ISSUE 3 : THE THINGS THAT SURROUND US
Taking architecture seriously therefore makes some singular and strenuous demands upon us. It requires that we open ourselves to the idea that we are affected by our surroundings even when they are made of vinyl and would be expensive and time-consuming to ameliorate. It means conceding that we are inconveniently vulnerable to the colour of our wallpaper and that our sense of purpose may be derailed by an unfortunate bedspread. – Alain de Botton, The Architecture of Happiness
We are affected and shaped by, not only the building we live in, but the things we put inside - the furniture, objects, decorations, vases, kitchen tools, dishes and linens. These are things that speak to our own internalized version of beauty and make us feel good and complete.
In creating our collections and making decisions on what to buy for 18Karat, I think about the kinds of objects that have an intrinsic beauty - colour, form, texture, proportion. What will I love not only today, but for years to come? Most often, it’s the simplest of things - not the most fashionable, not the loudest, nor the most cutting edge or precious. It’s the simple vase in the right proportion, or the glass candleholder with a heavy glass bottom. Maybe it’s a classic earthenware vase with a time-worn patina or a throw in an appealing colour that is so soft and comforting that it becomes our adult version of a teddy bear.
Well, what about fashion? Yes, whether we love the classic or the avant garde, are aware of it or not, fashion does affect our preferences. We cannot entirely distance ourselves from it. We are affected by the colours, textures, shapes and proportions of the current fashion. A shape that seemed so wrong can become appealing when we see it used in a new way or in a new colour. That doesn’t mean one must become a slave to fashion, but it will affect how we feel about the things that surround us. I think it’s perfectly fine to dress a room fashionably, just know that these are the things that you will most likely tire of most quickly and make your purchase decisions accordingly.
Arranging our things in a room is as important to our well-being as the objects themselves. The most beautiful vase loses it’s ability to make us feel happy when we have to move it every time we need to reach for a window opener. Things need to be placed where they not only look right, but also don’t disrupt the function of our lives. I sub-consciously look to placing objects where they will be more beautiful in the natural light. Glass pieces are most beautiful with light behind them, marble is most lustrous with evening light. Dense flowers become velvet-like against a solid coloured wall, thin petaled flowers belong in a window with the sun’s backlight. Furniture not only needs to be the right proportion for a room, it needs to have a placement that feels natural, not contrived.
When decorating your home, whether it’s a new home or an existing one that needs a fresh look, wait for the right pieces, the ones that speak to you in some way - either for their timeless appeal or their hit of edgy fashion.You'll know when you see the right pieces. When you’re not sure how to proceed or what to select, remember that less is more and choose to not buy a bedspread rather than get one that derails you and disturbs your sense of peace.
posted by Maureen Welton; President + Creative Director
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