As a child, I had firmly ingrained into my head that "special things" were only for use when guests came, and the status of the guest would influence the degree to which this was applied. This thinking has lived with me all my life, despite innate resistance. Why should one's most valued things live at the back of a cupboard and only emerge a couple of times a year, or even less often - surely we should be celebrating these as a way of elevating every day?
I can understand the logic - the more often something is used, the more likely it will get damaged or broken - but the converse is what I am pondering today. If something can give you joy each and every day, surely this is worth the investment of having something a bit more valuable? This mug is a case in point: it was a gift, and the image is taken from one of my favourite buildings, the Art Museum in Milwaukee, designed by Santiago Calatrava. As an example of graphic design, it is a masterpiece, but it scores well on the pragmatic design aspects - the size, shape and detailing of the handle.
In line with my upbringing, my "everyday" mugs are a plain grey: at the time of purchase they could easily be replaced, which was a key factor in their regular usage. But I ask myself, is it not worth the risk of damaging my special cup for the delight I would have every morning by using it?
A spectacular photo of the interior of the Milwaukee Art Museum
This train of thought was ignited by a YouTube video by Nick Lewis where he talks about brass light switches and how they (often subconsciously) give a sense of luxury because we need to touch them several times a day, and each time, the experience is elevating. Some of the things in our environment, both at home and at work, cannot be changed - your computer mouse, the water filter (why are so many of them so ugly and clumsy?) But what about the opportunity when we are redecorating?
When I moved into my current apartment, I was lucky to inherit all the original doors with their Art Deco door knobs, including the front door and the built-in wardrobe. Not only are they objects of beauty, but they are very satisfying to use - just the right size for my hand and plenty of clearance so that I don't crack my knuckles when I turn the knob.
The bathroom and kitchen were a completely different story: both of them had been renovated, probably in the 1950s or 1960s, and had not stood the test of time. In the process of refurbishing these spaces, I had some difficult decisions to make, in terms of cost, functionality and aesthetics (an important factor in a 1930s heritage building). In the end, after much searching and pondering, I decided on these slightly retro brass plumbing fittings, as probably quite close to what the original would have been. They also have the advantage of being comfortable to use, in that you can have a good grip, even if your hands are wet or soapy.
One of my Art Deco door knobs
I selected matching fittings from this range - towel rail, toilet-roll holder and sink mixer - so that there would be continuity from room to room. Over time, the brass has developed a patina, making it fit better and better in the historic context.
My choice of tap - driven by practicality and looks
For the kitchen fittings, I needed a somewhat different approach. Replacing the cupboards with a style, materials and finishes that would have been used in the 1930s would have been above my budget. Also, the kitchen is tiny - 2.1 by 2.5m. This prompted the decision to use very understated white cupboards with engineered stone counter-tops, also in white. For the cupboard handles - those things that one needs to use several times every day - I had quite a large choice, of design and material. I was also conscious of needing to move around in such a small space, so I wanted a handle that did not protrude too far, or have projections that would snag on clothing. I ended up choosing a very simple brushed aluminium design with enough space for a good grip, but tapering at their top and bottom towards the doors, so that there would be no risk of snagging.
The finish of these cupboard handles mimics the original Art Deco door handles (which I think are pewter or brushed steel) and I have tried, where possible, to match in to the brushed metal aesthetic with those few appliances that I keep out on my counter-tops.
Simple and functional cupboard handles.
So back to my first thoughts - when choosing new things, whether small and inexpensive like my coffee mug, or more permanent, when redecorating, my advice is to find that happy balance between cost, function or comfort of use, and aesthetics. Sometimes one of these factors will override the others, but with many things, we have an enormous choice, and our "everyday" things can give us a small lift, every time we use them.
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