The photo above is circa 1980. And no, my dad and I are not in a nightclub. We're in the basement of our modest, suburban bungalow -- the basement my dad dreamed, designed and built on his own. I only have vague memories of this house (we moved in 1981) but this picture has always held a place in my heart. It sums up my dad's Caribbean sense of colour, exuberance and all-eyes-on-me-style: Hot red! Purple speakers! Checkerboard floor! Mirrored walls! Built in light boxes! No, it's not too much, what do you mean? Let's have a party! (And party we did -- block parties, barbecues, domino games...my parents were very social).
Our next house also had a basement designed and built by my dad, but it was much more muted in tone. When we moved, my brother was seven and I was three. There were still a lot of parties, but the basement was calmer. My dad created couches with built-in planters, painted ocean landscapes on the walls and the dance floor was salmon and cream Italian tile.
My dad takes chances with decor, loves colour and can build just about anything. Oh, and he can more than hold his own on the dance floor. He's always been proud of his sense of style and you know what? I am,
too. Happy Father's Day!
Share your stories: Did your Dad have a hand in decorating?
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