As a renovator part of my upbringing is
tearing out the old and making it shine, brand new.. no whisper of
the past. That's the point of renovation, sometimes. Other times
bringing the past back to
life is the main focus, staying true to the original design can be
super fun and quite fulfilling.
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There's a huge
difference between renovating your own project and renovating someone
else's. Building new is a world of it's own.. concepts are new, ideas
are put to life, dreams become reality and everything is brand
spanking new. For everyone.
When renovating
someone else's space or designing the interior of a space with pieces
that have been passed down, we tend to run into the touchy,
emotional, slightly volatile brick wall of sentimental value.
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I'll
be the first to admit, I'm a sentimental fool, and could easily
become a hoarder if I didn't sit myself down and remember.. these are
only things. These things will decay with time or they can be
updated, changed, revived.. given a brand new chance. Then I get
excited because I am very passionate about giving new life to
something that has become a reflection of time and use. I have no
problem slapping paint over something that is looking ratty, no
problem sanding down, adding embellishments and giving it new lease
on life.
But see, that's just me. I have to remember that simply
because I'm fine with
it, doesn't mean everyone else will be as gun ho with completely
changing a loved ones belongings. It's a fight that surely no one
will win. So I personally have to get over my need for “refreshing”
and come to terms with the reality that I can't control everything
around me (imagine that), but remember to be open minded, open
hearted and understanding that people will come around to the
notion.. or they won't. I can't force change. Especially when it
comes to sentimental value.
Here's
my take on using inherited items.
If you can
re-upholster, do it. If you can't do it right away, save up for it.
Fabric isn't mean to last forever and well used pieces will show
their wear, they are well loved so they'll be well used!
Changing the
look of your inherited furniture isn't changing your feelings toward
the piece or the person who passed them down, what you're doing is
giving it a second chance to shine. You'll still look at these pieces
and remember a time gone by, the wonderful times spent with people
you love, those things will never change.
You'll find a brand new
appreciation for these pieces in giving them a fresh face. I'm sure
the pieces will appreciate it too, makeovers make everyone feel
good.. once the anxiety about change has passed.
Some will say it's
an absolute shame to paint or refinish antiques and in some circles
I'm sure it may be. But answer me this: is it more of a shame to let
the pieces scream about all that they have been through in years
passed instead of quietly shining with a brand new importance and
life?
Okay, my bias is
showing again isn't it..? Do what you want, I'm just trying to shine
light on the subject.
In my not so humble
and sometimes bulldozing opinion, these pieces deserve a second
chance being pleasing to the eye and adored by all who have the
pleasure of seeing them. They'll never forget what they once were and
neither will you. That's the beauty of sentiment. They'll always
remind you of the way things were, they just don't need to look like
a shrine of the way things were.
Here's a dramatic
take on what I feel about living in the past:
Here's an example of what your sentimental pieces can bring to a room, if you
let them. They can be the star and the main attraction instead of
collecting dust and becoming a stark reminder of how many years have
passed.
