Guide
Forget regular trays – vibe trays are where it’s at
by Pia Seidel
Does your home have a boring, clinical look? Patina might just save the day
16.2.2026
Translation: Katherine Martin
Pictures: Pia Seidel
Is your home giving off a sterile, showroom-like vibe? Patina’s a low-effort trick used to add soul to a room.
Talia Mayden, who’s famous for her newsletter There Y0u Are and creative TikTok videos, has made a name for herself as a designer, author and expert in second-hand goods. Not only that, but her 78-square-metre apartment in New York City was featured in Architectural Digest last year. With her unique style and love of vintage pieces, she demonstrates how to breathe personality and character into your home. One of the most important tricks in her repertoire? Patina.
What’s patina and why should you use it?
Talia describes patina as the thing that gives your space the right vibe. She explains, «Patina technically refers to the greenish-brownish colour that bronze gets over time from oxidation. But what I’m referring to is the appearance that something gets when it’s been well loved over time.» Basically, it’s that lived-in, story-filled, slightly worn look.
According to Talia, rooms without patina often seem too clean, too perfect and almost showroom-like. She says: «A room without patina feels unfinished and off. It doesn’t have that style ‘je ne sais quoi’ you’re looking for.» I couldn’t agree more. Whenever I go to furniture trade fairs, exhibitions incorporating old-timey pieces alongside newer items make a better impression.
How to add patina to your home
If you fancy injecting some personality into your home, Talia has a few simple tips for you: «Just a few easy touches of patina can go so far. You can start with a bronze, cast aluminium or pewter vase.» And instead of buying a bog-standard rug from a furniture store, you could go for a vintage one.
Talia Mayden’s taught us that patina can really set the mood of a room. The best thing about it? You don’t need to break the bank to achieve the look. A trip to a small flea market or a browsing session on the Galaxus resale platform could be all it takes to completely transform your space. «What about finding a vintage stool and putting it in the corner of your room with some books stacked on it? You’ll be amazed at what this does for your style.»
Header image: Pia Seidel
Pia Seidel
Senior Editor
Pia.Seidel@digitecgalaxus.chLike a cheerleader, I love celebrating good design and bringing you closer to everything furniture- and interior design- related. I regularly curate simple yet sophisticated interior ideas, report on trends and interview creative minds about their work.
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