Designing for Human Connection with Liz Bell Young
In this episode, I interviewed Liz Bell Young, the author of 'Let There Be Havens.' Liz is a multi-talented individual whose work spans across essays, poetry, and creative thinking, all aimed at fostering deeply felt human connections. We discussed the concept of 'havens,' not just as physical spaces but also as any place or interaction that provides comfort and support. Liz shared her diverse professional journey, including her memoir 'In The Wide Country Of Love,' her creation of Haven Magazine for Anthropologie, and her writings in various prestigious journals.
She has also worked with prominent clients like Procter and Gamble and Stan Smith Events. We talked about her personal experiences, including her ambitious side, her aspiration to be a mother, and her various living situations that shaped her understanding of creating comfortable home environments. She emphasized the importance of authenticity and accessibility in creating havens.
The conversation also covered Liz's unique mapping exercises and creative events like a dinner for 500 women and an indoor tent installation. Throughout, Liz highlights the importance of collaboration, genuine self-expression, and making havens accessible to everyone, regardless of resources.
Watch this episode on YouTube HERE
KEY TAKEAWAYS
My guest today is Liz Bell Young, the author of the new book, *Let There Be Havens*. This book, and our conversation, diverged from the typical discussions on my show, and for good reason. Liz is not easily categorized into a neat box of interior design. She's an essayist, a poet, a creative thinker, and a life artist dedicated to crafting experiences that foster deeply felt human connection. This is exactly why I was so excited to talk with her.
What Does "Havens" Mean?
Liz's concept of havens extends beyond physical buildings. She began writing her book with a focus on the physical, design-centric aspects. However, as she dived deeper, she found that havens can also be temporary places and fleeting interactions with people who lift us up and give us shelter in moments of need. This exploration was vital for Liz, as it aligns with her belief that creating havens should be accessible to everyone, regardless of their resources or living conditions.
The Importance of Giving What You Have
A key theme in Liz's book is the idea that you give what you have, and that is enough. Authenticity—being true to yourself with another human being—is more valuable than any material gift you could offer. Liz emphasizes that hospitality doesn't require acquiring new things; it's about caring for others with what you already have. This mindful approach to hospitality ensures that it's gentle, understandable, and free from the pressures of polished perfection.
A Defining Moment in Liz's Journey
One of the most compelling stories Liz shared was about a writing class at the Art Institute of Chicago where students were asked what they wanted to be. Liz felt an immediate and undeniable urge to answer truthfully: she wanted to be a mother. Despite the silence and perhaps the shock from her peers, this moment of authenticity was pivotal. It underscored her desire to nurture and care for others, transcending traditional artistic or professional achievements.
Building Her Dream Home
Liz and her husband had the opportunity to design their home from the ground up, a joyful yet intimidating endeavor. Living in various environments—including military housing overseas—taught Liz the importance of creating spaces that felt comfortable and personal. The move to their new home, though just five minutes away from her sisters, felt monumental. This transition was driven by a deep desire to create a space that reflected both her artistic vision and the unique needs of her family.
The Concept of Comfort
When talking about comfort, Liz highlighted that it goes beyond the superficial idea of soft blankets and cushy furniture. True comfort comes from creating spaces that reflect our personal preferences and daily realities. For Liz, this included incorporating beloved items like a favorite wooden bowl or even a dish of her children's lost teeth. Each object contributes to a home that feels lived-in and truly theirs.
Mapping Out and Transitioning Between Spaces
Liz uses mapping exercises to plan spaces, events, and even annual goals. By sketching out the flow of spaces on large sheets of paper, she visualizes how people will move through them, ensuring that every part of the space feels intentional and cohesive. This method is incredibly valuable, emphasizing the importance of visualizing and planning to create spaces that truly serve their intended purpose. By taking design off the screen and into a tangible format, Liz can ensure that her spaces are both functional and harmonious.
Experiential Storytelling Through Events
Liz's experience creating havens extends to her work in experiential events. One memorable event was a dinner for 500 women where each participant contributed to the creation and execution of the event. This collaborative effort fostered a profound sense of community and ownership.
Another impactful installation involved setting up tents on real grass inside a warehouse, to create a sanctuary in an urban setting. This installation was a poignant reminder of how creative environments can have a transformative effect on people. A man in a business suit even fell asleep in one of the tents, illustrating people's deep need for rest and refuge. This story reinforced the idea that thoughtful, imaginative spaces can offer much-needed respite and healing.
Embracing Personal Vision
Throughout our conversation, Liz emphasized the importance of staying true to one’s vision, even if it doesn’t fit conventional categories. Her book, *Let There Be Havens*, didn’t fit neatly into the typical genres the publishing industry prefers, but she persisted because she knew it was what she needed to create. This lesson is crucial for anyone working on a creative project: authenticity and personal vision should guide the process, not external expectations or trends.
Creating Your Own Havens
Her approach to creating havens is both practical and soulful, offering a refreshing perspective on what it means to make a home. I hope these lessons inspire you to look at your own spaces and see how you can infuse them with your unique touch, creating havens that are authentic and welcoming.