THE SYMPHONY IN YOUR HOME

“Symphony…is the ability to put together the pieces. It is the capacity to synthesize, rather than to analyze; to see relationships between seemingly unrelated fields”.

Daniel Pink, “A Whole New Mind”

 

Our homes are a lot like a symphony, the way the various parts come together like the parts of an orchestra.

Did you ever think of it that way?

The more prominent instruments, such as the violin or cello are like the basic pieces of furniture in your home.

Then you have the equivalent of a harp – ongoing background music that brings harmony to the mix, like the color palette that flows throughout the rooms.

In the distant background, we have percussion instruments –in your home, the musical equivalent of drums and cymbals are the accent pieces, the amazing artwork and collections that personalize your space.

As you can see, I like metaphors.

The other day, I happened to be listening to a symphony – a rare occurance, actually – and was reminded of Daniel Pink’s book “A Whole New Mind”.

In his book, Pink refers to Symphony as a basic tenet of design.

It’s when all the parts come together to create the whole.

Our homes are a veritable symphony of color, shapes, textures and materials of every kind. So yes, I would agree with Pink.

I would also add that this very same symphony – the colors, shapes and textures – are equally at home in the kitchen.

To my mind, whether you’re designing with food, or furnishings, it all boils down – pardon the pun – to the same thing.

A symphony of materials and/or ingredients.

What’s even more important, is whether the various parts are even compatible, how long they’ve simmered together, and how they’re combined in the end.

Just like an orchestra. One false note and it hurts our ears, right?

The symphony I’m speaking of has to do with the difference between mediocre and stunning.

It’s what makes our hearts, and our taste buds – sing.