More Life, Less Life

In these two pictures, which one has more life? Which one has more feeling?



The red sofa is nestled near the window with sun streaming in. It’s red orange color seems to warm with its hue. The curtains soften the sunlight. On a sunny winter afternoon, it would be a cozy spot. During the summer the windows open wide to the breeze and the sound of the birds. The sofa and window make an intimate pair.

The second sitting spot also has windows with light streaming in. Somehow, though, it doesn’t seem to have a place to settle. It’s a bit too narrow, and there is no back to rest against. The window seat is appears like the first attempt at a good idea.

Here are two gables. Which one has more life?



The gable on the left has an extended eave, but the ornamental trim has an awkward scale and no dimension. I can imagine it may have looked pretty good on the CAD computer screen, but in real life it’s like a caricature of the real thing.

The gable on the right has an extended eave as well. The ornamented trim at the peak has several elements and layers to it. The vergeboard trim at the roof’s edge has three layers and an accent at the peak.

Look at the windows. They are both vinyl, with simulated divided lites and trim. The one on the left, however, has a snap-in grid pretending to be mullions; the one on the right has a fake mullion, too, but is more integral in it’s construction. All told, the gable on the right conveys more presence and feeling.

You may say, “it’s money that makes the difference.” The cost difference, though, is minor. The window selections are competitive. The materials, time and effort to craft the trim details are not significantly more with the gable on the right. What makes the difference is the willingness to ask, “what would give the gable life: this or that? Does this proportion feel better, or that? Would another layer add more life and vitality, or just make it cute?” These are questions of the Beauty Mind.

The way we perceive the life of a space or object is by feeling. It’s not a head thing. It’s like each of us has our own internal tuning fork that resonates in the presence of life.

Glossy photos in books and magazines can skew our perception of what we like and don’t like. Their marketing magic can put a fog over the Beauty Mind, making what they’re selling seem alluring, even if it doesn’t have much life. Try holding your tuning fork to pictures that you come across, especially the ones you’re attracted to. Try to perceive the resonant life within them. Your response may surprise your mind!