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Embracing Growth and Sentimentality in Home Design

“A beautiful thing about starting a life with someone is the journey of growth and evolution,” remarks design expert Spain. He encourages couples to approach their shared living spaces as an opportunity not only for personal development but also for deepening their relationship. “Consider how you can view this as a chance to grow as individuals and as partners sharing your lives under one roof,” he adds.

If the idea of exploring new aesthetic territories intrigues you, Spain recommends engaging in aesthetic research together. He suggests delving into vintage books and magazines to discover interior designs that resonate with the colors, textures, and silhouettes of cherished personal items. “Use that research to establish a common language about your style preferences,” Spain advises.

In particular, Spain highlights the influence of Scandinavian design, merging rustic charm with modernist tendencies. “This is where the pastoral aesthetics of Northern Europe meet a more contemporary approach,” he explains. Notable figures such as Finn Juhl, Josef Frank, and Eric Gunner Asplund exemplify this blend, showcasing a rich heritage that informs current design sensibilities.

In their insightful book, How to Live With Objects: A Guide to More Meaningful Interiors, authors Jill Singer and Monica Khemsurov from Sight Unseen dedicate a chapter to the significance of sentimental objects, describing how they enrich our living spaces and serve as a visual narrative of our lives. “We cherish these items not merely for their aesthetic appeal,” they note, “but for the emotional resonance they hold.”

If certain objects clash with the overall home décor, Singer suggests recontextualizing them so that they shine without appearing out of place. “Find ways to create designated spots where these items can be celebrated rather than feeling awkward,” she advises. For example, an entryway or a bathroom can be styled to highlight sentimental pieces in a cohesive manner.

She cites an example of a couple who artfully merge their personal belongings and artworks, creating a harmonious blend. An artwork created by Robert Brambora is informally placed on the floor, complemented by a drawing from the 1950s by Valentine Hugo positioned nearby.

Refinishing sentimental objects can also enhance their integration into your home, provided both partners are open to such changes. “Consider discussing adjustments gently,” Singer says. “For instance, approach it by saying that you’re uncertain whether an item fits the vision you have for your space; then explore ways to modify or transform it to make it more cohesive while still retaining its significance.” She emphasizes that this process allows couples to reinterpret the piece together, transforming it into a shared symbol of their relationship.

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www.architecturaldigest.com