Bring back spaces that make you FEEL something
The new all stone, fluted walls, and cove-lit-everything homes are NOT it.
Am I being pranked? Sometimes (not all!) I receive inspiration images from potential clients that make me pause. That’s a mean thing to say, isn’t it? I never blame it on them, of course. I’m not sure who to blame. Perhaps builders drowning the market with flashy (cheaply made) spec houses for a quick buck. I think they prey off of young families with new money who get distracted by shiny things, and perhaps didn’t grow up near homes constructed with intention. You can’t blame ignorance. Before I worked in NYC, I’d likely have been in the same bucket.
You can spot these cold homes by their monochromatic color scheme, repetitive right angles, shiny tiled floors, and cove lighting behind every crevice. They resemble a space ship Darth Vader would own.
There’s a villainous vibe, but they’re also boring and tacky. I said it!
Before I get the waggy finger and “it’s not about the designer, it’s about the client”, well OF COURSE. I agree! Please do whatever you wish to your own home, and ignore me entirely. This post is all in my opinion - don’t take it personally. Lord knows I’ve made what some would deem poor homeware or furniture purchases in the past (and likely will regret more in the future). I look back and regret the teal rug, the chartreuse green paint choice, and coral colored bedspread in college. And that’s natural. Our homes evolve with us and I find no shame in past or present choices.
The key is to keep learning and forming new opinions based on new information.
And outside perspectives! That’s where this rant tip toes in.
The clients I’ve worked with have wildly different styles ranging from feminine cottagecore, to 70s / Lenny Kravitz bach pad, minimalist, coastal contemporary, traditional, you name it. A WIDE range which I’ve adored. No project is the same but they each have character, warmth(!), and unique pieces whether custom made or vintage that reflect the owner’s personalities and interests. These homes have LAYERS. *insert Shrek here for emphasis*
For example, I was recently given these (+20 similar) photos as artistic direction:
Such a drag.
All I see is white, black, or beige with an extraordinary amount of cove lighting (I’ll take it over a recessed light, but #teamsconce), and the vibe is spaceship. Count of three, we all come back down to earth, please.
Maybe it’s my location. I’m told this style is popular with Eastern Europeans and they’re a big part of the population down here in South Florida. And again, you don’t know what you don’t know. So I could circle back with photos in the same vein, but elevated design wise and they be overjoyed. Love that part of the job.
The spaceship look is lazy. And builders are taking advantage. I’ve worked with a few on spec houses in this area and they can achieve this aesthetic and save major money not having to worry about crown molding or informed architecture. Seriously - one architect’s plans we were given had the entire gable roof off center for no reason at all. Sloppy. The lighting style is mass produced with cheap finishes, cove lighting is a breeze to install, and they put up one stone slab for a fireplace or kitchen backsplash to amaze you and call it a day. They then charge a boat load because they know this is what the market tells everyone is in fashion.
Unfortunately, I can see around the corner that these homes are on the precipice of outdated. Same as millennial grey vinyl floors and your grandma’s carpeted bathroom, but not as easily ripped out. Especially when the style involves both interior and exterior. Sticking out of neighborhoods like a sore thumb.
Rooms that Sing
Talk about a tirade. Let’s (mainly moi) breathe for a minute and take in homes that make you (at least me) feel something. Beata Heuman puts it perfectly with her book title, Every Room Should Sing.
Different styles above, all made with love.
And yea, we could move back to New York or take up residence in London, but I like to think there are potential clients here in the Palm Beach area with similar thoughts. Wendie Power Interiors is less than a year old, so I need to be patient and diligent. And for now, this little corner on Substack is as inviting and personable as a well-designed home <3
xoxo,
Wendie
yes to thelma & louise. no to darth vader's den. xx