Home, heart and you

 Walking up to Laurel Phipps’ house I am greeted by prayer flags and a patio set with chairs opened outward, seeming to say, "sit here, sit here." I decline the unspoken request and ring the doorbell which brings our hostess’ warm smile and open heart. The first colors meeting my eyes upon crossing the threshold are blue-greens and warm browns. A butterfly wall hanging to the left of the door connotes playfulness and the large paintings upon open walls bring nature inside. Soothing colors, the ambient placement of furniture and the use of space create a sense of openness in her small home.

This is a fitting response because we have entered the home of an interior designer of two decades who pioneers a new field called "interiorology."  Laurel’s passion is helping people connect with their homes and their hearts. She is a true master in guiding her clients in understanding and defining their relationship to their home and creating an environment that is individually life-giving.

Her career has never stopped at superficial color combinations, but has always moved into the deeper questions around understanding what our homes are for us. This is what has brought her to coin a the word "interiorology. Laurel has learned that the real discernment in creating our environment is to connect with our deeper desires, something that can be challenging for us to do in our distracted world.

Have you ever had a sense that your home is not that comfortable for you? Or perhaps a certain room does not speak to you, or becomes a hodge-podge of stuff? Or maybe you have more possessions than you care to, but don't know how to hold on to memories and let go of clutter? Maybe you have a super active household where chaos reigns and you long to have your home reflect peace and serenity. Laurel can be a guide for you.

Laurel utilizes her experience, her training and deep reflection. She has created a system of self-discovery that is both playful and deep at the same time. In the process of finishing her first book introducing interiorology to the world, she has already begun to hold workshops and private sessions for people of all backgrounds and interests.

You can dip your toe into the refreshing well of wisdom Laurel has to offer by attending her booth at Sarasota Naturally on Nov. 10 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. This green living, holistic festival is a perfect backdrop to Laurel’s work. If you want to learn more before then, visit Laurel’s website for her personal contact information at interiorology.org.

 This article is brought to you by:

- Kimberly Braun, Empowerment Guru and Director of Sarasota Naturally and Celebrate Wellness Fest. Visit kimberlybraun.com for more info.
- This Week in Sarasota, a media sponsor of Sarasota Naturally and Celebrate Wellness Fest.