GRATITUDE

            House Facades Reflect Personality 

Do you ever, like me, love observing houses while out for a walk? You would notice that house facades reflect the inner personalities of the people residing in them, and you can presume their persona by a mere glance. 

A spruced-up soldierly garden echoes the orderly life of a retired army officer occupying the house. A recently constructed posh one with no plants is not the abode of an environmentalist; in contrast, a non-distinct house, with a huge garden and an orchard has an ardent lover of nature residing inside. Shabby chic exterior points to the art enthusiast who loves all things vintage, while unembellished exteriors house a methodical and unpretentious individual there. 

Overgrown creepers, the grass gone wild, and unkept trees camouflaging the parked car, a deserted house. Exotic palms, flowering bushes, and the numerous fruit trees amidst the overgrown plants speak of the interest of the long-gone owners. The closed doors and windows jammed by the creepers hold the stories of people who lived here.  

A simple yet orderly dwelling with minimum plants built generations ago speaks of the elderly retired people living there while a fort-like design with high walls and an arched main gate demonstrate the love of all things royal for the owner.

An extraordinary creative facade has an architect residing there. Prim and properly painted mansion with an overpowering guard box is of a person with a suitable status and wealth. A recently restored house, a mix of traditional and contemporary, with several outdoor seating areas, belongs to someone who treasures the outdoors and is modern yet rooted in tradition.

The identical government houses of the services or the other government employees are similar yet distinct as they reflect the essence of the owner living there. These houses get transformed with every new resident. 

The scenario changes when you see identical multi-story houses in the metros. Zoom in a little closer to the entrance of the flat to understand the persona of the house owner. While you wait for the owner to open the door, you can guess the personality while observing the entrance to the flat. Specks of greenery from far will tell you that the house belongs to a plant lover. An artistic entrance with a curated door and paintings on the wall is an abode of the artist. 

I returned home after a walk and wondered whether it reflected our personality. It does. Homes are the extension of our characters, and the unique differences and complexities make them beautiful. We choose the colours, designs, and patterns according to our choice that dictates everything. Our abodes are our refuge and shelter, reflecting our inner world, which gets shaped through time and experience but never changes completely. 

Our homes are defined and shaped by the personality that dictates what pattern we follow to make the house a home. There is no place like home as it is a piece of our heaven.  

(Pictures from Google)