The Spirit House- Each a Singular Sensation

The Spirit House- Each a Singular Sensation
Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

People wanting to put their own stamp on their place call EB Color for help. In fact, many of the homes started out as mere cookie cutter boxes drenched in builder’s beige inside and out. Together, through the use of color, we've come up with their personal palette, unique to them, not just what’s there by default or what seems to be trending. Yeah, each color consultation is pretty much sheer improv, but luckily, I know my notes.

And it seems to be no different with the spirit house. In my travels to SE Asia, I've always been smitten with spirit houses, miniature houses or temples erected and sited auspiciously to house the protective spirits of the land, home or business. They are everywhere! The more I started looking at them, the more I became delighted by the singularity of each one, revealing the originality of its owners.

Yes, there are store bought spirit houses,

which are beautiful in their own right, but it was the home made ones that really charmed me. Or sometimes it wasn't about the structure itself, but the colorful sashes, garlands of orchids, leis of marigold, turning each and every one into an art form.

This is the spirit house at Jim Thompson's House, a beautiful oasis in the middle of Bangkok. I love the understated elegance of the symmetry, embodying the refinement of its former owner and his remarkable house.

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

In contrast to the free form of these garlands.

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

I love these colorful sashes! I wish I knew their color significance.

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

I should submit this one to Erin at House of Turquoise. For some reason, the spirits seem to have a particular fondness for cherry pop.

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

But it was when I headed over to Laos that things really started to get interesting. Check out this ingenuity. Used lighters - who knew?

Photos by Elizabeth Brown

Photos by Elizabeth Brown

I love the little clumps of sticky rice as an offering in this little ediface.

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Obviously, this owner reads Dwell.

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

I love the juxtaposition of the white lily with the industrial chic motif.

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

These folks must be channeling their inner farmer.

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Some people make it work no matter what,

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Using whatever they've got on hand.

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

And then, when I went to Viet Nam, the spirit houses were altogether different.This one appears to be a stage,

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

while this one has sliding glass doors to protect the spirits from the elements.

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

And most decidedly, here's a spirit house outstanding in its field!

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

I could go on and on and on like I did last year when I crazy over all the gates in Bangkok.
But I think you get the idea.

Whether you live in a small house,

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

or a big one,

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

Photo by Elizabeth Brown

let's get together in person or perhaps you prefer an online color consultation to give you the color that is yours.