For Patti and Ted Friedel and their son Christopher, the kitchen is a frequent gathering place for friends and family. Creating a sacred holiday gathering begins with a thoughtful intention: to share the holiday season and their home with people they love and enjoy.


..... The garlands, leaves, branches, and curling vines shown here are from Patti and Ted’s garden, divinely arranged by Kyle Irwin and Erin Keosian of Botanik in Summerland, California. They skillfully and tastefully worked with moss, pine cones, and pretty pieces of bark, along with seasonal fruits such as apples, pears, and pomegranates.

..... Patti, who owns a design firm aptly named Enlightened Environments, is clear about the intention of her home and of her life. It is her authentic self she manifests—in a loving and beautiful environment—moment by moment, choice by choice.

..... Patti has been on her own journey of self-discovery for many years. The philosophy for her company was inspired by the Greek goddesses, particularly Hestia. “My heart and my design sense go deeper than our modern world of design,” says Patti. “Hestia’s sole purpose was to help us live from the center and to enhance our spirituality. She is the goddess of the hearth and domestic life—more specifically, the goddess of the fire that burns within the hearth. This fire is symbolic of the inner light that burns within each one of us, recharging and rekindling our spirits. I need Hestia, and I believe we all need Hestia in our imaginations. After all, it is our imagination that helps us create our spaces.”

..... Patti honors many processes such as color therapy, music and art therapy, aromatherapy, folklore, candle lighting, feng shui, and vastu shastra, among others. You can find some version of all of these practices in her life, in her consultations with clients, and in her home. “I wholeheartedly believe people are searching for an overall feeling in their personal spaces, to make their hearts happy and full.”

 

 

The water element is provided by the big windows, cut crystal, mirrors, and the water fountains set outside on the kitchen patio. It is also found in the deep, dark accent colors used such as black, navy blue, and charcoal.

The wood element is supported by the cabinetry, furniture, plants, flowers, and all the plant-based textiles and fabrics. It can also be noted in artwork depicting gardens, plants, and flowers.
The metal element can be noted in Patti's hanging rack of iron, copper, and brass pots, pans, and utensils.

The fire element is revealed in the kitchen's red and orange accents, and is represented by electrical equipment; all forms of light, including candles, sunlight, and fireplaces; images of people, animals, fire, light or sunshine; and everything made from animals, such as leather, wool, or feathers.
Choose a living tree. After the holiday season is over you can plant it in your garden or donate it to a local park. This is a great way to save a tree and to show respect for the environment. Consider allowing the tree to remain natural, without the usual holiday decorations. Keep it simple!
Set in hurricane vases, candles are set securely amidst hazelnuts or cranberries.

The earth element is apparent here in the earthy yellows and browns, clay floor tiles, and earthenware pots.


Enlightened Environments, (805) 969-3179.
Botanik, (805) 565-3831.
 

The preceding article "first appeared" in the November/December 2000 issue of
Healing Retreats & Spas Magazine