Thursday, March 12, 2009

Home Sweet Home



The Nature of the Home
A home can be a refuge away from the chaos of the world, a place of peace and tranquility. It may be a paradise for some. For some people, the home is a symbol of dreams, where dreams are created and nourished.

To cultivate dreams, some people focus on beautifying the interiors of the home to foster a sense of hope and peace in their environment/claimed territory.



Frank Lloyd Wright was one architect who opened up the space in the design of a home. Some scholars believe the notion that Wright implemented, the importance of interior space, is key to an attractive home. He paid particular attention to the importance of surroundings and vast space in the home called Falling Water. By utilizing a keen sense of nature's importance in furnishing serenity in the home, Wright brought the idea of nature or unlimited space/boundaries into the home.



Thinking About the Home: Answer What You Want
  • What's your favorite space in a house and why?
  • How do interiors play into a home? Are they a necessary social construction?
  • Is a large kitchen just another status symbol or is it a desire for cooperation rather than competition?

32 comments:

Brooke said...

I would have to say my bedroom and the kitchen rival are my two favorite rooms in a house. I love how you can do whatever you want to your bedroom since it's yours and only yours--it can be funky, classy, sporty, modern, whatever defines you, and it's totally fine because you're the only one who sees that room. I love kitchens since I cook and bake a lot. A 4'X4' cubicle just isn't gonna cut it for me. The kitchen is one of the first things I look at in a house or apartment, and was definitely one of my deciding factors when finding an apartment in Provo.

Jessica Black Robertson said...

My favorite place in the house is my bedroom and the living room. I love my bedroom because like Brooke said, it's your own. You can make it however you want. I love the living room because you can just chill there. Do homework on the couch, be with other people, watch a movie etc. I think interiors matter more when you become more established in life. When you're in college, you're poor and it doesn't matter as much. Later in life, I believe it does. Personally, I hate cooking and being in the kitchen so having a big kitchen is definitely not a desire for me.

jakefit said...

WHoa. Five questions to choose from. I'd like to go with 1 and 2: What is my favorite space in the home and why.
What=the bedroom. Why=Cuz I'm married.
Those who are married know what I'm talking about.
Booya.

Megan Moench said...

My favourite room in my parents' home was my personal bedroom. I loved it there because I felt like it was my space and I could anything in that place. It was my place of refuge, of comfort, and of hope. As for a kitchen size. I do want a big kitchen because that is the type of kitchen I grew up with. I want it to be a place of socializing, playing, cooking, laughing, etc. I find that the kitchen is very neutral and that a lot of fun can be had in it.

Ali Jo said...

I think as a college student, the bedroom takes on added importance because that's where you spend most of your time--studying and sleeping. However, in a family home, I'm a big fan of the great room. It combines the kitchen and family in to one space...the two best spaces in the house (outside of the bedroom obviously).

Brenton said...

Kitchen size can have a lot to do with cooperation, rather than competition. Despite the fact that I am a guy, I have spent a decent amount of time in the kitchen. I've always loved helping cook around the house, especially for special occasion, and now that I'm married, I love cooking for my wife. Anyway, I know around the kitchens of my mom, grandma, and mother-in-law, the complaint is always the kitchen is too small. Do they feel they need a big kitchen for status or so they can gloat? No. They simply wish that more people could fit in and be able to help prepare the meal because they enjoy the time it gives them all together.

Perch said...

I like the bedroom and living room

Ben Thompson said...

Some might call it a den - I call it a theater.

My favorite room will be my home theater (maybe when I get married it will change - hi five jake)

Pristine sound, 15ft screen, and leather couches - two levels - the higher with two the lower with one.

yep.

Zach said...

I would have to say my favorite place in a home is a bathroom. I go crazy for bathrooms with giant, walk-in showers (usually with more than one shower head), a large bathtub, heated floors, the whole bit. I can't explain why, but I think that comfortability in the bathroom is in direct correspondence with comfortability in the home. Call me strange, but I love large bathrooms.

Emily said...

My favorite place in my home growing up, was the kitchen. It was the place where my family would always get together. I felt like it was a place that inspired thought and allowed my imagination to wander. My favorite place in my home now, at college, is my bedroom. It is a place I can go think, or study. A place to get away from the world. I can also let my imagination unwind and think in my room.

Jeff said...

I think the family room is my favorite part of my house. I think interiors are a very social construction. I think large kitchens could be a status symbol, but I also think that 'cooperation' is a major factor to consider as well.

Laura Potter said...

I think the living room is my favorite place in my parents' house. I have such great memories spending time with my family there. We would play the piano, play board games, share personal insights with each other, read scriptures and pray there. The living room was the prettiest and most elegant room in our house. For me, it resembled the temple.

Abram said...

My favorite part of a house is the great room (kitchen-family room combination). I think that this space is the most important part of a home and can facilitate much family togetherness and a a great feeling in the home. When I have a house and family of my own, I will be sure that this space is comfortable and the heart of the home. Private spaces (bedrooms, bathrooms) are of secondary importance.

Kylee Maddux said...

Here at college, my bedroom is my sanctuary! I need my alone time and private space. However growing up, friends and family would always congregate to our kitchen or family rooms. Those would have to be my absolute favorite. So many good times, converstaions, and memories were made in those rooms. I feel these spaces are inviting in most homes you visit. And I love feeling welcomed when visiting others.

Scott said...

I have some great memories with my family when we all get together in our family room (that is connected to the kitchen) and spend time talking and reminiscing about times when we were younger and living at home. It's always been the gathering place.

Dan said...

My favorite place is my kitchen because it's the social area in my home. When I'm at home in CT I like gathering with family, eating, and playing games there. Here in Provo, my kitchen is my living room and family room and almost my bedroom as well. Haha. So......maybe when I have my own house it'll be easier to pick out a new favorite room.

T. Hoyt said...

I have several, my bedroom because it's your domain and place where you can feel solace. The kitchen and family rooms are also my favorites. They are the place that brings everyone together where you can kick back, relax, and enjoy everyone's company.

Katie Mellor said...

My favorite space in my house is definitely the kitchen! I love to eat, talk, and bake with my family, so the kitchen has always held a special place in my heart.

Brady Clifford said...

The bathroom is my favorite space because it is a place of refuge and and relaxation. Being single I really have no idea what Jake is talking about. Hopefully someday... (fingers crossed).

TrevorMcKinnon said...

I'm the same as most people on here: my bedroom. Even though it's not "where the magic happens", a la MTV Cribs, I still feel like it's "mine," my personal refuge.

nperner said...

Mad props to Jake for honesty. I wish my apartment felt big enough to distinguish between rooms. I do envision one day having a comfortable living room, at which point, it will be my favorite room...

Rebecca Ann Groesbeck said...

I think the kitchen is the heart of the home because it's generally where everyone meets together. Some of our best family memories have happened around the kitchen table. I've noticed that the trend for big, extravagant kitchens has seemed to skyrocket lately. A lot of my friends have moved into homes with beautiful marble countertops and the works. But honestly i think it's what happens in a certain room that gives it its magic. I just re-painted my bathroom and it was so fun I'm thinking about making it my bedroom. Like Jess said, I made it my own so I love being in there. It's what takes place in a room that makes it special, not necessarily what the design is.

dee said...

My favorite spot in a home is the living room. When I get home from a long day, all I want to do is plop down on my couch and watch some television (or play on facebook)

Dorian Corless said...

large kitchens etc, it depends if you like cooking or not- if you do and have a large kitchen then no, its not a status symbol its practical. Most people who have huge kitchens ironically are the people who order take outs the most. that there is a status symbol.

Preston Wallis said...

My favorite room is probably the living room but that probably has a lot to do with the fact that my bedroom is in an attic. Since i spend as little time as possible in my bedroom I spend the most in the living room which I love because it is where all of my roommates and I can gather and do whatever. I suppose our living room is kind of the heart of our house and that is probably why it is my favorite. I have never thought of kitchens being a status symbol for people in general though. Perhaps if I owned a home that might be something that I would pay attention to, but since I don't it is hard for me to draw a correlation.

Anonymous said...

My porch is my favorite part of my house. I love just chilling outside with friends and watching people walk/drive by. Looking out at the lawn and wondering why my landlord cut down one of my hammock trees-- jerk.

kainoakk said...

My favorite space in my family's home is the kitchen/dining area. It's the place where we gather most often. Not just for cooking or eating but to play games and bond. I have so many valuable memories from that space.

Anonymous said...

My favorite room has got to be the kitchen and whatever room the TV is in. I am busy all day and I always come home hungry and wanting to relax so I'll watch TV for a little to relax.

- said...

My favorite space in the house is definitely a cozy family room setup with a TV and comfy couch. Simple

- said...

My favorite space in the house is definitely a cozy family room setup with a TV and comfy couch. Simple

brooke said...

i love spaces with bright, natural lighting and a lot of floor space. i think this reflects the human need to be connected to nature

Anonymous said...

I don't think a large kitchen is a status symbol. I've been in very nice houses with lamely small kitchens. I think a large kitchen says, "hey, I like to entertain guests and have people over to eat." It's like to opposite of a gated community. It says, please come and eat, rather than, hey I'm rich get out of my space.