Craft your home
5 minute read
Although this room has no doubt been created by an interior design company, it does feel like it was more of a study in curation. A collecting together of pieces where no one piece is more important than the other.
Image by Amber Interiors
I was listening to a discussion about Interior Design the other day, and one of the speakers mentioned that she thought the concept of it may become outdated. And I have to agree. The term design just feels too contrived most of the time, and a little bit snooty if I’m completely honest. And I don’t think proper homes (ie. not the ones that are contrived purely to create sellable imagery) should be ‘designed’. So if the term interior design doesn’t really sum up how people like myself can help others when they’re stuck for ideas and inspiration in their home, then what is the descriptor I‘m looking for here?
Well, it’s simple really. I believe we should all be focussing on ‘crafting our homes’ as opposed to designing them, as this has more of a direct connection with emotion and feeling. It also brings to mind a sense of building something slowly, as the innate meaning of craft is that it does take time. And it has a sense of quality to it that you will never get from something that is mass produced. And so I would rather describe the work I do as interior crafting…although I’m the first to admit this does sound a bit weird.
Although the words interior design do not immediately spring to mind with this lovely kitchen, it has obviously been thoughtfully created. And is both full of character and unique.
Image by Malcolm Menzies, courtesy of The Modern House
And by rethinking how we view the creation of our homes, we take the whole business of buying for our homes a lot more seriously. Which in turn leads into a discussion about the quality of what we buy for our home, who we buy it from and where that item is being made.
Much is said about slow fashion, but not so much about slow interiors. But it is exactly this approach to our homes which will allow us to connect more deeply with them, and feel like they truly represent us.
I know not everyone can afford a handmade cushion as opposed to a cheaper mass produced one. But I think we need to ask ourselves how long we really think we will hold onto that £10 cushion?
And if we bought a £45 handmade one, would we be more likely to cherish it, and therefore keep hold of it for many more years compared to the other one?
Okay, so we don’t all have the space for a massive tree in our sitting room, but this room shows how even the simplest of spaces can feel crafted…as long as you consider your pieces both as individual items, and how they will work together as a group.
Image courtesy of Truck furniture
And this leads us directly back to why we should be thinking about crafting our homes instead of designing them. Everything you bring into your home should work hard to earn it’s place there. From the humble vase to the star-of–the-show sofa. And this isn’t just about how a piece looks, and is equally about how functional it is. There’s no point having a fantastic looking armchair if you don’t feel like you can doze off in it. Form and function should be equally matched in the home.
So here’s a selection of pieces that I feel offer both good financial value, and have a real feeling of longevity to them…objects that you’ll love forever.
Berber style cushions have now become classics in their own right, and will look good in any home
Kyna Berber style cushion from Design Vintage
I love a well shaped basket, and because these ones are made from the relatively tough Halfa grass, that makes them sturdy enough to actually store stuff in without flopping over.
Form and function…perfect.
From Rowen and Wren
I love the vibrancy of these African wax print lampshades. Made to order with a lovely selection of fabrics to choose from, they will bring something special to any home.
From Bespoke Binny
I’ve always been a lover of cork accessories, and it’s not just the way it feels that make it a favourite for me. It’s one of the most sustainable materials around and so is a great industry to support. And these pebble bowls are the type of thing that you’ll cherish forever.
From Mind the Cork.
I think vases like this one are the type of vessels that you will never tire of. So beautifully simple in their design, and the type of earthy colour that will pretty much fit with any decor scheme. Beautiful on their own, or in a small group.
Ceramic vase from Artysan
A vintage lamp base such as these Danish Josef Simon ones from the 1970’s can be a rare find, and will definitely set you back a bit more than your average high street find. But how wonderful to own something like this that has been looked after for around 50 years. Wonderful colours and beautiful form combined. Craft at it’s best.
From Eesome.
Second hand wooden chairs are the best in my opinion, adding real interest and texture to a home. And gems like these Ercol ones don’t come along that often. So if you see them snap them up… they are a fantastic investment and will last a lifetime.
From Retrouvius