THE BEGINNING

I think my passion for authentic design began in architecture school. Students & teachers of the built environment eschewed anything unnecessary or ‘faux’, pointing out ‘columns that supported nothing’ and ‘shutters that weren’t functional’, leading us young academics to laugh about the ridiculousness of such things. The desire and awareness in me for true purpose of form was born.

WHAT IS AUTHENTIC DESIGN?

So what does it mean to pursue authentic design? For me it has 3 facets:

1) Authenticity of Form - Materials represent themselves (i.e. If it looks like stone, it IS stone!)

2) Authenticity of Function - Elements have a purpose (example: You wouldn’t add a corbel to something unless support is truly needed.)

3) Authenticity of Personality - The home represents what the homeowners love. They haven’t made decisions to impress the neighbors or because Pinterest told them to; they were true to themselves in their decision making.

WHERE DO I START?

Delving deeper into these concepts, here are some tips on how to achieve authentic design:

Authenticity of Form

1. Think about what materials you gravitate toward: Polished marble? Rough limestone? Aging brass? Find a way to incorporate them appropriately rather than using copy-cat materials. I’ve had clients who love marble, and since it is considered too porous for a kitchen counter, I suggest they find other ways to use it in its natural form, such as a backsplash or a bathroom surface. I always prefer to go natural rather than use a look-alike, no matter what the budget, even if it means we have to use it in smaller doses.

2. Another element to this is the aspect of quality. Quality materials are usually more expensive, but also more elevated and timeless. I am a firm believer in “you get what you pay for”, so I am rarely tempted by a “look-alike” product. I always want the REAL thing, and I will wait for that rather than settle.

Authenticity of Function

1. Examine your environment and identify anything that’s unnecessary: are there elements you don’t use? Too many pillows that require re-arranging in order to sit or lie down? (apparently couples have arguments over such things), or a lamp that never gets turned on? A candle that looks nice but hasn’t been burned? Consider taking those things away and pairing down to only items that serve a purpose.

2. If you are building or remodeling, think about how your family lives. Do you have kids with busy extra-curricular activities and need a place to store soccer gear or musical instruments? Do you entertain frequently and need quality appliances, surfaces for serving, and plenty of seating? Now is the time to address these issues and design with your family’s lifestyle in mind.

Authenticity of Personality:

1. When you make a purchase, think about why you like it. Does it truly speak to you, or has social media been telling you to like it? I have had clients say to me “Suddenly, I think I like gray”. In contrast I have had client’s say “I’ve always loved green, and I don’t care if it is in or out of style – I just like it”. Get in tune with your likes and dislikes.

2. To help gain an awareness of these preferences, collect clippings from magazines, or pictures from a hotel you visited and loved. It gives a broader representation of what speaks to you than a collection of images trending on social media. Also – take your time. I have found that images gathered over time tend to best represent a client’s preferences.

SUMMARY

The bottom line is – your home is your haven, and it should represent you for years to come. If you are building or remodeling, take time to understand what’s important to you. Be patient and steadfast and aim to achieve it no matter how the timeline and budget evolve. In our current industry, availability of materials is limited and lead times are at an all time high. Don’t settle for something just because the item you want will take a few extra weeks to arrive. You’ll be so much happier with the end result if you stick to your guns and stay true to yourself.