Here's What To Do
I love how fall lets you start again. Start baking bread, start making soup. Start a new knitting project. Start what feels like a slower pace, an amble toward hibernation. A following of an ancient script written into our souls, calling us to draw in. While hibernation sounds like the most wonderful thing I can think of at the moment, I’m not sure my immediate future holds a true long winter’s sleep. But, I can fill the salt cellar and pepper grinder, knowing I’ll be seasoning much in the coming days. I can turn on the oven and roast carrots, beets, and squash. I can bake cookies to send to the boys (along with the requested basketball shoes that were left behind in the loft).
I can start again.
So, I’ve been in my kitchen more these days. Making and baking, but also realigning the kitchen itself. After 10 years, while the overall function and design of the kitchen is still just as good as they day I drew it on paper, an organizational refresh was needed (a wiping down of shelves and drawers was definitely needed). I took a minute to pause and focus on the smaller details, what our needs are now, and how I could make what had been good enough, even better. No major construction - no demo, or sawdust, or such, save for that little bit that comes from drilling new holes. Just new ideas, new flow, and a few new hooks, shelves, and containers to bring it all together.
With this comes a fresh energy. That settled, immensely pleasing feeling that happens when beauty and function fold together into one. That tingly sense of anticipation, because it’s all simply good, good, good, and what wonder will come from this iteration? Nourishment, sharing, and inspiration, for sure, but also the simple joy of living in a space that works, fits, and flows so well.
I can’t wait to share it with you. You remember Living Well, right? It’s coming. I was optimistic with my first predicted timeline, so I’m being more mindful now about shouting such details too soon, but Living Well is coming, and with it a video tour of my kitchen (and later, other rooms and spaces), Q & A, and solutions to your own design/room dilemmas.
Let’s talk about that for a minute. While I’m working behind the scenes here, getting the back end ready, I’d like to invite you to send in your room submissions now - whatever space in your home is giving you challenges, send it in. Also, send in any design or simple living related questions to be considered for the Q & A. From your submissions, I’ll choose a few to bring solutions to during the live Living Well session, sharing with everyone my design direction, guidance, and suggestions for making your spaces live their best.
Here’s what to do:
To submit for Room Solutions
Take clear photos of the room, one of each wall, and one or two of the entire room.
Draw a simple sketch of the footprint of the room, with dimensions (length of each wall, widths and heights of each window and doorway). Indicate ceiling height, and details such as heaters, vents, and non-movable structure, and adjacent rooms.
Write down the issues you’re experiencing and what you’re wanting to achieve.
Include 3-5 inspiration photos, if you’d like.
Submit it by email to: carmella@carmellarayone.com
In the subject line, write: Living Well Room Submission
To submit for Q & A
Write out your question and include clear photos, if necessary.
Submit it by email to: carmella@carmellarayone.com
In the subject line, write: Living Well Q & A
Two more things, then we’ll get on with our day. First, be sure that you’re subscribed to the blog in order to get all updates and info about Living Well - I wouldn’t want you to miss it. And finally, share it with anyone and everyone who you think would like to join in with us as we’re learning to live well. There’s always room.
