LIFELONG

LOVE AFFAIR

Do natural imperfections make great

designs more beautiful?

Opinions of beauty are linked to people’s deepest

desires and inherent values, which is perhaps why

they can often seem so strong and visceral. That,

too, is simply natural. Attitudes towards the natural

wear of materials differ too. Patina and the natural

beauty marks displayed over time on materials such

as metal, stone and leather are admired by some

and disliked by others.

In some cases, vintage furniture designs with patina

are prized by collectors for their uniqueness. The

visible age of a given piece becomes a source of

pride; its changes are natural and poetic reminder

that nature is mutable. On the other hand, the

desire for consistency is natural too, and linked to

peace of mind. Some prefer slower change and less

sensitivity from the space around them, favouring

an evergreen look with materials that have been

coloured and treated to stay relatively consistent

over time.

The beauty of objects is how different they are

from us, how they stand still and steady in the

everchanging world. Differences of opinion and in

preference are, after all, only natural.

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