It seems as though the eternal battle in the family dwelling is not between siblings or spouses, but rather between Design & Functionality. How nice it wuold be if we could live in the photo...the perfectly situated books on the end table...the light cascading evenly from multiple sources...the throw pillows never looking like they have actually been "thrown". We all desire a space to be visually appealing, but at what cost?
Can a Minimalistic dwelling be adequate for 4 children who own every Spongebob Squarepants toy on the market? Can a French Country kitchen provide the space needed for a master chef moving through his/her space like a whirlwind? Where does style confront substance and is there a point where the two of them unite to face the challenges of the home?
The solution...
Moderation - Anything, including design, can be deadly if not taken in moderation. If you love cupcakes, go ahead and eat one...maybe two...pushing it on three. Twenty or thirty though, and you will most likely end up flat on your back on a gurney (en route to the hospital) or doubled over in pain in the restroom!
Balance - The rolling meadows in all their beautiful glory, do not impress us with just the colors and textures that they provide, but also the life and interaction that they support. We want to see the butterflies dancing around the flowers...we want to hear the birds singing their songs...we want to smell the sweet nectar of the wildflowers that seems to make the bees go crazy!
No one can live in a picture. Though it may look beautiful, much more is needed to support human interaction and all the complexities of modern day life. The marrying of Form & Function can be accomplished through the implementation of Moderation & Balance. It is not easy, but it is well worth the effort!
