"For one thing, the apartment was recently gut-renovated (I know, brag) and came to us in a pristine state - so pristine, in fact, that all the stark white walls and brand-new finishings were starting to feel a bit, ahem ... bland. In our new space many of our existing furniture pieces and wall art looked less like extensions of our personalities, and more like we'd given up and raided a photoshoot. Enter: the patina trick."
"I picked up this ingenious design tip for cozy interiors from my friend Amy Marie Seidel, a theater artist, director, and freelance designer who's styled apartments for our mutual friends here in New York. She explains it like this: To make a space feel warm and lived-in, "the trick is to integrate objects with age and history into your home.""
"Those "objects" could be anything from a cherished trinket or family heirloom, to a funky antique side table you scored at an estate sale. All that matters is that it has some patina - meaning it actually shows some visible age. Vintage and antique pieces with subtle signs of use look cozy and well-loved, which can imbue an uninviting space with the touch of life it's otherwise lacking."
Integrate vintage, antique, or well-used items that show visible patina to make a pristine, modern space feel warm and lived-in. Items with subtle signs of age—from family heirlooms to estate-sale finds—introduce history and personality without major expense. Even a handful of patinated pieces can soften stark white walls and new finishes, making furniture and art appear more personal and collected. Patina conveys a sense of being well-loved and can shift an environment from sterile to cozy. The approach works on a budget and complements contemporary renovations. Small, curated selections prevent clutter while maximizing character.
Read at Apartment Therapy
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