Georgian By Choice

Too cool

I've had a week of contrasting environments. Last Friday I was at a big record label. Laconic, beardy, achingly cool - even with post-Brits seediness. Walls plastered with black and whites of pretty much every big star you could imagine. Floor to ceiling speakers.  Interesting lighting.

Too hot

On Tuesday, I was deep in the labyrinthine warren behind a massive supermarket. Stiflingly hot. No natural light. Endless corridors. Grey linoleum. Swing doors and lockers with stern notices - 'This area is often left in a disgusting state. Clean up after yourself'. Next to the lift, a poster titled 'Smile of the Week' - featuring snapshots of slightly happy staff.

Sort of cool/sort of hot.  Just right

Today I am in a Georgian mansion. Rooms with high ceilings, flooded with lights from huge windows, vast staircases (both wide and shallow). Staircases to glide up and down.  Staircases from which to make a Grand Entrance. If you shut your eyes you can almost hear the rustle of silk taffeta. The house is set in the middle of rolling park land, with old walled gardens (schwing), and a lake and a crumbling stable block.

Last Friday was a sleek showroom - tight and staged, effortful, impressive and slightly intimidating. Tuesday was bleak utility - the ugliness and grind behind the scenes. Today is peace and confidence. Nothing to prove. Nothing to hide. This place KNOWS it's beautiful.