Ageing beautifully - it's the patina that makes the difference
4.11.2016
Translation: machine translated
The atmosphere in a room is essentially determined by materials and their surfaces. Perfection can go hand in hand with an aesthetic coldness, which is why there is a growing desire for ageing materials that show the traces of time. These objects are at their most beautiful when they are alive and have lived. The so-called patina gives them a unique character.
The term patina comes from the Italian and means coating or thin layer and is a surface created by natural or artificial ageing. Weathering such as sun, wind, rain or unavoidable traces of everyday use changes the structure and colour of the surface and gives it a unique, expressive look. The patina tells stories of days gone by and gives the furniture a soul, as the leather on the armchair is slightly scuffed, the handles of the chest of drawers are worn after many openings or the solid wood table shows traces of numerous celebrations.
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In order for furniture to age beautifully, it must be natural and solid. This includes materials such as solid wood, leather, natural stone, brass, bronze, copper as well as clay, wool or cork. The surfaces must not be sealed. They are raw, oiled or waxed, which is the only way to create a beautiful patina. The first scratch in the surface or the first dent in the furniture hurts, but it is the beginning of a perfect and random beauty.
Patina is also increasingly being created artificially. Here, traces of life are simulated and applied afterwards. There are various ways of doing this, using salts and acids as well as natural substances such as tea, linseed oil and heat or mechanical processes with brushes, sandpaper or hammers. All of these methods anticipate the ageing process.
If something has patina and looks good, it creates more warmth than a smooth, perfect surface. Natural furniture and accessories with a history are the eye-catchers in a home. They need a little more space to be shown off to their best advantage.
Traces of use are also typical of vintage furniture. Worn surfaces, faded colours and small scratches are evidence of authenticity and exude charm. In addition to quality and history, this is probably one of the main reasons why vintage furniture is so popular. Some of the classics from the 50s and 60s were made by hand, and you can recognise the good workmanship and high-quality material.
For some time now, reclaimed wood has been a trend in interior design and furniture construction. The sun-cracked and greyed or blackened surface is particularly popular in holiday homes in the mountains. Time transforms the surface of the wood, making it more beautiful and full of character. Old brass with a beautiful patina is also in demand in furniture construction. Kitchens and furniture are increasingly being made from concrete. Depending on how they are treated, they too will acquire a patina over time, giving them an individual character. Used carpets or those that look like them have long been in demand. New furniture is often made from used materials or new uses are found for them. For example, an old wooden ladder can be turned into a stylish towel rail, used wooden crates into a funky shelf or old façade boards into a picture frame or dining table.
Houses are similar. Walls, ceilings and floors can become more beautiful with age. An old brick or natural stone wall or a worn tiled floor have an incomparable character, as does a floorboard made of solid wooden planks, a worn stone staircase, old wallpaper or even a simple concrete wall. They fill a room with soul and history. That's why many people prefer to live in an old building rather than a new one.
Furniture made from natural materials usually costs a little more. Not only do they age beautifully and aesthetically, they are also very durable and can last for generations. This makes them sustainable and also good for your wallet in the long term.
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Whatever I do, I always do it with a lot of heart and passion. Passion accompanies me like a red thread through life. This is how I love to spend time with my family as well as to design rooms and objects. I like real materials where you can see, smell and feel how they have been worked by hand into an object. They tell stories and are the beautiful companions for life. I like to be inspired by nature, the things of everyday life and my children. I am also inspired by the sensual experiences in traditional handicraft businesses. Based on common values and virtues, I founded the interior design company "MOOMII" in 2016 with my colleague Mona Dolpp.