My home's red flags
And why I still live here
When I moved from Austin to New York, I gave up many things that would have been deal breakers to other people: a dishwasher, an elevator, central air conditioning, a microwave, washer and dryer, and maybe most notably, space! To some, my tiny studio apartment could be considered full of red flags.
There were trade offs, to be sure. But the trade offs made sense for me and my life at the time. And all those things I gave up? They weren’t red flags, to me.
We all have dream home wishlists in our heads. Architectural features, big beautiful windows, hardwood floors. Lovely. But in this economy? There will always be some give and take. To me, red flags are the permanent features that make a home unable to support you in your daily life.
Example: the home that has NO GOOD WALL to place a TV, and watching TV is very important to you (or someone you live with). Every single wall has doors, windows, no outlets, or opens into another room.
Another example: an open concept space, and you and your partner both work from home, take meetings, and desire privacy.
As a designer, many people bring me in after they’ve rented, bought, or moved into a space. And sometimes, I really wish they’d given me a call before! Not because the home is inherently wrong or bad, but because it’s just not a fit for you and your lifestyle.
I would have asked about your priorities, how you need the home to function for your daily life, and in what environments you feel your best. What’s your daily routine look like and how do you use your home right now? So that, if you love watching movies or sports and you’re considering moving into a home with one of these impossibly awkward TV rooms, I could say wait! This room has layout issues that do not align with your lifestyle or your priorities! And that is going to bring you so much frustration - no matter what you buy or what you paint the walls.
Of course if you’re open to renovating or electrical then we’ve got options. But many people (understandably) are not. And in that scenario, I think it’s critical to know your red flags.
Much like personal style, your red flags will be completely personal to you, your personality, and your daily lifestyle. Dare I say knowing your red flags is just as important (maybe even more?) as understanding your personal style when it comes to creating a home that works for you.
Likewise, the sacrifices you’re willing to make for your green flags may only make sense to you. When I made my move, it was a top priority for me to live in an old building, in a huge city. And I have no doubt that my ideal would be a total nightmare for someone else! And vice versa!
But that 350 square foot fourth floor walkup was absolutely perfect. For me (and my then boyfriend, and our dog). Despite its small footprint, the high ceilings and top floor windows made it feel open. There was no good layout to place a TV in front of a sofa, but that didn’t matter because we rarely watch TV. It was small, but its proximity to a park meant we never felt cooped up. All green flags for the life we were building toward.
We’ve since moved from that tiny studio into one with separate rooms for our growing family. But still no dishwasher, no elevator, no central AC, no washer or dryer (again, there are many families who might think this untenable). And some friends and family are still surprised when I say we have no intention of moving any time soon.
This month I’m celebrating 8 years of living in this city, 7 years in this home. It’s by far the longest I have ever lived in any home. Where so many of my most memorable hardships and milestones have taken place. Because this home, with its sundry shortcomings, is still one of my favorite places I’ve ever lived. It feels the most like me.
That’s the thing about making yourself at home - it’s an entirely personal act. It’s the most intimate space you will ever inhabit, and that’s why I feel humbled every single time I get hired. I truly believe it’s worth the investment of not just money but the time and reflection it takes to know yourself - your red flags, your green flags - so you can build the life you want in an environment in which you thrive.
– Cristina
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