Refined Rawness
Is it the vintage rattan tote I just scored, the tattered copy of Ivanhoe I just opened, or the well-used old army-issue chair I just sat in that has me thinking of my love for things that are worn? With a history of living in both Texas and France, I appreciate (as I'm sure you do) an object that show a past. You acquire it with a built-in story and your use of the thing only adds to its rich history. Someone I know once said that creaking stairs in a house is the expression of its soul.
Yet only surrounding ourselves with tattered things could create too much of a consignment-shop vibe. New and old can blend together with great success. The raw and worn can insert well into any style and aesthetic when chosen with discretion and forethought. Three things to remember when adding a bit of rawness to your dwelling:
CREATE A BALANCE between the refined and raw, if you don't want the worn look to overtake. Place your silver and serving platters in an open worn armoire, or hang antique lithographs on a brick or chalkboard wall.
DON'T FORGET THE QUALITY CHECK when choosing old. You can find beautiful rawness without sacrificing comfort or function.
START WITH THE END IN MIND, or an idea of the end at least. While you want your space to organically develop over time, having a larger picture of what direction you want your home to grow in helps eliminate the stray acquisitions that will have you scratching your head later.
Yet only surrounding ourselves with tattered things could create too much of a consignment-shop vibe. New and old can blend together with great success. The raw and worn can insert well into any style and aesthetic when chosen with discretion and forethought. Three things to remember when adding a bit of rawness to your dwelling:
CREATE A BALANCE between the refined and raw, if you don't want the worn look to overtake. Place your silver and serving platters in an open worn armoire, or hang antique lithographs on a brick or chalkboard wall.
DON'T FORGET THE QUALITY CHECK when choosing old. You can find beautiful rawness without sacrificing comfort or function.
START WITH THE END IN MIND, or an idea of the end at least. While you want your space to organically develop over time, having a larger picture of what direction you want your home to grow in helps eliminate the stray acquisitions that will have you scratching your head later.
This is adding refinement to very raw bones. I love how the walls haven't been made over. There is a wonderful perfume shop in Florence that, in all of its refinement, has kept the damage on its worn, ancient walls, creating unexpected and authentic beauty.
Q