For this week’s blog post, I had every intention of writing about my inexplicable obsession with dishtowels, but then I saw The Martian.

Weird, I know. But stay with me…

For those of you who haven’t seen it, I promise no spoilers. But definitely get to a theatre and see it on the big screen. Amazing. As I sat in the dark, on the edge of my seat with rapt attention and utter delight at every aspect of the film, I realized its central premise: HOME. Okay, its about quite a few other things (leadership, resilience, the power of STEM), but home is definitely in the double helix of many movies’ DNA, including this one.

Which begs the question: WHAT IS HOME?

This theme is explored in countless books, movies and academic writings. Some of us have lived in places that, for one reason or another, never quite felt like HOME. At times, the absence of loved ones makes a house feel empty and melancholy. Others, we come home from a long trip (or a long day), pausing as the key turns in the lock and thinking Ahhh…Home at last.

There’s a pivotal scene in The Martian where Matt Damon weeps openly at the thought of making it HOME. The heart of the film is about harnessing the collective innovation, nerve, passion and intellect of supporting characters toward a single heart-stopping end.

Part of what fuels my love of design is this ongoing quest to adorn a space with elements that truly evoke a feeling of HOME. A place where you feel happy to spend time, entertain and enjoy life. Even in the astronauts’ Martian quarters there were little decorative touches that offered key insights into each individual’s personality and earthly lives. I find set design endlessly fascinating. The process of constructing the physical environment is complex, nuanced and pivotal to how credible the story is. To believe that the space fits the character, it has to be authentic.

The same goes for your home. Let it be authentically you. The “rules” of design have a great deal of flexibility to ensure that your home can be an exciting and stylish reflection of YOU (and those who share your home). In the movie that is your life, take some risks, push the envelope, and design a home reflecting the characters who live there.

That’s all for this week. I hope you all had a wonderful Halloween and have “fallen back” into a comfy couch with a warm beverage and those you love most. Until next time, take care and have fun finding the fun in your home!