Why Imperfection is the Key to Timeless Interior Design Trends
Guess what? Imperfection is in! What’s happening in design now is what’s been happening in my little design heart and mind forever, so I am particularly excited to see that it’s been embraced in a big way lately. To be fair, it’s been going on in the rest of the world, particularly Europe, forever, but we Americans are pretty new and we really like shiny and new so it has been hard to move on from that. But, here’s your chance to shake off the word “perfect” and the pressure of feeling that things should always look perfect. It’s exhausting anyway so give yourself a break.
Natural materials like marble. Living metal finishes that patina over time. Real. Wood. Floors. Handmade tiles. Wool rugs. Linen. Vintage anything. All of this and more can live in harmony with you, even in a newly built home. In fact, I would argue that your new home desperately needs these elements to feel alive. Let things age a little. Let your guests set their drinks down without fear of ruining anything. We live in homes, not showrooms.
Anyway, I wrote this about 14 years ago and I think it is still relevant now:
“Every day we experience variations of juxtapositions of people and things in our surroundings. Some of them are comfortable and bring a smile. Some of them go unnoticed or unrecognized but you know you want to be there, in that space with these people enjoying the simplicity that makes life sweet. The old with the new, the rough with the refined, the cheap with the expensive; this could be describing who we call friends as well as what elements we surround ourselves with in our home. At Lord Design we are celebrating living in concert with contrast. We encourage taking risks, holding onto what is precious and surrounding ourselves with beauty…every day in every room. Share what you have with friends and family. Cocoon yourself in your sanctuary. However you live, do it beautifully, comfortably, fearlessly, and with the things and people that you hold dear.”
What makes a space feel good is when it has a soul. That soul comes from handmade things. Things with stories. Natural things. Things that unabashedly reflect who you are. Those are the spaces that welcome you and your friends in a way that makes everyone want to linger.
A Few of My Favorite Local Finds:
My current favorite places and inspirations that add warmth and authenticity to our daily lives. I encourage you to check them out and find beauty in the imperfect:
The room in the picture is a room I stayed in while in Italy about 20 years ago.
The hosts were warm and gracious. The villa showed its several hundred years of beautiful age. My room had a humble twin bed, and the bathroom was down the hall. Every time I see this picture, I remember how at home, how at peace, and how safe I felt there.
I have been trying to recreate this feeling and share it through our work and at my own home ever since.
Just thought I’d share.
‘Til next time,
Arlene