Heather Nemec - pgs

By Heather Nemec

In the words of Marie Kondo, “Does your home spark joy?” Does the word “home” evoke a feeling or is it simply a place to rest your head? A Finnish proverb aptly defines happiness as the place between too little and too much. So many of us welcome spring as an opportunity to clean and purge the items we no longer find purposeful. Spring can also reflect a season in our life, a time of growth and learning. In essence, spring epitomizes HOPE!

In 2019, my husband and I embarked on our “second spring.” Much to the dismay of our sons, we downsized out of a comfortable family home into a cozy 2 bedroom apartment. My philosophy about recycling clothes carries over to home interiors. Not prone to sentimentality, I promptly sold the majority of our furniture and belongings through local resale groups, exchanging them for gently or not-so-gently used items. My best find to date is a FREE Jonathan Adler rug well loved by a white furry family member. That same rug (now fur-less) is the showcase in Adler’s top 2021 Instagram posts; I felt like a proud mom! My taste in interiors mimics my fashion sensibility: eclectic, colorful, comfortable and must-have “good bones.” After downsizing, I was drawn to a softer, neutral palette. To be honest, we did not want to worry about priming/ painting walls on a rental. Three years later in apartment

life, we find comfort in the simplicity of it all. The calm, soothing backdrop nurtured me through 26 cycles of chemotherapy and countless sleepless nights. The bright but indirect light became a desirable backdrop for Zoom sessions with patients, paired with a west-facing balcony for morning devotionals and majestic sunsets. Our “new home” had become a conduit of harmony and healing. Like fashion, home decor trends are always changing. Jessica Harris “I love the trend of of Living Spaces contends that in 2022 “things will be perfectly designing around imperfect,” highlighting the beauty of asymmetry and lack of balance. something quirky, She shares, “This trend is all about seeing flaws as an asset or an heirloom or something that makes each piece unique,” appreciating the humble accessory.” beauty within something. Is it just me or does anyone else see the parallels to living a life with cancer? As recovering DIYers, we found ourselves restless from months of quarantine, eager to get our hands dirty. Survivorship became an opportunity to refresh both our minds and home. For me, color awakens the senses! Considering color psychology, I am attracted to soothing hues of green paired with pinks that radiate warmth and comfort. Optimizing natural light and incorporating plants (faux for those with a brown thumb) add depth and texture to all my spaces. I’ll admit there was another “man” in my life before my marriage. I have

a 34 year-old philodendron named “Charlie” that I proudly purchased while living in a college dorm. For decades, Charlie simply existed in a container he had long outgrown. After moving, he received an upgrade and is thriving!

Beautiful textiles and vintage fabric have also made a big comeback. I love the trend of designing around something quirky, an heirloom or accessory. I once framed a psychedelic fabric remnant circa 1950’s for my son’s bedroom, pairing it with a vibrant orange wall. If using color causes hyperventilation, colors opposite one another on the color wheel naturally compliment. If you are a color virgin, paint is the best bang for your buck, but starting with accent pillows or accessories will help to ease you into the process.

Now more than ever, our homes demand multi functional use. My dining table (aka desk and ping pong table) works overtime as a staple item. For us, indoor/outdoor living allowed for healthy separation when needed. By necessity, our homes serve as both an oasis and utilitarian space. DIY accents that reflect mindful making and meaning have also found their place in trendy design. Still images captured by my son and a painting by a nephew are personal favorites. What we now strive for are homes that are real rather than untouched. In the words of my favorite poet, Maya Angelou, “Home is a refuge not only from the world, but a refuge from my worries, my troubles, my concerns. I like beautiful things around me. I like beautiful because it delights my eyes and my soul is lifted up.”

Everyone needs a good list of JAMS for a chemo session, a car ride, a walk or maybe a run. Check these out.

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