Could it be my sanctuary?

22 août 2010

Home has always been my sanctuary and, for the most part, my homes have been a British version of Shabby chic – although more shabby than chic – set in a Victorian or Edwardian building. I love the high detailed ceilings, stone mosaic floors, elegant staircases, large sash windows and crown moulding's that are difficult to find today. The historical value gets me every time and simply adds to its beauty. These types of homes require time, patience and tender loving care whilst restoring under the watchful eye of the local government conservation department in the UK. One of my favourite parts of putting a home together comes from creating a look that fits with the house and appeals to the senses. Time-worn furniture pieces handed down or collected from junk, antique and collectible shops and auctions all lend a certain charm from an earlier era. I love a little bit of Georgian, mixed in with Victorian, Edwardian and 1920's plus a smattering of mid-century modern to 21st century, especially the art.

However, just lately I have been toying with the idea of a contemporary home. The clean lines, symmetry and simplicity of this type of home requires a different living ideal. Some say that less work is involved but I am inclined to believe that actually there is more. With contemporary living comes zero clutter and an altogether more streamlined look and one needs to be able to live simply... be meticulous and careful to return pieces that live behind doors when finished with so as not to jar the clean lines – could I live this way? Is it at all possible to be without my antique collections, linens, pillows and – well you know – stuff? With a love of privacy, would I be comfortable living in a glass box on show for all. In an urban setting, definitely not. But in the countryside, with the amazing changing vistas it's a real possibility.

I neither want nor like a home that looks staged. It needs to be a peaceful retreat for my family and me. It would have to sit comfortably in the landscape and be easy on the eye. When friends visit, I want them to feel comfortable enough to kick their shoes off and relax. I have a real passion for authenticity and purity in design so it would need to meet stringent and exact criteria. An architectural or design style that may date 10 years down the line would not work. There would need to be longevity and a process of addition rather than elimination. For me, it is not necessary for the ultimate home to be created in a day. My personal view is that a home should evolve incorporating some of those treasure secured from years of collecting, simple layering; changing out the pillows or an objet should be enough to keep a room fresh. I like rooms to flow without an abrupt change of mood but equally draw you in to it's uniqueness and individuality. Traditional or contemporary? Watch this space...