Writer Virginia Woolf believed that every woman should have a room of her own. I was reminded of this statement when I was standing in a friend’s room (aka the office) and saw a small notice saying ‘no football talk in here’. It made me think how we as women organise our personal spaces within a shared domestic space. I include some of the responses I received for a request for information. Thank you for your enthusiastic feedback.
My friend’s office is full of her concerns and commitments on a personal and professional level. She is very proactive and a first time grandmother too!
“I love this space because it’s the only place in my house where I have complete control – colour, furniture, how it’s arranged and what I do in it. And of course the computer which is mine all mine … how selfish does that sound? I have things that I treasure in my space – photos, poetry anthologies, bits and pieces I have collected on my travels as well as reference books, and a 3-drawer filing cabinet containing all manner of stuff connected to me and a minority (in a disorganised state) connected to my other half.” (L.)
I was listening to Women’s Hour on Radio 4 a couple of weeks ago and there was a feature on the demise of the dressing table. Apparently no longer in vogue. The pamper place. So it was lovely to see the one below being put to good use and adorned with keepsakes. And this is an intimate space too where my friend’s beautiful baby daughter lies at night near the piece of furniture considered as obsolete. An art object in the making methinks.
“My space is important to me because it is my place of rest, my place of bonding with my baby girl and my place to express my femininity.” (H.)
