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Living the Eco Life
Vitalize Your Home and Vitalize Your Life
Cheryl Terrace was the first eco-designer to participate in the renowned Kips Bay Decorator Show House She created a remarkable “living” wall of greenery.
Terrace’s sole proprietorship interiors practice, Vital Design, Ltd., was founded in 1997. A graduate of the New York School of Interior Design, Terrace is guided by traditional design education infused with her interests in sustainable, responsible materials and systems. Her style is pure and organic, advocating a clutter-free, stress-free house that appeals to all the senses. “I love showing people that they do not need to sacrifice luxury or beauty to be environmentally thoughtful,” she says.
As green design has hit mainstream media, many publications have taken notice of Terrace. Her work has been featured in Domino, Robb Report, In Style, and Interiors. She is negotiating a book deal to describe her philosophy and design approach to more readers, and will soon host an eco-entertainment TV show.
102 West 85th Street, #2G
New York, NY 10024
212.799.1540
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Returning to the light, our true home
I find color fascinating. The light frequencies we experience as color define
our world in wondrous ways. Visualize an azure ocean, a verdant forest or
crimson sunset, these are all examples of color environments, which
positively influence our emotions and restore our health.
As an interior designer I know the power color has in defining a space and
‘creating a mood’. We have all experienced that instant chill when entering
a ‘cold room’, which had nothing to do with its temperature. Conversely, we
automatically feel more relaxed and engaged in a warm hued environment,
think of a dining room painted a luscious burnt umber (dark red orange) -
All around YUM (even without any food)!
I am currently mesmerized by the blue winter hues and their accompanying
reflections in snow, so dreamlike and otherworldly. This is the time of year
we ‘go inside’ physically and figuratively. It is a wonderful time to do what
the earth does, retreat deep within and cultivate inner renewal (hence, the
perfect time for resolutions).
It is also during these short days many of us experience the ‘winter blues’.
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) is now recognized as a common
disorder, affecting some people severely. There are ways, other than jetting
off to a tropical island (which I also recommend), to make these cold days
more bearable.
Light therapy, using ‘light boxes’ is a proven treatment for S.A.D. There is
Many studies show that most of the US population lack Vitamin D, known
as the sunlight vitamin. This nutrient is needed at proper levels for almost
every tissue in the body, including the brain, heart, muscles and immune
system. Supplements are an easy way to get the correct amount., and feel
better.
Light a fire. Few things trigger passionate, primordial feelings in human
beings the way fire does. We symbolically honor the return of the light and
new beginnings with candles and fireplaces in our homes. Easy and
romantic!
Another great way to lighten up, both figuratively and literally, is to do more
Yoga! I incorporate a few extra Sun Salutations in the winter, which creates
body heat and expresses reverence for the life-giving solar energy. It is
impossible to feel cold with an open (warm) heart, which is what yoga is all
about. The gesture/salutation NAMASTE means ‘I bow to the light in you,
which is also in me’, ~ a beautiful truth that we are all one when we live
from the heart.
It maybe hard to believe, with this being the coldest month of the year, but
sunlight is growing stronger day by day. The more we connect and honor
the natural rhythms of the seasons the more we increase the light within us.
Let this winter be an extraordinary time to listen to your heart-fire, and tend
your own sacred light. Remember, everything begins at home.
Warm Home Blessings, ~ Cheryl
Here’s to the color of 2012! (According to Pantone) Tangerine Tango: it
'provides the energy boost we need to recharge and move forward
