Issue link: https://maltatoday.uberflip.com/i/1502329
Architecture & Design | 17 N ew home, new furniture? Everyone needs a 'refresh' button sometimes so it's tempting to start from scratch with a fresh style and brand new pieces when moving into your home. But memories are what makes us, and the same is true of our living spaces. By adding pieces with a history, you'll achieve a personal touch, and the space, no matter how new, will feel welcoming and warm. THE OLD AND THE INHERITED Whether it is your second move or your very first home, it is highly likely that you already own some furniture pieces, objects and artwork that you're unwilling to let go of. Be it a family heirloom or a piece you couldn't keep your hands off of at the Birgu market, these items matter to you. By adding furniture with history, a new space suddenly feels lived in and welcoming; steering you away from the glaring and cold 'showroom' feel, sadly so apparent in many new homes. By adding a hint of tradition, your space is brought to life, you've added a welcome conversation piece and an object with memory – both tactile and visual. STYLISH BUT NOT OVER-DESIGNED As an interior architect, one thing I definitely don't want is for all my clients to have the same cookie- cutter home. Your space should feel like it is unique, and incorporating retro and antique pieces can help to do just that. There is a cool casualness that seeps into a space once you've mixed old with new. An eclectic touch offered by adding a thrifted find or a family heirloom can help elevate your space, making it well designed but not over-designed. TAKE YOUR TIME When furnishing a home, I always recommend that my clients take their time when choosing pieces. While it might seem daunting to move into a home with some empty spaces, it is these blanks in the overall scheme that will allow you to add the character and stylistic language that will make your home personal. A home's style, like one's personality, should be ever evolving, a reflection of the passage of time and the owner's own memories. Yes, by all means, do start with the essentials in place; your stomach and your back will most likely thank you for waiting to have the kitchen installed or the bed in place before moving in, for example, but do enjoy the process of finding your dream vintage lamp shade or the perfect G-Plan desk for your home office! Words by Claire Galea, Interior Architect