Do the Obamas need a Design Psychologist?  Their new interior designer “doesn’t try to inflict his personal style on his clients.” That’s a great start, but does he know how to create truly personal White House quarters for this close-knit First Family - - a space that expresses their unique place in history as well as their own past histories of place? their sophisticated yet unpretentious style? their warm personality types? 

Perhaps they’d like to check out my client, Jennifer Morgan’s, newly renovated home in Princeton, N.J.  Jennifer wanted to:

“ . . . fulfill my long-held dreams for a nurturing space that feels very special and uniquely expresses who I am.  Particularly during these times, having a place that nurtures and heals us is more important that ever.”

A la Design Psychology, Jennifer re-configured her modest, duplex house into a larger home with separate, private quarters.

She was most comfortable in farmhouse settings - - places that loomed large in her family history. In her new living/dining room, Jennifer installed wide-plank farm floors. Painting the space in Benjamin Moore “Oat Straw” created a “simple, beautiful, cozy, comfortable and warm” farmhouse feeling.

On the outside the use of two paint colors (Benjamin Moore’s Audubon Russett in front; Georgian Brick for the rear addition) teased the eye: Is this one house or an unpretentious farmhouse with a simple yet sophisticated barn behind? It’s both - - history, tradition, and out-of-the box change by designing from within.

TIPS:

•    Establish a balance between public and private spaces in your home

•    Avoid listening to the “should”, “oughts” or “musts” when it comes to design

•    Get good advice (and tips!) but explore your Design Psychology to find your own ‘design voice’.

Copyright Toby Israel, 2009