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It’s been almost 6 months since we’ve moved into the flat and I’ve written this post on how we’re planning to design and furnish it. I’m now wiser by 6 months of experience, but the basic principles are still valid.
Building a new home from scratch IS a very slow process – at least for us. I was prepared for this, but sometimes it is frustrating. Especially when the delay is due to external forces – like people not showing up, furniture taking 3 months to be delivered, and so on.
Still, it’s mostly just incredibly fun. I’ve always loved design, but I’ve found a new level of appreciation for it – for the art, the creativity, the materials, the craftsmanship, the shapes, colors, everything. I even love looking at things we could never afford, just for the sheer visual pleasure.
It’s also interesting to see how initial plans may evolve once you actually lived in a place. I scratched some ideas just because I realized it wouldn’t work in that particular space or the real life use would be totally incompatible with the original vision. This is actually one of my biggest takeaways and the most important piece of advice I can give to anyone who’s planning any kind of interior work in a new place: don’t rush, live there a bit, and be flexible about your plans.
As of now, I’d say we’re 40 % finished, so there’s still a long way to go. I’m probably going to share a lot more interior content in the coming months: how to maintain a minimal flat, what to do when you have limited spaces, how to balance aesthetic and functionality, where to shop for minimal style furniture, and also, some current design inspiration.
Summer reading list
As I’ve said in this post, while I’m doing the 50 books challenge this year as well (as I’ve been doing it for years now), my main goal is to make reading a part of my evening routine. And I have to say, pat on the shoulders, I’ve been quite good with this goal this summer. Maybe it’s because of the longer nights or the fact that it’s becoming more like a habit and less like an effort, but so far, so good.
I’m quite deliberate with my reading list – I try to mix up this genre, fiction and nonfiction, and authors. One thing I still want to improve on is to move away a bit more from the Anglo-Saxon literary world and read more books by authors of different nationalities. (If you have recommendations, please, do share)
Related: 50 books a year challenge – did I make it?
Currently on my reading list:
Richard Powers: The Overstory
A story of strangers each summoned in different ways by the natural world to save it from catastrophe.
Oyinkan Braithwaite: My Sister, the Serial Killer
This book has been popping up in all kinds of best of and awards lists lately; it’s supposed to be witty and dark at the same time.
Jo Nesbo: The Bat
I’ve recently read Stieg Larsson’s Millenium Trilogy and now I’m eager to read more Scandinavian thrillers. Jo Nesbo is one of the most famous authors of this genre, so I’m starting with the very first book of his long-running Harry Hole series.
Lisa Brennan-Jobs: Small Fry
A memoir by the daughter of Apple founder Steve Jobs, part portrait of a complex family, part love letter to California in the seventies and eighties. Reviews said she is a very exciting new literary voice.
Anna Politkovskaya: A Russian Diary
She was a Russian journalist who reported on political events in Russia and who was murdered in 2006. This book was published posthumously and gives an account of how Putin transformed the country and effectively killed Russian parliamentary democracy (or, given Russia’s history, the seeds of it).
Naomi Klein: This Changes Everything: Capitalism vs. The Climate
One of the most praised environmental books lately, it explains why the climate crisis challenges us to abandon the core free market ideology of our time, restructure the global economy, and remake our political systems.
David Wallace-Wells: The Uninhabitable Earth
Yes, I’m very into environmental books lately, probably no need to explain why. This book details life after warming and argues that the impacts of climate change will be much graver than people realize. Probably not a typical beach book, but really important to read.
Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie: Half of a Yellow Sun
I loved her book Americanah, so really looking forward to reading this.
The Autobiography of Eleanor Roosevelt
I have so much respect for Eleanor Roosevelt, her work, and her dedication to social causes, women’s suffrage, and human rights, so I can’t wait to learn more about her life – in her own words.
Ted Chiang: Exhalation
This is me pushing my literary boundaries. I don’t usually read science fiction, but this book got so many rave reviews that it got me intrigued. It’s a short story collection, each story deals with philosophical and moral questions and real human issues while transporting the reader into strange new worlds and what if scenarios.
Slow August plans
I think there are two scenarios that can create that “how time flies” feeling:
- When we’re having fun or are immersed in some enjoyable activity – this is the more positive version
- Or when we lose control a bit trying to do too many things at once
The goal in both cases is to slow down a bit and reclaim that sense of being in the moment.
I’ve had this sobering realization that summer is almost over a couple of days ago. In my case, it was the result of both scenarios – I’ve had some great experiences, trips, and fun things this summer, but also spent a lot of time just trying to catch up, mostly with some work projects, as well as trying to get things done with the apartment.
So I declare August an intentionally slow month.
Cutting back on work meetings and project planning a bit.
Making the most of the season.
Spending time outdoors, even if it’s just going out with a blanket to read in a park.
Making day trips and exploring the countryside.
Visiting the farmers’ market and enjoying the abundance of colorful seasonal produce.
Going on long sunset walks after an ordinary workday.
Focusing on what we have accomplished so far in the apartment instead of seeing what’s still missing.
And frequently using this list for some inspiration.
What are your August plans?
