concerns, and taste the pleasures of food and drink. The dining room is where you start to teach your children and grow with your spouse. Unfortunately, it appears that we as a society have forgotten the function of the dining room.
I feel like it’s my duty to bring back the importance of the dining room and to refocus on perfecting our senses. Getting in touch with our senses can create better memories for our children. It is helping me with my children.
There are subtle things that can change the function of the dining room, such as the shape of the table. A rectangle dining table provides an intimate setting compared to a round dining table. Although its easier to have a conversation with a round table, you sit further away from the person opposite to you. Wall sconces and floor/table lamps illuminate the corners of the room in the evening which balances the pendant above the table. Illuminating the corners of the room is crucial because it defines the angles allowing you to feel comfortable of your surroundings. Adding color and texture can enlighten a dining room.
The dining room is a blank canvas that allows you to explore your creative flair and personal style. Legendary designer Albert Hadley once quoted that ” decoration is really about creating a quality of life, and a beauty in that life that nourishes the soul, that makes life beautiful”.
Top song to design your dining room – Nightmares on Wax (Shape your Future)
When I first started my career in New York City, I began an internship with Cullman & Kravis. I was the only male working amongst 14 young and stylish women. I felt a little out of place but I was inspired by Ellie Cullman and the respect she had from her staff and clients. I really enjoyed my time with this firm and it were these moments that set a higher standard for me. I also learnt from Ellie the values of building long lasting relationships. Her book, Decorating Master Class, is a classic guide to decorating for a “modern traditional” aesthetic. I am always referring to her design opinion.
A guide to decorating by a leading firm in NYC
All of these dining rooms (see images) from Cullman & Kravis show the clients interests in furniture, art, light fixtures, color, and texture.
Urban City – Sophisticated Dining Room by Cullman & Kravis
Clean and Modern – A welcoming dining room by Cullman & Kravis
Traditional setting with an emphasis on abstract art by Cullman & Kravis
Strong architectural details with colors to reflect the countryside by Cullman & Kravis
It’s a struggle to control our outside world and it’s easy to lose connection to your senses. We are continually ignoring what we are feeling through compulsive habits that technology and social media are leading us towards.
It’s time to rebuild the dining room so that there is no escape from hiding your senses. It’s time to sit down and enjoy your children’s voice again and look into their eyes.
Whether you believe in reincarnation or not, start working on improving your senses and create your new dining room. This will help you live better for this moment, for your future and everybody else’s future around you.
AA