How many of you once your home is ready, feel or notice that there is something missing: yes the architecture is right, the interiors impeccable, art on walls excellent, furniture offering harmony, beauty and comfort to the scheme but then you realize the surfaces are empty: coffee table, console, sideboard, cabinet, side table, dining table, etc all of them look immense and in need of company. What to do?
Well, you do not have to put a lot of objects on them, just the right ones.
Depending on your personal taste and preferences those objects can be either utilitarian or merely decorative. Whatever your choice, for me they should be beautiful and personal; they should have a special meaning for you.
I would like to talk about 5 accessories you dear gentlemen should have in one way or another in your home. They are beautiful, they are masculine, they are elegant, they offer visual pleasure and they can tell you and your visitors one or two stories.
Candlesticks
Merle F. Faber American Art Deco Skyscraper candlesticks c.1935
One of the oldest utilitarian objects in history, their beauty and appeal has not decreased with the years. They are wonderful on dining tables or consoles. I have chosen these two not just because of their austere beauty and geometry which make them very elegant and unpretentious but because I find Art Deco one of the most elegant styles in interiors.
Animal sculptures
Sui dynasty 600 AD Horse painted and fired earthenware
The origin of this acquired taste can probably be traced to a time when our relationship with nature was there day after day, maybe it is nostalgia, maybe it is a homage to those wonderful creatures with whom we share this wondrous planet and to whom we owe not little.
One of those noble, beautiful and strong animals is the horse. I have chosen this exquisite Chinese sculpture as one can see in it power, beauty and longevity, as well as a great respect for this creature by whoever made it 1.400 years ago.
Objects of the same nature
Pierced Spheres, XIX Century, India.
Repetition is everywhere in nature, and it is always fascinating and soothing to look at, to try to understand why? What is the interconnection? There is a magic in that repetition.
Of course in this case it is contemplation you are aiming for…. You are allowing yourself to have some pieces that you enjoy to take you away, and that should be a must in your home. Art will do that always but well chosen accessories will do it too like these beautiful Indian Spheres from the XIX century.
Boxes
Cufflinks box, Elie Bleu.
There are always small objects that we need to keep safe and easy to reach at any time. It can be keys, pens, torches, memory sticks, and jewelry. The logical answer to this need is boxes but dear gentlemen it cannot be any box, it has to be the right one… Beautifully made, beautiful materials, a pleasure to see and to touch like this box for cufflinks.
Books
Our old companions cannot be left out on this very small list. There is no ipad or digital screen that can replace the pleasure of looking at a book page by page. So many senses are involved in this process. There are many kinds of books of course. I would suggest for your surfaces to have books that you can enjoy for a couple of minutes at a time without feeling guilty about closing too soon. They are a present for your eyes and soul.
They can be about your favorite artist, actor, car, watches, etc…. just put it there and allow it now and then to inspire and motivate you.
