“Vision is the art of seeing what is invisible to others” Jonathan Swift
The little notebook I carry in my purse has this quote on the cover. It took me a long time to realize that I could see something that others could not. See the potential in the pair of chairs that were headed for a dumpster that are rebuilt and reupholstered that sit in my living room (that several people tried to buy from the re-upholstery company before I was able to bring them home). See the finished room while staring at line drawings (plans) of future spaces.
Just as an architect takes a blank page (or screen) and draws a building that exists in his mind, or an artist takes a blank canvas or a sculptor takes a piece of marble — seeing what is invisible to others.
I had the rare privilege of sitting over a cup of coffee with the aforementioned amazing group of colleagues that worked on the PNE Prize Home together (now that the house is complete, it is the first time we could sit and chat) – and how great to sit with like-minded women. Our conversation bounced around and one of the topics that has since been on my mind is how clients have a hard time picturing the end result. No amount of samples, pictures of furniture, paint chips or description helps.
This is where a client has to take a complete leap of faith.
My brain just works in a way that I see how all of the fabrics work on all of the individual pieces, with the paint and flooring and everything else. It (my brain) also sees crooked pictures, uneven floors, pavers that are not lined up as well as the one board and batten that is not parallel to the other hundred. Yes, I am sure it is annoying (just ask my husband), and I do try to bite my tongue – but I see what others do not – and this is exactly why you want me (or any of my fabulous like-minded designing women) on your team.
Photos Sue Womersley
Decorata Design 
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