Fabulous Fong Style

Jonathan Fong

by DENNIS KEMPTON

After what seems like a century of bland colours and utilitarian implements, it’s a beautiful thing to see colour and whimsey returning to the pages of design and home decor magazines everywhere. Part of Haven’s central philosophy about our publishing and about our editorial decisions is the belief that just about everything in our lives involves artistic choices. It’s not just a business or theme thing. For me, it’s a personal value. As I’ve told many people, including one person while I was getting my hair cut last week, when talking about my work, I believe there is art in the clothing we choose, the kinds of glasses we wear, the linens we pick out for our bedrooms, the furniture we buy, and even the fragrances we choose for our personal surroundings and our bodies. They are conscious choices we make to impact our own personal world and to project ourselves and our aesthetic values to the people around us. When we begin to think in this way, the reasons for supporting the arts and validating our identities as artists becomes easier and joyful.

But, that aside, we have begun expanding some of our content into incorporating design elements for your home. Over the next several months, we’ll be introducing you to some local designers and national trends, too, where home decor is concerned. No matter the size of your bank account, you can find design inspiration that fits just about any price point from the things we present for your viewing pleasure. Or, if you’re so inclined, you can set about designing or creating your very own stuff. If you do, make sure you let us know about it.

Jonathan Fong is a decorating and lifestyle guru and the author of several books including a series of “Wow” books about walls, flowers, and parties. He is the host of “He Made, She Made” on Disney Family and has launched an Internet based show, “Style With a Smile.” On his Web site, you can find how-to information on home decor projects and advice on making your home and life…more. The thing I loved most about visiting Fong’s Web site was his philosophy that we should live life like we’re in a movie. I’ve felt this way for years.

From Fong’s Web site: ”I live for those movie moments. You know, those grand moments of exuberance and passion that are not just movie-worthy, they make it into the trailers. Tim Robbins holding his arms up in the rain in The Shawshank Redemption. Jennifer Beals dancing her heart out in her Flashdance audition. And on the small screen, Mary Tyler Moore throwing her hat in the air. That’s life as it should be.

So should you run around in the rain, throwing your articles of clothing in the air? Maybe. But that’s not what Fong Shui is all about. Instead, it’s about refashioning ‘the look’ of your life. To make it dramatic. Heartstopping. Beautiful. So when those movie moments do come along, you, my friend, will be ready for your close-up.”

Perfection. Below, in the gallery, are a few new favourites of mine from Fong’s designs. I’m very much in love with the new design Fong did for his work space with the paint chip cabinetry. I want it! You can see more and learn more about Fong Shui online.