The delights of small imperfections

Britain's bit-of-everything-aesthete, Sir Terence Conran, provided this wonderful observation in his 1985 book, Terence Conran's New House Book: The Complete Guide To Home Design, which we've benefited from around our house, so we share it with any like-minded individuals, here:

"People often become so obsessed with practicality, that things must be invulnerable to finger-marks. In the process, they make their rooms look like airport lounges that could be hosed down after a nasty incident. I enjoy small imperfections, signs of wear, the patina of age . . . . Part of our enjoyment of old houses comes not only from the pleasure of rich and varied textures due to weathering and aging, but also from the comforting feeling of stability that their very age suggests. The problem with having an absolutely brand new house is that the only sensation you're likely to have is: 'It's getting old and dirty and losing its pristine quality.' But you need courage. Remember that buildings are alive and even the most unlikely modern materials improve with age."

Tags: 2011, Beauty and home, Home quotes