INVITING JOY

In the last hundred years at least one, and probably several, architects subscribed to the idea that the house is a machine for living. Le Corbusier made this idea famous and modeled his stark, utilitarian spaces after it. However, looking back on my own home experience, it is anything but the systematic functions a home holds court for that stay with me to define what ‘home’ is.

Dancing with Mom and Dad in our huge kitchen blasting music, free falling on my rope swing, snuggling on the couch with kitties and a blanket, becoming lost in play for hours in my playroom – all these superfluous moments were home to me. Our home welcomed joyous moments. While they weren’t necessary for survival, these activities were necessary for the soul.

My favorite home inspiration theme is joy. How are you inviting joy into your home? While the thrill of material goods is fleeting, the impact of space and time made for play, surprise, and love becomes timeless. Rather than giving all the time, also remember to allow. Allow space, and invite JOY.

To invite joyous moments, here are a few of our favorite local adventures for any Cincinnati area folks...

CAREW TOWER

Get on top of the Observation Deck and get a new perspective.

OVER THE RHINE

Check out how jammin' OTR is, grab a bite at a new place and break out your sketch book for an Urban sketching session.

UNION TERMINAL - CINCINNATI MUSEUM CENTER

Maybe this is obvious but I’m posting this to let you know that I may have gone ‘off trail’ in the Ice Age exhibit and splashed in the water once.

And a few of our day trip spots...

COLUMBUS, INDIANA

Satisfy your craving for architecture & sculpture.

MADISON, INDIANA & CLIFTY FALLS STATE PARK

Get your historic small town Christmas fix with daily showings of A Christmas Story at the Ohio Theater, and explore the beautiful waterfalls at the nearby Clifty Falls.

GERMANTOWN IN COLUMBUS, OHIO

Another beautiful spot during the holidays.

WAYNESVILLE, OHIO

Find the perfect antique accent to your contemporary interior, or something special to add to your collection.

DAYTON ART INSTITUTE

Think outside the belt and venture up to the Dayton Art Institute.