What makes us happy in our Home: Prospect and Refuge

There is a a great show on cbc radio 1 right now discussing what makes us feel happy in our home. Behavioural Psychologist Colin Ellard is stating that we basically need two kinds of space: Prospect and Refuge.* These needs are deeply biological based on our ancestor's need to protect ourselves from threats (refuge) and our need to see a vista and peruse our Bounty! (Prospect)
Unfortunately I think most Lofts have neither....but I think you can build them in.

* I think Frank LLoyd Wright coined this idea. Winnifred Gallagher also discusses it her her book House Thinking. A good read.

News Flash: I bought a condo today


Freshly signed agreement and Artscape info package in bicycle basket.
Next stop: The LCBO for a celebratory bottle o wine!

I bought a condo today.
It is built by Artscape - a fantastic not-for-profit urban development organization which revitalizes buildings and ensures that artists aren't priced out of their neighbourhoods by providing affordable ownership opportunities for them.
Sounds like I got that from a flyer but I promise I didn't.
Yay Artscape and Yay new home.
ps. Warning: This blog will be probably get a bit more decor focused in the next couple months as I plan my new pad! It is a big open space so I am already investigating room divider possibilities.

How to display little pieces of artwork


The livingroom of printmaker Hugo Guiness
As the Style bloggers would say.. LOVE!

More of his prints
After I posted my little iron sketch yesterday I was thinking about one of my fave printmakers Hugo Guiness. He creates small lino cuts of everyday objects. I first saw his stuff beautifully displayed at the John Derian shop in NYC. (6 East Second Street) (I know, I know-- another reference to John Derian) The collection of mismatched frames in all different shapes + finishes made for a fantastic display. The key is to include a few gold ones to add depth and patina. FYI They are often going cheap at garage sales!
The photo of Hugo's livingroom has inspired me to do some small black and white prints on tanned paper. Then I'll sell them and you too can have a little salon wall like this. STAYED TUNED!