Everyone thought that Pablo Picasso was weird when they first viewed his painting Les Demoiselles d’Avignon, a work that was so radical that even avant-garde artists were shooketh. The painting represented a radical break from traditional figurative art, a process he described as ‘violent’ because it involved destroying what he knew to create something innovative. The work of art, which featured five nude women in a Barcelona brothel, broken into geometric shapes, invited audiences to do something new—to see that reality can be perceived from different perspectives. Picasso and his contemporary, Braque, created the iconic Cubist movement, which in turn influenced not only the world of art but also that of architecture and interior design. Les Demoiselles d’Avignon is a reminder that the way you envision beauty is worth celebrating and expressing in the spaces in which you live and work.
Creating Your Definition of Beauty
If you are currently planning to design or renovate your interiors, the first step in creating an authentic space is to forget about what House & Garden has to say and think about design elements that appeal to your whimsical side. Have you always been enamored by Arne Jacobsen’s Egg Chair, dreamed of sleeping in a four-poster bed, or found peace in the minimalism of Japanese design? You may only have this lifetime to enjoy these experiences, so make them yours by emulating the shapes and features that make the corners of your lips rise. If you are into styles you deem too “weird” for your entire home, give in to your inner child in one designated space, be it your home office, reading room, or even a cherished corner of your backyard.
Letting Memories Tell Your Life Story
Countless famous interior design lines have been created around the idea of memory, travel, culture, and family. For instance, Armani Casa’s designers often draw on Japan, Bali, and Mediterranean memories as direct inspirations; Fendi Casa utilises iconography tied to the Fendi family archives; while Patricia Urquiola (for Moroso) draws inspiration from her travels through South America and Asia. Displaying your mementos, as unique as they may be, is an act of generosity. Each decorative piece, rug, or wooden photo frame tells a story of your exploration of new countries, cultures, and people. They also make a great excuse to walk down memory lane for a while and share your experiences with new and old friends who enter your home or personal workspace.
Embracing the Charm of the Imperfect
When you are designing a new space, it pays to experiment, play with different ideas, and celebrate that beauty doesn’t have to be permanent. If you like this idea, read up on the Japanese philosophy of wabi-sabi, which is centered on ideas such as irregularity, natural weathering, and handmade work. Sometimes, interiors that are too perfect or trend-driven can feel sterile or impersonal. It’s a bit like when you see your favorite actor or influencer on a red carpet, and you can tell that they have been styled by someone from head to toe, someone who doesn’t know them very well. Wabi-sabi invites you to choose design elements that invite true warmth, humility, and comfort in your space. Just a few materials that embody this concept are natural wood pieces with cracks or patina, asymmetrical ceramics, and oxidized metals.
Designing for All the Senses
Designers sometimes fill spaces with items that appeal visually but fail to connect with home dwellers on an emotional level. When choosing everything from flooring to carpets, cushions, and blankets, consider prioritizing your other senses, including touch and hearing. For instance, you can use soft textiles, ambient lighting, and calming acoustics, brought to your home through elements such as wind chimes, relaxing music, or textured rugs that soften a room’s acoustics.
Giving in to your “weirder” or more original, innovative side is an excellent way to make your home life feel more authentic. There are many ways to curate interiors that resonate with you, including tapping into your inner child, sharing your life story, and embracing imperfection. Pampering your senses, too, can help you tune in to what feels best physically and emotionally…and that’s what home life should be all about.