We’ve all been there. It’s 3am and you can’t sleep. Suddenly, you find yourself channel surfing and watching infomercials. Unexpectedly, you begin to notice the design elements and unique features of whatever blender, coffeemaker, steak knives, or exercise equipment is being offered. But is it the product that’s so intriguing, or is it the design? It’s possible we’re just attracted to good ideas. And we should be!

What ideas spark your interests? What unique designs make your world a better place?

Danica Silver Gladen of the Buckeyestateblog spends her time studying home design, decorating, and contemporary architecture, and also shares her favorite pictures and ideas with her audience. And she does it in a fun and lighthearted fashion!

Harry Helmet recently spoke with Danica about the importance of design.

Describe your relationship with design. Why have you devoted so much of your time to its study?

Design is an art like any other art. That includes singing, painting, you name it. It’s something that defines us as creatures. It separates us from the rest of earth’s animals. I like to think I’m special; and in my case, I also want to believe that design comes from within – like an internal drive. It’s something you can’t always put into words, so you just do it. As you can see, I’m trying to put it into words as best I can!

My goal is to bring smiles and light into people’s homes. We want to display uniqueness. After all, home decoration and design are so important! We spend most of our time in this thing that we call home. It should be spectacular – the way our souls are!

What practical exterior design ideas have you come to appreciate?

I’ve been keen on exterior fences because they combine utility with beauty. While it’s important that we are protected, our exterior should also look good. I suppose we could just drive in some spikes and that would protect us, but it wouldn’t have the same visual appeal, right?

I also love how you can intentionally position a fireplace for barbecuing and add sidewalk sewage for when it rains. I know “sidewalk sewage” doesn’t seem exciting, but it is important, especially when you’re hungry and the rain is upon you! Furthermore, it’s important so you don’t ruin your landscape with little ponds of water, because that’s what happens after heavy rains.

Everything has to be incorporated perfectly so it looks like it was born there and also performs its job at the same time.

Where do you come by the ideas that you share on your website?

I guess I have been influenced by people’s needs as well as my own need to create beauty out of necessity. Even God likes beauty, so why shouldn’t we? I strongly believe in harmony and beauty, so I try to come up with all sorts of ideas that will (hopefully) change lives.

How do practical ideas help the homeowner?

They are “practical” ideas because they have a second purpose besides looking good. They respond to a need. Each element has a specific, primary purpose to which we added our idea of good taste and beauty through careful design! I guess we all know what a fence does, right?

Have you spoken to any homeowners who have your ideas?

I did speak with a couple of homeowners and they were thrilled with my concepts and ideas. Obviously, you can’t talk to them all, but those who I have spoken with say they were completely satisfied. I don’t think everyone can revolutionize the world, but if each one of us adds to its creativity and free spirit, I believe we can make it a better place; and this is what I’m trying to do. I want to bring something new to old concepts – and from time to time, create new ones!

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