In every home, there should be one room dedicated to seeing clearly, regardless of the view.
This happens to be mine.
To the outside world, it goes by the name of "upstairs office." But I know it by another name: The Lisa Borgnes Giramonti Center for Cognitive Realignment.
This room was created for physical indolence and spirited mental wanderings. Here, I set my grey cells loose to make new connections, stumble upon the unexpected, and -- if I'm lucky -- to topple down a wormhole and come up with a breakthrough.
It's a intimate form of elopement, really. "Come on, darling," I say to my brain. "At long last, it's just you and me. Let's go off together and not tell anyone."
Some days, I am filled with inspiration. I lose myself in a book or a blogpost and suddenly, it's time to pick up Luca from school. I love those days.
Other days, I feel totally stuck. In those situations, I relax, surrender to the moment and focus my attention outward. Insight usually follows.
Just outside my Center for Cognitive Realigment there is a little balcony that offers a particularly pastoral method of healing. The active ingredients are sunlight, breeze and birdsong.
Do you have a room of your own where you can be who you are?
37 comments:
Well as Ms V Woolf said we all need a room of one's own.
The best thing about yours is the fact that it is yours. And the sunshine streaming in. And the little balconette. And I quite like that painting.
Mine doesn't look like that. I need to get organized. I really do like everything in its place, so I guess I don't have enough places to put things. I have to tell you a funny story about V. Woolf. There was a story about her lying prostrate on a couch with her arm and hand over her eyes saying, "I'll never write again!" When things aren't coming along like I'd like them to, I remember her.
Lisa,
Yes, and I am constantly remaking it into me! A place to paint, be inspired, blog!! Yes and the brain needs that down time to rejuvenate.
Karena
Art by Karena
Lisa-
We have plans for our addition, with it, will come my very own pve design studio with a door to close and one to open to the outside, I plan to teach students, paint, design, illustrate, craft, and to blog.
One of my dear friends says, "They will just have to cart you out of there, I mean why would you want to leave a space of your own?" It will be incredible.
I spy a bit of pve on your wall, what an honor.
pve
Is there a lock on that door? I would not want to leave. Your inspiration board is ...well, inspirational! I'm very curious about your desk chair. I have a back that 'presents' every once in a while and that chair looks amazing. You have a beautful room to call your own and I can see what a lovely retreat it is for you. I think it's very important to have a room of ones own- or even a space to call your own-where no one else is allowed except by invitation!
What a lovely glimpse of your divine life surrounded by love and beautiful objects. Your taste is so eclectic and fascinating.
PVE: Your addition sounds incredible. I may have to fly out to take a class (or two). And I remain so honored to have an original piece of your art!
I love it that you've dared to go 'dark', that is, with the color on the walls and ceiling. It's a beautiful cocoon.
VoiceTalk: Your blog is fascinating...I am passsing along your link to an opera aficionado in London. :)
My space is our small library. It's walls are dark brown and the fireplace, even in the warmer months makes it's so inviting, flanked by the English leather chairs. But, my husband is looking to re-locate me and "my stuff" upsaitrs...HA!
I would love to be an invisable guest on your sofa while you go about finding inspiration...always so facinating to see where others creativity comes from!
Love your balcony, the layered runners, the privacy curtains - it is devine!
I bet you staked your claim on this room before the mortgage was signed!
I love that little nook on the balcony and the landscape painting over the sofa, and what is the color of the walls?
Do you "work" your stitches in this room?
Absolutely lovely! That painting...I swoon. It takes my breath away. And to be able to "touch" outdoors. Aahhhh. I do believe I'll go work on my space. I need a realignment in a bad way.
I love the title of your room! I would get inspired in there too! I love your bookshelves. What is the color of your walls?
Kathy G, 1 Funky Woman: The wall color is "Railings" by Farrow and Ball. A deep, deep blue-black. Highly recommend, even just to paint a chair!
"To the outside world, it goes by the name of "upstairs office." But I know it by another name: The Lisa Borgnes Giramonti Center for Cognitive Realignment."
I LOVE the way you write... transporting me out of my own world, yet making me think about how I might improve on my own. Book please!
BTW, my Cognitive Realignment Center is the kitchen.
Love those pictures... they are so gorgeous!!!
That's a lovely space! I love your desk-- where is it from?
Lisa what can I add, your space is spectacular and is the height of style. I love the variety of the items in the space, the highs, the lows, the different shapes. It is beautifully presented and the landscape painting is truly beautiful. who is the artist? I feel original art work and books really show the heart and soul of the occupant.
Wishing you more wonderful inspirations from this personal space
Anna/Quilted Giraffe: The desk is from a great store here in LA called Lawson-Fenning. You should check it out online. xx
Helen Tilston: Thank you for your lovely wishes! The painting is by E. L. Blumenschein, one of the original Taos painters back in the 1900's. But this painting dates from his earlier NY years. I think it depicts the Hudson River.
bliss, absolute bliss you've created for yourself!
Yours space is breathtaking. I love the chocolate and white with graphic patterns. Very David Hicks. The space is as inviting, interesting and warm as your writing. Thanks for sharing!
Oh Lisa...it's heaven! The balcony is completely charming...a space that just can't help but produce brilliance and inspiration!
I *love* how you speak to your brain..."Come on, darling"...wonderful!
I'm actually trying to piece together my special space in the new house. I've got a lovely room and nothing yet to put in it. Your post couldn't have come at a more perfect time, thank you!
xo J~
Wow! What a divine escape. It is so chic and personal. I do not yet have a room of my own. With four young children there is little extra space. So I am a wandering nomad with a small counter for papers, mail and such. One day, when we add on, I will have a room to call my own!
Lisa -
No...which might be part of the reason for my "down time" right now.
My son is moving out next month :^( and his very small (teeny-tiny) bedroom you have got me thinking about turning into a "reflective/healing" room.
for my brain to creatively zoom zoom
I've always loved Virginia Woolf's idea about a woman needing a room of her own. The space you've created is inviting, comfortable, and chic without being overly trendy. Love it.
very beautiful...fantastic
I'm finally getting my own office in our new apartment, and I too want it to be cocoon-y. I linked to your post here: http://bellysbutton.typepad.com/bellys/2010/05/morning-coffee-1.html
As always, gorgeous .... and enviable!
Love the darkness contrasted with the outdoor balcony. My space is dubbed "The Edward VII Goes to Africa" room, inspired by the Edwardians to make nice with my MAC. The walls are unholstered in a dark green with a hint of blue; the woodwork dark with glazes and tinted varnishes, 4 bookcases filled with books and two comfy arm chairs with ottomans. It's an inward facing room because while it's on the second floor it's just tall enough to look into my neighbors' yards which I found intrusive. So my draperies stay shut and I go cocooning.
Your cognitive center is amazing! Mine is right off the kitchen...thinking that was probably mistake one right there!
love the first statement... its perfect!!
http://donotshoeme.blogspot.com/
follow if u like what u see?
xoxo
Getting out my measuring tape.....yes...just as I thought.....practically perfect in every way.
THE most delicious office I have seen in long time. Perfect!
Home offices are the best. The feeling of working in a more relaxed and comfortable pace, while taking all the time in the world to do what you have to do, is priceless.
Faye Acklin
This room feels relaxing and inspiring at the same time. Who makes that sofa? It looks cosy without being overstuffed.
Post a Comment