Wednesday, February 8, 2012

Authenticity in the Design World



Lately there has been a lot of discussion and debate over "Authenticity" and its meaning in the design world. It certainly got me thinking too! Join me with a cup of tea as I share my thoughts on this issue. Here are my two bits on what I honestly feel and I would love to share them with you!
 
Do you believe that authenticity works in home decor? I would like to think so and highly recommend it. I think trend, styles, fashion, fads...... whatever you call it has a very limited shelf life. It is always refreshing to come across a home that is not trying to prove something. Many of us share a common desire to keep a beautiful home. However, the key is not to get swept away by the plethora of fascinating ideas and trends of the design world.

Maintaining or decorating a house should not feel like pressure. A desire to stand out is a virtuous quality. However, it is not ideal for a space that should be primarily your comfort zone. For me personally, the desire to decorate began very early. A time before I was exposed to magazines and the Internet. If I were to sum up my decorating journey, I would say it has always been purely emotional. Moving thousands of miles away from home was hard. I slowly nurtured the idea of making my new home feel like the place where I grew up. Many people who know me well say that my home reminds them of my mom's. This pleases me immensely as that has happily always been my aim :-) Maybe it is my way of trying to reduce the physical distance between me and my roots. My home has my stamp on it and yet I am delighted to have a piece of my childhood with me :-) I feel happy, safe and secure with things around me that have meaning for my family.

Heirlooms in my home are not there to make a statement but to make me feel loved! The souvenirs I collect maybe small, inexpensive or something grand but they all have the same role in my house. They are meant to remind me of the happy vacations, the fascinating journeys and the lovely memories. I like antiques or anything with history. That is just the kind of person I am. I love the history it brings with it and I have the passion and desire to know more about it. I like to romanticise everything.................. including my home :-)

Yes, there is a point to all this rambling :-) I cannot speak for others but my blog is merely a platform to share my thoughts and present you with a selection of pretty things and interesting ideas. However, I would humbly like to believe that it is also a happy place for you to stop by. A place which leaves you energised to create, enjoy and appreciate the little things you surround yourself with. Beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder and in your home "YOU" are the beholder. Do what pleases "YOU". Think of your home as your best friend and be true to it. A relationship with your home is probably the most uncomplicated relationship you will share in your life :-) Take in the inputs and ideas from every one out there but then go ahead and do whatever your heart desires :-)
 
Modern, Eclectic, Traditional, Global, Contemporary are all tags given to different design styles and perhaps our homes. However, in my opinion authenticity is the most treasured tag. Appreciate the beauty around you and on my blog :-) but be the person you naturally are. Find the beauty and the desire to create within "YOU".
 
I feel a sense of happiness and belonging when I step into my home and I wish the same for you :-)
 
 
Image: My Home.

15 comments:

Sharon said...

Well said, Anu! I identify thoroughly with what you have said. Hearts make a home, and I heart your post!

Sharon

Anonymous said...

Oh very well written any! I must agree on everything you said! A home is your reflection of your space, your character, your values!

And this blog is one of my happy place to stop by!

Amtrips said...

so real and original piece of write up... OMG...! felt motivated and of course loved reading your post as always..:) Your home is worth a place for anyone who loves antiques, creativity and decors Anu..! Keep going..
Love and regards,
Amrita

Shanthi said...

beautifully Said Anu! How true - home is an expression of one's personality. I do not also see anything wrong or ashamed to pick up on a creative idea that so gels with me :-). We do learn and absorb things as we grow and look around - Right!

helen tilston said...

Hello Anu

You sum it up beautifully...'AUTHENTICITY"
A necessity in making a house a home.
Thanks

Helen xx

My Inspired Reality said...

Indeed, I feel the same way too:) I believe in surrounding myself with items that speak to me of love, wonderful relationships, amazing colors, memories of trips, comfort, nurturing - a blanket of warm fuzzies:):)

A room with a view said...

Well put. I believe in being authentic very much rather than cookie-cutter-like. This goes hand-in-hand with decorating a room that evolves over time rather than all at once. I love the figurines in the pic.

GB said...

Such a lovely post--straight from the heart! Have to agree with all you said, it's so easy to get swayed by the latest "trend" but the only time home is "home" is when it's "you".

:)

Sudha said...

lovely post anu. most of the stuff we surround ourselves with should speak to us, make us feel cozy and loved and not be used to impress visitors :)..our home is def our abode and is where we need to be comfortable...trends are cyclic so its better we never get caught in them...it is very upsetting to see people buy things blindly copying blogs/bloggers/website/magazines..and not knowing why they bought it or why it needs to be a part of their collection. A few things - say - a brass urli, lamps and a few dolls are given to a girl as a part of the wedding ceremony and having them around me makes me happy...but someone buying them just because they look good in someonez place is def not a great idea

Nirmala Iyer said...

Very beautiful and original article Anu! What sets your blog apart, is your wonderful writing! Keep it up!!

Nirmala Iyer said...

@Sudha - Very well said Sudha, drawing inspiration from somewhere and blindly copying is so different...and the copy cats are certainly upsetting!

Carolyn said...

Hi Anu,
That is a lovely post! I enjoyed my visit but I will be back to have a better look around.Thank you for visiting me.

Carolyn

lovelifeunderthesun said...

So very well expressed!My style should be my own and not drawn heavily upon something or someone.Loved this beautifully well written post......

lovelifeunderthesun said...

So very well expressed!My style should be my own and not drawn heavily upon something or someone.Loved this beautifully well written post......

Unknown said...

Very well said, Anu! Like a lot others, I totally agree with your point. A home is created by things we love and not things that someone else likes. A home is a happy place for one's soul,where stories are shared and memories are created, so why waste time copying others.
Love this piece! Sharing for sharing your thoughts :)

Post a Comment

I am delighted you are here and I would love to hear your comments. Thank you and have a lovely day.