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Here's a real life example of the Empowerment by Design approach Debra uses with clients to help them see new possibilities.
One client wanted a new color palette and some help redecorating her condo. Her living room was completely dominated by a huge covered object. It turned out to be a beautiful mahogany baby grand piano under layers of protective padding.
The woman kept it covered except under very rare circumstances so that it would never get dusty or scratched. She hardly played it, or even allowed herself the simple pleasure of looking at it.
It took some coaxing, but she finally unwrapped it so Gould could see how it looked in the room. They left it uncovered as they discussed other aspects of the interior.
Gould was struck by how often the woman's gaze drifted back to the piano, like a long lost friend. Finally, she said, "I almost forgot how beautiful it was to look at. If I left it uncovered, I could play it whenever I had even 10 minutes to spare!"
Gould says, "It was as if she needed me to tell her it was okay to take the small risk of leaving the piano exposed because of the greater joy it would give her every day. If she was living in such a restrained way in her own home, how was she living in the outside world?"
Letting what we want into our lives
While our living environment is often thought to mirror who we are, Gould's philosophy is that it may also be a reflection of where we are in our lives and how we are living.
The fear of creating a living space that reflects your needs and desires may be a metaphor for the fear of living the life you have always wanted.
Taking something as simple as what's in our homes and changing it can be a process that begins to lead us to rediscover who we are. By letting what we really want into our own homes, we start to let what we really want into our lives.
In the process of a Rooms by Design or Color by Design consultation, Gould helps her clients let go of their fears and preconceived notions and dream a little.
External changes have a ripple effect
Had Gould stayed in Toronto in 1998, continued consulting for her large corporate clients and put her "what if?" questions and creative dreams aside, she would not have had the wonderful adventure that has unfolded.
And of all the houses she's owned, she is finally in one that she's decorated to reflect her creative spirit. You can see it in a six page spread, "At Home with Debra Gould," Spring 2005, Woman's Day: Walls, Windows and Floors.
"I want to help others, especially women, create new opportunities for themselves. Even if it's 'only' giving them the courage to paint a wild color they've always dreamed of. Whether we ever comment on it or not, it is more than just about the color! It's about putting aside fears of making the wrong choice, or what other people will think. This can be very liberating and have ripple effects in other areas. I've seen it over and over again and it's fabulous," says Gould.
"I can help you transform the home you're living in with color, pattern and with design. I can help you make $10,000 to $70,000 extra when you sell your home," she says. "In either case, in the process, you may become more empowered and inspired to make other changes in your life. I see it happen naturally, as my clients home is transformed. Things start to shift externally and it opens up subtle changes internally."
What's holding you back?
So think about it if you felt empowered to design the life you really want, how would it change the way your are living? How would it help you become the person you've always wanted to be?
Ask yourself, what's holding you back in your environment?
Empowerment by Design
"My passion is design, color and pattern. That's what empowers me. So now I help people use design to change their environments. By creating a home that inspires them and reflects who they really are and what's important to them they often begin to transform their lives in other ways," Debra says. "Like the woman who finally uncovered her piano."
Let us show you how Empowerment by Design can help empower and inspire you.
If you call 416-691-6615 or email, we'll show you how we can begin to design possibilities for your home and your life!
Outside Toronto
We offer a variety of products and services for people outside Toronto.
Memberships
Gould is a member of the Association of Internet Marketing and Sales (AIMS), Women In a Home Office, and the Toronto Arts Coalition.
If you need more information, or to book an appointment, email debra@sixelements.com or call the studio at 416-691-6615.
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