Show with your words, don't just tell.
Remodeling a house built on sand.
If I told you about my remodel project would that interest you?
How about if I say,
“Take rest, tomorrow will be a beautiful day at sea.”
A Writer’s Remodel
Creativity is a product of the mind and guided by our hearts. It’s about taking a blank canvas and creating a visual to add life to a space. It’s not about one design element, but how each work together to create the finished product.
Writing a book is the same. It’s not about the individual word but how the words work together. A good story is a form of expression, where each word plays off one and another, enticing the reader to finish the story.
The Introduction
The Theme
The time has come to reveal my remodel, not just by showing pictures but telling the story behind the design. A picture without words allows the reader to conjure up their own narrative, but as a writer I will use my words to share the story of my remodel.
Every successful project starts with finding a unique solution to a problem. There are millions of self-help books and in order to sell, the book needs to be unique. This premise is no different when selling myself as a designer.
As a designer of beautiful spaces it isn’t just the finished product that interests me, but the design process. The reward is the satisfaction from a well-executed design.
The Problems
Words will get lost without creative expression. If they do not work together the story will not flow. A designer will face the same problems if they do not properly implement a design.
The bedroom’s problems were that the original furniture placement didn’t allow for a smooth flow of the space or offer a focal point.
My personal problem, was that each day upon wakening in this space, I did not have anything that grounded me. For years I spent time in our beach house with no foundation. And when a house is built on sand it will shift over time.
The Solution
Words should be used to entice the reader or else the story will fall flat. That is exactly what I needed to do in the picture above. I am generating interest by the use of words and how it applies to design.
To solve the problem of furniture placement in my bedroom I moved the bed in front of sliding glass doors that leads to our deck. The doors are functional to allow for air flow but not needed to exit the space. This solution offers more wall space to balance the remaining furniture. The bed is the focal point and demands the attention for the view.
Adding an area rug anchors the bed to the ground. The last three years my growing faith and building a relationship with Jesus is giving me the foundation I need to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Purpose
The elements of design used to create my kitchen can be used as an analogy of writing a book. Each section with the use of pictures will not only show but tell how careful planning will result in a polished finished product.
The kitchen dominated the remodel and was designed with purpose. My specialty and a challenge I enjoy as a designer is making the most of a small space. Every square inch needs thoughtfully designed to add to the finished project.
My life was lacking purpose. Each day I was floundering and had an emptiness in my heart. After a self-induced, life altering event I started to write. I found healing through my writing and that led to my purpose in life.
The same is true with our choice of words. Words need to used sparingly. The number one rule my father (who was a writer) taught me, less is more. For me this takes several drafts to slim down my unnecessary word usage.
Audience
When I design for a client they are my audience. I listen to their wants and understand their needs. My own personal space I can break the “rules.” A corner sink doesn’t work for everyone, but it is a solution for my tight corner.
Although writing a self-help book offers personal healing, I write with an audience in mind. As we age we accumulate years of baggage, leaving us with shame, guilt, resentment, and bitterness. Through the use of written expression, journaling is a coping mechanism to introspect our own lives. I encourage my reader to peel back the layers of self and restore their God-given natural beauty.
Writing for an audience is challenging, because it takes time to build a rapport and our readers are everchanging. It’s easy for a budding writer to give up, but when I write for an audience of one, God, I find the inspiration to keep going.
Genre
Genre is defined as a style, especially in the arts, that involves a particular set of characteristics. Coastal Contemporary style is defined by clean lines and natural materials and textures. It typical draws on the neutral tones like white, cream and grey.
Cross-genre is when we introduce a secondary genre to a book. This is done to appeal to those who enjoy more than one type of literature. Originally my book was written as a memoir, but after thoughtful revisions will be marketed as self-help. By incorporating story-telling to the teaching, not only will my reader find healing but be entertained.
As a faith-based writer I share my relationship with Christ. I do not consider myself a Christian author, but do share how my faith is paving the way for my continued recovery.
Setting
The house sits bayside in a beach community. The house is positioned perfectly to enjoy the sunset on the back deck and sun rise in the front. With thoughtful planning and use of angles I made the most of the street views.
The house sits on a nasty bend in the road, where many drivers have met their fate. My journey to recovery was initiated by an incident that took place from a view out of the front window. It is where I met my fate and God said, “Enough.”
One fateful night at the beach house set the stage for the need for change in my life. Change occurred a couple weeks later when I sought forgiveness in an unlikely place and environment.
Plot
From a blank canvas to an installed kitchen plot points are part of the design process. A focal point captures the viewers attention and will guide their gaze around the space. It takes a lot of thought to transition spaces and create a cohesive flow.
Within the three month journey to install the kitchen there were several turning points that moved us closer and at times further from the goal of completion. Following the months of not knowing when the installers were coming and going, cabinets not made to order, and poor communication I was able to tolerate the mismanagement because I have the tools needed to cope.
Plot points are used in writing to keep the writer engaged. The plot point links directly to my character arc, giving me (the main character) the conflict (dealing with a mismanaged contractor) to overcome on my journey to enlightenment and change (having the tools to deal with life).
Drama
Drama adds interest and excitement to any situation. Blue accent lights adds drama to the kitchen. An octopus light and sail fish hanging from the living room ceiling add suspense. Not only is the house practical, but it is fun!
I am not a fan of drama in my personal life, but three years ago, I felt as if I were the center of attention within my community. Today I strive to be the woman who doesn’t deserve the drama, preferring to live the simple life.
Books require a certain amount of drama to maintain my interest. My writing style is stylistic and evocative. To keep my reader engaged I add depth and vibrancy and create drama between my characters.
Character
Angles
When a design is effectively executed it should reflect the character of the homeowner and complement the integrity of the house. The angular lines in the kitchen match the exterior roof lines and contribute to the work flow in the space.
Wood Specie
Rift sawn oak adds subtle character to the kitchen while offering sustainability. Sherwin Williams, Anchors Away, literally anchors the base cabinets in the main kitchen area offering much needed grounding in my home.
Mother of Pearl
The crowning gem of the kitchen remodel is found on the backsplash. Thin sheets of Mother of Pearl adorn the walls of the kitchen, adding a subtle elegance to a simple space.
Have you noticed while walking on the beach those iridescent fragments of shells? These shells are the inner layer of a mollusk called nacre and protect the sea creatures from parasites. Calming, protection, purity, creativity, and prosperity are all qualities that are representative of the Mother of Pearl. Each are qualities I value.
The healing properties and benefits of the nacre lined shells are it promotes calmness, boosts immunity, aids in digestion, helps with skin care, enhances intuition and creativity, and provides a sense of grounding. This material is symbolic of my healing journey.
Conclusion
For many years our beach home was a place to let loose and indulge in an unhealthy lifestyle. Today it a place to offer serenity and creates the perfect writer’s oasis. Not only was it past due time to remodel our kitchen, but at fifty it was time to make changes to my life. By using my words for good with creative expression I found healing.
At the conclusion of each post I share scripture. The Bible is filled with inspirational messages, each with interesting interpretations depending on the version. Jane Austin, Flannery O’Connor, Charles Dickens, Emily Dickens and even the great playwright William Shakespeare is said to have draw inspiration from the biblical text.
It is the words, not pictures that tell a story. And as a Christian woman it is my heart that guides my words. When I get stuck I blame my mind.
It's absolutely lovely and I can see how much passion and care you have put into every little detail.
I love the comparisons you make between writing and remodeling. Well done!😊