I once met a woman who spent her childhood in a centuries-old village in Greece. I always thought it must have been magical to have grown up surrounded by Greek-Venetian architecture, and wondered if it influenced how she decorated today. It did, but not in the way you might think. You see, she loathes antiques and craves modernity. Where some would see charm and elegance, she saw dust and crumbling relics. The homes she created as an adult were a palette of strong colours, futuristic shapes and chrome plating as far as the eye could see. It really surprised me, and then challenged my sense of nostalgia
informing design choices. Beauty truly is in the eye of the beholder. And while some experiences have us wanting more, others make us want to run for the hills!
“I’m not in a position to buy exclusively single-fibre clothes and homewares, so to do my bit, I try to buy with longevity in mind.”
Elle Lovelock
Natural selection
Did you know that it’s incredibly difficult to recycle blended fabrics like poly-cotton or wool-silk? Until recently, I had no idea! I read it’s like trying to unbake the ingredients out of a loaf of bread. I knew that where possible, it’s a good idea to buy natural materials, but it turns out single-fibre fabrics are the way to go if you want to guarantee they’ll be used again. I’m not in a position to buy exclusively single-fibre clothes and homewares, so to do my bit, I try to buy with longevity in mind.
On the home front, that looks like accessories I can style from room to room, to change up my interior. Though, honestly, I can be a bit of a set-and-forget decorator. If I like a look, it tends to stay. In the wardrobe, I buy timeless shapes and colours. I do consider, would I still wear this in 10, 20, 30 years’ time? I’ve been going to the same tailor for nearly 20 years to have garments taken in (and out!), tapered or
cropped to suit subtle changes in style. And here’s a tip: I ask the tailor to sew old sheets and fabrics into tablecloths and cushion covers, too. For them, it’s simple, which means for me it’s economical. If you don’t sew, try this trick.
A matter of taste
I’m going through an aromatics phase. Chilli oil, pickled ginger, and my latest discovery: food fragrance. What is that? I’m glad you asked. It’s like an intensely flavoured food oil that you spritz onto a dish to make it taste and smell like herbs. It is herbs. Just in an oil. The one I use at home is called Fin, in the Basil Oregano Lemon flavour. And the thing I love most is that I don’t have to keep buying herbs that languish in the fridge, and I can access the flavours out of season. Plus, you only need the tiniest spray. That’s three things. But it’s that good. I’m going to buy the Lime Tarragon Pepper next.
Winter woollies
Years ago, I was lucky enough to stay at a fabulous boutique hotel in New Zealand called Otahuna Lodge. To this day, it is one of my favourite experiences – and all because of the attention to detail. Details I’ve replicated at home. For example, each evening a sheepskin rug would
be placed either side of our bed, the perfect landing for cold mornings. Though to be honest, at home I leave mine out for the whole of
winter rather than set them out every night. Drinks in the afternoon were a daily occurrence, which makes me feel fine about a 3pm champers on the weekend.
And there was always a jar of homemade biscotti ready to have with a cup of tea. These small moments bring joy into the everyday. And
that pleases me greatly.
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