Storage… Dust collector… Or maybe not?
Let's forget the old way of thinking and make it a feature.
Let's choose one with a unique style, something strikingly special. Captivating with its irregularity, or its precise geometric forms.
Let it be the jewel of our home, and we'll even enjoy dusting it!
I love that today we can choose from thousands upon thousands of bookshelves. Their colors, forms, styles, and sizes are available in endless variations in stores.
I know that when we go through the list of necessary furniture, the bookshelf often ends up trailing at the end, or even forgotten, accompanied by a remark like "Oh, and we need a shelf for the books!" Yet we could give it a much more important role if we looked at it with different eyes.
Books are valuable. Of course, in the age of e-books, they're increasingly pushed into the background. On the metro, we used to see people reading books and newspapers — nowadays, hardly ever. Everyone holds their phone. I'm afraid it's just wishful thinking that they're reading downloaded books at those moments… In the best case, news, or a substantial blog…
Oh, but a book has a soul, a scent, a story (beyond the one inside it)… I love when I open a book and find my grandmother's pearl-like handwriting noting who gave it to her and when. Or that she herself gave it to someone. I look at the date, and a person or a story comes to mind.
This is what I want to pass on to my children. This feeling.
And these are "just" the books. We haven't even talked about those objects important to us, little relics that also find their place on our bookshelf. A souvenir from a trip, a small figurine… A Christmas gift from a dear acquaintance who is still part of our lives, or whom we rarely see anymore because life swept us apart, yet who still holds an important place in our hearts. A memento from someone who is no longer with us. A photograph in an old frame. Or a new one.
And here's the twist. Let's put these objects on modern shelves, trendy designer furniture — let them fill these pieces with life. They give the modern furniture with its simple forms, clean lines, and neutral colors a soul. An atmosphere. This is what makes it part of the home, an integral element. Not an exhibition piece, but FURNITURE, in the noble sense of the word.
I've never understood those who argue they won't buy this or that (e.g., IKEA) furniture because everyone has it. Of course — as long as they don't take it home. As long as they don't personalize it, fill it with their own life. Because from that point on, we can boldly state that no two are alike!
And finally, a less restrained piece of furniture, just for the sake of its beauty.
It's still empty, but in my imagination I've already filled it with my things… Your turn!
