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LATOYA BURTON

EXPLORE | EXPERIENCE | EXPRESS
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Musings:

Hello! I’m LaToya. Here you can find me exploring life through the lenses of interiors, imagination and inspiration. I am unfolding the 7 principles of Interior Alchemy.

this space is {A LIVING ARCHIVE OF CREATIVE MUSINGS + TOOLS FOR THE JOURNEY}

spaces + places + people + creations


EXPLORE MUSINGS

  • embrace
  • freedom
  • imagination
  • inspiration
  • inspirational interviews
  • thrive
  • vision

Featured posts:

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spaces, inspiration
interior alchemy, interior alchemy movement, interior design, merging spirit and matter, first section
Design (School for Life)
spaces, inspiration
interior alchemy, interior alchemy movement, interior design, merging spirit and matter, first section

A while back I was exploring what I learned in Design school and how it can be applied to life. I have a new found desire to complete all this ideas I have been holding on to and let them finally be completed and let out in to the world - or discarded if that is their fate.

These are the 7 principals of Interior Alchemy and their relationship to the Architectre and Interior Design process.

Embrace

There is a process called PROGRAMMING where you learn everything you can about your project. How many? How much space? What do you want to accomplish? What are the requirements?  what is the deadline? Budget? Preferences?

In life this is the foundations of SELF-DISCOVERY. 

Read More →
spaces, inspiration
interior alchemy, interior alchemy movement, interior design, merging spirit and matter, first section
H is for Happiness
imagination, inspiration
collaged life, botanicals, first section
The Alphabet of Inspired Living : H is for Hapiness
imagination, inspiration
collaged life, botanicals, first section
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imagination, inspiration
collaged life, botanicals, first section
imagination
death, life, rebirth, first section, poem
Life (CYCLE)
imagination
death, life, rebirth, first section, poem
Read More →
imagination
death, life, rebirth, first section, poem
freedom_interiorsvignette_2.jpg

Freedom is a Lifestyle : Create a Home + Life you Love

October 27, 2015 in freedom

freedom_interiorsvignette_2 Freedom is being comfortable in our own skin and living intentionally. HONOURING what we love + RELEASING what no longer serves us. There is no better place to cultivate this than in your own home.

How amazing it feels to have a deep knowing that life is always working out for us (even when it feels uncertain) -  Freedom is having FAITH. Home is where we nurture these feelings of serenity and peace.

I express freedom by going at my own pace, sharing my story + expressing my unique style. In your home your style is your authentic voice and it is expressed in what you choose to bring into your space. Your style is your personal expression rather than the influence of a specific design period.

Freedom is facing fears and moving into the LIGHT anyway. Being brave -  it is TRUST IN SELF.  We really feel freedom when we release struggle + finding the silver lining.. it is THRIVING under any circumstance.

Your home should empower you to live your best life. The contents of your space can be reminders (physical affirmations) of your values, your hopes, your dreams.

FREEDOM IS A STATE OF MIND

freedom_interiorsvignette

Freedom is taking life into your own hands - it is seeing your home as SELF CARE + self expression. In life it is about not taking things personally and knowing when to LET GO or to seek SUPPORT.

Freedom is finding your  HOME + happiness within. It is an opportunity for expansion + GROWTH.

In practical terms freedom is about getting your home in order + decorating it to reflect your intentions and desires for life.

FREEDOM IS A LIFESTYLE.

Thank you for joining me on this journey of {FINDING SPACE}. How do you embody freedom in your life and in your home?

Be Wonderful

xx

LaToya

Thank you for joining me in {Finding Space}. To receive INSPIRATION and MUSINGS directly in your inbox signup here.

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Tags: authentic voice, dettachment, finding space, freedom, home, letting go, lifestyle, state of mind
1 Comment
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Perspective: Imagining a Home that Tells Your Story

September 27, 2015 in imagination

I am Space Maker + Story CatcherI weave collages of dreams, moments, and possibilities The magic of imagination lives in my medicine bag

From this perspective I create HOME Drawing a feeling from my heart into physical reality From this perspective I see home as a stage to tell my highest story - to express my soul's gifts.

entry    entry_002 copy

Our perspective is part of our imagination.

Our perspective is our outlook on life - our point of view, and it guides our imagination (where we create our thoughts and ideas). We get to choose how we want to live our life and how we react to each situation we encounter.  Our imagination is one of our greatest gifts because it helps us to manifest a life we love, and when used intentionally it becomes the key to Inspired Living.

We are constantly imagining our life, so why not embrace the perspective of expansion, where we can can craft a life that we love and live our highest story - the path that allows us to connect with our passions and purpose. Imagining the best for ourselves and knowing we deserve it.

What if we viewed our home as a stage for our Soul to thrive? What if we imagine a home that nourishes us on this sacred journey because it is thoughtfully created?

Creating a home is a journey, just as life is. When I see life as a journey, I see every moment perfect just as it is (challenges and all). Perspective is often only clear in hindsight - It is about framing how we view our situation and reminding ourselves that life is always working out for us.

office_lb_014    bathroom_001

As I create space my aim is to take on an expanded view, and tell an authentic story through the layout and display. I believe in dedicating zones for rejuvenation and self-expression, and creating a home that works for you. I believe home is an ever-evolving story and it is never exactly finished.

For me that means displaying artwork that we create, posting inspirational text and images, displaying photos of special family moments. It means honouring the gifts given to us by friends for and displaying our family manifesto in the heart of our home. it also means knowing when to let go.

016_kitchen    kitchen_001

I was recently asked to participate in a house tour. My imagination explored doubts and restrictive questions: Is our house special enough? Have I been putting my own design techniques into practice? Our house looks nothing like the other tours. You know that little voice that challenges you and your confidence...

Then I recentered and remembered my intentional perspective - my core beliefs and I embraced the fact that we all have a unique story to tell, even me! I imagine a home that supports our family in living our best life  - the life we dream of, no matter our location and the particular circumstances. The placement of furniture and collected treasures, and the weaving of memories and personal values into a space can become a sacred act, if we let it.

I began to ask more expansive questions.  How do I tell our story through space? Through still frames?  What perspective do I take? What becomes the focal point. What moments do I capture? How can I represent the life that each family member brings to the space?

When we release a restrictive perspective, we begin to see problems as opportunities, and answers in our questions. Each time we change our perspective we gain access to infinite choices. My home becomes my laboratory to explore these concepts and make them a reality.

Perspective Changes. The Story Evolves.

The story may come together quickly, but more likely it comes together over time. So one snapshot does not always do the story justice, but it starts to reveal the essence. This is the story the space tells today. The toys are packed away, the workspace has been cleared, and the dishes have been dried and stored. Our home is waiting for life to resume. But tomorrow holds something different - change is inevitable.

Intentions and Values Remain.

Space begins within and it comes from the heart. Space breathes deep when it has an authentic story to tell - space supports us on our journey.  We are creating an authentic story because we consciously chose which elements stay. We choose objects that make us smile as we reflect on the stories they contain, the memories of happiness they evokes. They are symbols, a reminder. With my imagination I give each object its meaning. I edit and refine. I may recognise some parts are no longer in line with my current story, and I thank it and wish it well on its journey, it has served its purpose. What we believe to be true determines what we see. I connect to the stories that each collected treasure holds, and I honour it:

bedroom_lb_009_2     bedroom_lb_004_2

The small carved wooden statue given to us by a close friend as a gift when we first began our relationship - a symbol of love and connection. Artwork chosen together while we traveled in another country. Hand painted ornaments in the shapes of moons gifted to ourselves over the holiday season. Artwork created from dreams, and inspirational books.

That woven box picked up in a little shop in my hometown, that day when I decided to treat myself to something special. It once contained my new year's wishes and later became a God box (to store issues I had given up to God so I could release my worries over them) and now holds my son's amulets and treasures that have been gifted to him. It sits bedside.

Perspective expands.

verandah_002     verandah_001

We look back, a week has passed, a month has passed, a year has passed. Have we made the most of our space? It's never too late to start telling our highest story.

If there is a part of the story that no longer reflects the person you want to be, you can always change and grow! When you change your perspective you begin to see the beauty you create and live each day.

Join me on this journey and see your imagination as one of your greatest gifts to create your life how you want it to be. Embrace your home as a laboratory for Interior Alchemy. I would love to hear how you make your house a home. What elements of your home really tell your authentic story? Share your story in the comments below.

Enjoy the rest of our home tour over on Design*Sponge.

Be Wonderful

xx

LaToya

Thank you for joining me in {Finding Space}. To receive INSPIRATION directly in your inbox signup here.

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Tags: create space, house tour, imagination, perspective, place, space, tell your story
1 Comment
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Embrace: Starting Where You Are

September 11, 2015 in embrace

 

EMBRACE:

Do you ever find yourself thinking: If only I had a bigger space... If only I could afford... If only I was good with colours... If only I knew my style... If only...

We all find ourselves wanting something we do not have or wish we were better at doing something. When I start wishing for something that I do not currently have, I have found that the first step to moving forward is to embrace what I do have.

I become AWARE of what is already in my life and what I am already capable of.  I ACCEPT that I have a choice in how I react to my current circumstances and a CHOICE in how I move ahead.

I give GRATITUDE for all that I am and all that I have been blessed with in this life.

START WHERE YOU ARE

living room_ interiors

If only I knew how long we would be here...

We are a nomadic family, we dream of moving into a bus and traveling and exploring Australia. When we first found ourselves living in a Queenslander in Cairns we thought it was temporary. As a designer I love to create space, but I held back in this house because I thought we would be leaving soon, so why put in so much effort? At first I only worked on the essentials. But we ended up staying a bit longer, and a bit longer, and a bit longer. So instead of wishing for something else I decided I had to embrace this space and make it feel like home, regardless of how long we intended to stay.

So began my journey of finding space In the process of creating home it turns out I have also been finding space to embrace myself and I have been called to share more of me and my journey.

A REFLECTION:

emabrace_latoya       emabrace_latoya

I embrace

All of me. From the accolades to the "failures". From the smiles to the tears. From the joys to the frustrations. I have been greeting my "shadow side" with open arms. As I learn from my limiting beliefs I become aware and let go and find space for expansion. As I embrace my unique self without the lenses of shoulds, coulds and don'ts I am amazed at what I unearth. I embrace myself with LOVE. I embrace myself even as fear peeks over my shoulder. I embrace courage + grow CONFIDENCE.

I am aware

I embrace divine timing. I may set out a timeline in my mind, and take inspired action to achieve it, but that does not always mean my defined results will happen "on time" - on my time. But it always happens RIGHT ON TIME. So I embrace not knowing it all. I am aware of what is. I embrace the wonder and the MAGIC I have been seeking. It does not always come dressed the way I imagined. But when I change my perspective the magic has been here all along!

I accept

I now embrace the JOURNEY without an end point. I still celebrate the milestones. I see "problems" as opportunities and dreams + desires as part of my divine mission. Life is a pilgrimage and the map is recreated every moment, because I embrace CHOICE which leads to FREEDOM. I accept this as my birthright.

I give thanks

I am grateful for all that is. I am full of gratitude for my life as it is NOW. Through this I find space for ABUNDANCE. I am grateful for all the steps that have lead me here. I am grateful for what is to come. I am grateful for continued CLARITY. I am grateful to see my fears as motivation rather than roadblocks. I am grateful for all my emotions and my ability to FEEL. I am grateful for this truly amazing life here on Earth and for my Soul that reaches beyond this plane. I am grateful for INFINITE POSSIBILITIES. Thank you. Thank you. Thank you.

I will continue to share more of my journey with you here in future posts, see you then. To have INSPIRATION delivered directly to your inbox sign up here.

Be Wonderful

LaToya

xx

Tags: acceptance, awareness, embrace, finding space, gratitude, home, inspiration, self love
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Inspired Interview: Key Doby - Live by Design

July 20, 2015 in inspirational interviews

Welcome to this {Finding Spaces} series - INSPIRED INTERVIEWS. This is where I seek out inspiring individuals to share their stories with us. In these interviews we touch on inspiration, passion, community, wanderlust, home + more. First up is Key Doby, The Career Architect.  She is a Life Coach. Check out her website for more about how she works her magic, and helps people connect to work they love to do. She is really stepping into her passions in life and I think you will be inspired by her story. She is also a good friend of mine.  Enjoy...

Meet Key Doby

key-water-bench-2.jpg

key

What is your motto or mantra?

KD: My motto is same as tag line, Live by Design, Not by Default.

I think that it is really important for people to understand that they have choice in life and they can create whatever it is that they want.  You don't have to settle, you can design the career and the life you want. The joy comes when you make choices that are in alignment with your passions and values.

What is your passion? KD: My passions are dancing, traveling, and inspiring people to follow their dreams.

Why do you travel? KD: I travel because I love experiencing new places. I love learning about new cultures, having adventures, and I love connecting with people around the world. I just love to go!

key at the taj mahal

key at the taj mahal

Where did you go on one of your last trips?

KD: My last trip was to Puerto Rico for a family wedding and I traveled with my grandma.  Before that India, by myself. I traveled to Mumbai, Jaipur, and Agra.

keyandbride

keyandbride

keyandgran

keyandgran

key in puerto rico enjoying time with the bride and live music festival with grandma

What memories stand out from your trip to India?

KD: One of my favourite memories was taking a dance class in Mumbai. Everyone was a local and then there was me. Dancing is what I love, so sharing that with people in their homeland was amazing!

key dancing in mumbai at bollywood dance class

key dancing in mumbai at bollywood dance class

The second experience that stood out was riding an elephant. I have a memory of riding an elephant when I was 3 or 4. Then recently I had a shamanic reading done and found out my power animal is an elephant. So, riding an elephant in India was nostalgic and empowering!  When I returned from this trip, I asked dad and he said I did ride a baby elephant at the zoo when I was younger.

How cool, so it all comes full circle!

keyele

keyele

Did you bring anything home as a reminder?

KD:  I brought home photos and a shoulder bag that thought was really pretty. I am not a big souvenir person.  I tend to bring home functional items.  I have one bag from China that people always compliment me on. Oh, and also scarves for myself and as gifts for others.

Why bags?

KD: I am not a big shopper or fashionista.  But bags are the one thing I have the patience to shop for.  You don't have to try them on.  When in doubt: bags and scarves.

Where to next? Brazil. Brazil, oh my god have been dreaming of going since 2012. I dance samba, a Brazilian based dance, and I was supposed to go with school, but the trip fell through.  So I have been obsessed with it since.  I want to go to Bahia, which has lots of African culture. I want to take a dance a class, and go to Rio.  It is the first time I am prematurely excited, usually the excitement comes once I land in the new country.

You are very purposeful in your travel. You really go with a purpose and vision, that is awesome!

SO, now lets talk about home. What does home mean to you?

Home to me means peace, tranquility, solitude. That is what homes mean to me. (giggle) not sure that is how most people describe home.

How do you make your house a home?

By being selective of who I let into my space, and what energy I allow in here. True story.  Very true story.

20150623_072751

20150623_072751

What is your favourite spot in your current home? KD: My favourite spot is a floor pillow I have near my couch, by the coffee table. I place it so I can lean against couch when I sit on it.

It that where you sit in videos? That is cool because it says to me hey I am your friend and lets just chill and talk about life.

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m6yrGywcVKE]

Great, so now on to community. What does community mean to you? KD:Community means connecting with like-minded people, that share joys, share interests, and are a support for each other. You can count on them to bring life to your life.

People I look forward to being around and soaking up their energy, what they bring to culture, what they bring to our area [Oakland] and the physical space we are having our interaction in.

What type of events or spaces do you think get people to interact the most?

KD: In my experience it is directly related to things I am interested in: dance spaces, things that are active; dance, exercise, classes or gyms.  Where I get to interact with people I didn't know previously. Not a club!  (giggle).  I mean things like cultural events. There is always dance involved. It is a reflection of my own personal love and passion. Then there is dinning, when you gather with people you intentionally want to dine with. There is more talking and you really start to get to know each other more.

What would you tell your 18-year old self if you had the chance?

KD: 1. Travel internationally now! Push for it and make it happen now. I knew I wanted to travel, but I waited until after college and went when I was 21.

2. Be bold and not afraid of the spotlight! That's a big one.  For example, so one thing that I really enjoy is live music, I never pushed myself or had the courage to play a solo with a band (I play the alto saxophone). This choice limited my skills and ability.  Another example is from college. I was going to be a television anchor woman and I was working on a cable show and I did not want people to know me, again, I did not want to be in the spotlight. I changed my major. So I would tell my 18-year old self to push and purse interests.  And more recently, I have never tried out to be a Sambista (one of the main samba women). But I have been shedding some of that, and now I have an idea to maybe do it next year.

3.  Don't limit yourself in anything. Allow yourself to experience anything that you choose to without hesitation, inhibition, rules, whatever makes you say "no" to new experiences.

Wow, you would still make a great tv anchor.  And you have done so much in life! How do you stay inspired?

KD:  I have a self-care plan that makes me stay inspired.The components I have merged together in this plan remind me everyday of what I am looking to design for myself and that inspires me each day.

Here are 3 components: 

1. Visualize how the day will go, what I am going to do, how my interactions with others are going to feel.  I also visualize my ideal life and really feel that.

2. Stay inspired by acknowledging self; I list 5 things that are evident for me that I am on the right track, and give myself a pat on that back. I look at what I have accomplished, to inspire me to keep going. I  acknowledge myself however small the achievement is.

3. I Dance everyday! I have one song I dance to for 4 minutes, really really hard and cant help but laugh and smile because it is funny, especially in the mirror.

These are habits we all should cultivate. It is inspiring that you are actually doing it.

KD: Yes, I do it first thing in the morning, sometimes if running late I do it later in the day. But it really works best when I do it first thing and make it a daily ritual or habit.

Anything else you want to share? What do you want to be known for?

KD: I want to be known for my motto: Live by Design, Not by Default. My other motto is Live with Intention. Play with Abandon.

...And I got THE ticket to BraZil, Boom!

key dressed up for samba

key dressed up for samba

Thank you Key, you are an inspiration! Look forward to hearing more about what you get up to, and you will have to come back and tell us all about Brazil too! Much Love.

Be Wonderful.

LaToya

To have INSPIRATION delivered directly to your inbox sign up here.

Tags: home, inspiration, interview, life coach, passion, travel, inspirational interview
Comment
sacred-space.jpg

7 Principles of Inspired Living

July 17, 2015 in inspiration

imagine...

Imagine a place where you can be yourself. A place created just for you.  A place where you consciously chose all the items within. A place where you can freely do what you love. A place where you are inspired to be, to create, to love life.

“Some people look for a beautiful place, others make a place beautiful.”- Hazart Inayat Khan

This place can be your home. Your home can and should nourish you. Your home should reflect and support your story. This place is what {INTERIOR ALCHEMY} is all about - creating sacred space for inspired living.  The journey starts with your relationship to your things and your relationship to yourself.  {Interior Alchemy}:  part interior design, part professional organization, and part self-care.

7 PRINCIPLES OF INSPIRED LIVING:

1. EMBRACE. Awareness : Observe + Accept

2. IMAGINATION. Perspective: Dream + Brainstorm

3. FREEDOM. Choice: Honour + Let Go.

4. INSPIRATION. Muse: Seek creative motivation.

5. VISION. Intentions:  visualize, plan + Create inspired action steps to meet your goal.

6. ACTIVATE. Inspired Living: Use design and mood to prepare your space.

7. THRIVE. Enjoy your space, embrace ritual and do what you love.

are you ready to CREATE A SPACE YOU LOVE?

Here  I share tips on how I move through these steps. You will find me musings on all things inspiration: including interiors, creativity, travel, and family. You can also work with me one-on-one or attend a workshop to find out more about these 7 principles.

Welcome.

Looking forward to sharing this journey with you. To have INSPIRATION delivered directly to your inbox sign up here.

Be Wonderful.

xx

LaToya

Tags: home, inspiration, interior design, interiors, less is more
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I acknowledge and pay my respects to the Wanyurr Majay, Traditional Custodians of the land Madjandji on which I live and work, and to Elders past, present, and emerging.

email: hellolatoyaburton@gmail.com
phone: 61449081735