Sentimental Value

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.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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.

>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>><<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<<

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. 

Find Pin >>> Pinterest

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!

Find Pin >>> Pinterest

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:

Photographer: Niki Feijen >> read full article

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.

Find Pin >>> Pinterest