Aesthetics vs. Authenticity: what is best

Aesthetics vs. Authenticity

Above is my idea of the foundation pieces for a beautiful living room. Many of these items are things I have admired for years, for instance the India Mahdavi tables and B&B Italia Atoll leather sofa. The menu plinth is a newer addition to my coveted items. I’m drawn to the marble, and the cylindrical shape. I’ve been on the hunt for rugs, not knowing exactly what I’m drawn to. I definitely admire the Tuareg rugs, and honestly most handmade African goods, ever since we traveled to South Africa in 2015. But the Tuareg’s have become very popular, and I’m not sure how functional they are. I think I fancy the wool/ silk hand knotted rugs with a non traditional pattern. And every rooms requires a few vintage pieces, in my opinion, to be complete. What’s your aesthetic?

Your True Aesthetic

Ever since returning from Milan Design Week, I’ve found myself in a quandary about authenticity to self, originality, beauty, creativity, and aesthetics. You see, I find myself drawn to certain palettes, materials, silhouettes, and I’m trying to determine whether I’ve been fed and digested this information, or whether I’ve come to these conclusions as a result of my own journey, or somewhere inbetween.

It is interesting how our upbringing, cultures, and travels influence our aesthetics, but also so much of what we see in magazines, on instagram and even in movies, impact our sense of beauty. And how do you separate what you see and like, that is a creation of someone else, to have meaning and different spin, an authentic spin, in your own life?

Also of interest to me right now is that we often only see small vignettes of a larger space, leading us to assume what is outside the frame. Would it be as appealing in real life as in our imaginations? Are the things that appeal to us just that? a beautiful vignette, or could it also serve as a functional way of life? Be beautiful and functional.

This is what I strive for in my homes. I’m trying to dive down deep and analyze what components are important to me in design and feel. Many interiors that I’m drawn to often have a masculine air, a moodiness, some shadows, lots of textures, raw materials such as wood or plaster, linen or leather, and definitely a sense of history.

Is this a result of my travels throughout my life or a very good story teller who has set the scene behind a camera lens? I also really love designs that transport me elsewhere, like a good book or movie does, to a scene that I am coveting, that may not represent where I am, but more where I want to be.

The true creators and designers are of course the artisans that are putting the products in the stores, thinking about shapes and materials and the impact on the environment, and how to create affordable products that will be coveted for many generations. Then there are the stylists that put these creations into a palletable environment.

Consumerism

As consumers, we come along and digest this information, purchasing products for our homes, sometimes not knowing the original intention or concept behind the design, and maybe choosing the product based on cost or color or some other unknown variable. Were we influenced to make this decision? Was it based on what you were seeing somewhere else? Is it because that is what available for you to purchase? Look at some popular trends right now.

Earth Tones

It seems to me that the earthy ochre tones are in, a move towards slightly more maximilism, and art that is more graphic and impactful with color blocking rather than a drawing style. Natural materials also play a part in the current narratives, and recycling antiques for newer purposes. So perhaps I am a victim of the current marketing schemes.

I would encourage you to take note as to why you are drawn to certain things. Is it your personal history? Is it because your friend had something similar? Did you see it on Instagram? Ultimately, we only have access to the things that are being manufactured and marketed to us, but can you find a way to make it your own?

A book to recommend related to this post: Style: The Art of Creating A Beautiful Home, by Natalie Walton. She has some amazing insights and a very eloquent way of getting her point across. I highly recommend this book.