Untenable Choices
We all encounter them some of the time! It just isn’t easy to have to determine the lesser of several evils when all are critical. Recent years have presented challenges to business, residential, professional and municipal Interiors that had to acquire new, sudden characteristics. Those challenges came from some elements we just could not foresee or control, and some that we are lately realizing we could have handled more wisely.
That now old and familiar refrain, Pandemic, turned a lot of our assumptive world on end when it came to altered lifestyles. Our personal bodies, of course, were at risk or actually fell ill; many died. Our Interior environments became seriously impacted in many ways, which I have addressed in past articles in this series.
But, here we are four and five years on, and we are kind of left with the rubble of quick accommodations, temporary living and working modifications and many adjustments that linger – but beg for revision.
Another huge impact – another evil – is the escalating and worsening effect of worldwide Climate change. Like it or not, trust it or not, the effects are as obvious as they are ominous. We have had to review, revise, and accommodate weather impacts on our selves, our properties, our communities and our various levels of government.
At various points in our lives, we take a look at our Interior spaces and decide we want changes. That might mean a complete move, an extensive revision and redesign, extensions and additions or just a refreshment! The two crises mentioned above, however, have imposed circumstances that (in any situations) have complicated our choices.
Those same two situations have greatly affected our economic challenges, too! Some families compressed into extended family structures; some businesses completely revised operations: locations, communications, and staffing and management paradigms. Now, we want creative changes that we choose to make, not changes driven by crisis. So, we first must address the Interior fallout of those crises!
It isn’t about empty nest, mid life changes. It isn’t just about tired Interiors that beg refreshment, and it isn’t just that we can now finally afford to do our dream Interior space Vision!
This time, we may want all or some of that, but we have to do it – if we do it! – with serious new considerations that we must draw from those two experiences: severe Climate change and the potential impacts of a world Pandemic.
Let’s get started! Begin by reviewing what you, personally, had to do to accommodate the Pandemic impacts. Were some of those changes good in the long run? Have you actually discovered that you really like smaller and more efficient – at work and in your residence?
Instead of a remodel, is it time to sell and embrace a really large change? A Senior Living community might be on your horizon as you realize you no longer want to manage the responsibilities of that family home with the big yard and gardens!
Life altering changes for your Interior living, and environment are significant. It is important to look at all options, get the most and best input from professionals you respect – from a financial advisor, family principals you trust, realtors who know the marketplace and Interior experts who can show you alternatives for right where you are.
Most of all, we need to draw appropriate lessons, about living and working, from the stark realities of experience, and the vast opportunities that lie in new considerations! Weather patterns that are all new to a specific area beg modifications you may only have encountered in the past, on vacations away.
The Boy and Girl Scouts had it right: Don’t be scared! Be prepared! And, help is on the way!
Photo Contributed by Robert Boccabella
Whether it’s just a kitchen, the business reception – or the whole enchilada – a step at a time can be a lot of fun!
Collaboration & Writing: Ms. Zoe Tummillo: WritingService@earthlink.net
Robert Boccabella, B.F.A. is principal and founder of Business Design Services and a certified interior designer in private practice for over 30 years.