Design With Gratitude

One of my favorite things to do in the world is to simply come home. My space is far from lavish but it’s mine. There are even times when I wish my two cats would leave for a weekend, but they themselves contribute to making coming home special.

Living in Los Angeles though, I find myself being inundated with trends. What you wear, what you listen to, how you speak, who you know and who they know and who those people know, diets, fads, what you drive and how your home is designed are all up for discussion, or rather, scrutiny to determine what the It thing is from moment to moment.

I can’t afford to follow most trends set in this city and instead of feeling sub par, I actually feel as though my life is just less complicated. The aesthetic of my home though, is very important to me. While I avoid clutter between my occasional messes, I have surrounded myself with photos, books, plants, a white board, an electric guitar that my Dad gave me when I was in college, some artwork, a vintage metal trunk that I’ve had since attending boarding school, and a 1920’s era desk. All of these things appeal to my sense of beauty but they also have a story. They are in many ways reflections of me and I feel privileged to have so many things that never cease to conjure up warm feelings and fond memories.

My modest collection also inspires me on a regular basis. Does this look familiar? It should.

That is because this is my Paul Neubauer desk, the very same desk used in the design of www.gratefulbrand.com. But contrary to what you may be thinking or perhaps Googling, Paul Newbauer is not the latest interior design brand name to hit the LA scene. This desk once belonged to a gentleman named Paul Neubaurer. 

This label was still intact in the upper right hand drawer when I acquired the desk from a production studio set designer.

When I purchased my Paul Newbaurer it was not in its current condition. In fact, a lot of time, effort, sweat and love went into bringing this desk back to life and, in doing so, my dear Paul Neubaurer has inspired me tremendously and serves, every day, as the platform from which I express my gratitude to the rest of the world.  

Make your home a place that you are grateful to be in. It will serve you well. I promise.