Sage Living
Our homes are like mirrors. An organised yet lived-in kitchen reflects its owner’s passion for cooking and entertaining. A spare, restrained space speaks of inhabitants who value simplicity. A playful, eclectic apartment may hint at a first-time renter exploring personal style through decor. From our passions and interests to the stage of life through which we are passing, our living spaces are extensions of ourself.
Left: Live large in a small space by storing household essentials on wall hooks. Middle: Party time? Set a welcoming tone as soon as guests step through the door. Right: Promote calm by hanging just one or two large pieces of artwork rather than many smaller ones
But it works the other way too. Just as our personalities influence our homes, we can shape our environment to help us push through challenges or nurture aspects of our character that we’d like to see flourish. The busy mum who wants to care for herself more may cultivate a weekly habit of arranging flowers on her bedside table.
This loft is both home and workplace, with much of the furniture on castors so the layout can be changed easily
The artist who wants to transition from hobbyist to professional might renovate a spare bedroom for use as a studio. The symbolism of these acts has as much power as the acts themselves. It signifies our desire for change, and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Left: A light, airy work space, punctuated with plants and a few attractive but practical accessories, is what’s needed if you spend hours at the computer. Right: Foster a convivial atmosphere in the kitchen by creating space for children and guests during food preparation. A table provides room for homework or just hanging out
I believe that whatever your goals, your surroundings can help to crystallise who you are, where you’ve been, and the direction you’d like to take. This book is the road map to a destination in which your home and your heart sing in harmony. So instead of decorating for the life you have, why not decorate for the life you want?
Sage Living: Decorate For The Life You Want, by Anne Sage, with photographs by Emily Johnston, is published by Chronicle Books, £18.99
Left: Live large in a small space by storing household essentials on wall hooks. Middle: Party time? Set a welcoming tone as soon as guests step through the door. Right: Promote calm by hanging just one or two large pieces of artwork rather than many smaller onesBut it works the other way too. Just as our personalities influence our homes, we can shape our environment to help us push through challenges or nurture aspects of our character that we’d like to see flourish. The busy mum who wants to care for herself more may cultivate a weekly habit of arranging flowers on her bedside table.
This loft is both home and workplace, with much of the furniture on castors so the layout can be changed easilyThe artist who wants to transition from hobbyist to professional might renovate a spare bedroom for use as a studio. The symbolism of these acts has as much power as the acts themselves. It signifies our desire for change, and becomes a self-fulfilling prophecy.
Left: A light, airy work space, punctuated with plants and a few attractive but practical accessories, is what’s needed if you spend hours at the computer. Right: Foster a convivial atmosphere in the kitchen by creating space for children and guests during food preparation. A table provides room for homework or just hanging out I believe that whatever your goals, your surroundings can help to crystallise who you are, where you’ve been, and the direction you’d like to take. This book is the road map to a destination in which your home and your heart sing in harmony. So instead of decorating for the life you have, why not decorate for the life you want?
Sage Living: Decorate For The Life You Want, by Anne Sage, with photographs by Emily Johnston, is published by Chronicle Books, £18.99