A Sunlit Nook and A Bohemian Alcove: Walkthrough of Our Old Apartment
Envision nestling into the embracing warmth of a leather-clad Chesterfield, a treasured classic novel in hand, and the soothing rhythm of rain gently tapping against the window panes - it was a haven that instilled a sense of utter tranquility, encircled by an atmosphere of charming, low-key sophistication. This was the image we presented to the Reddit community of 'cozyplaces', piquing the interest and curiosity of many more than we expected.
The appreciation and questions that followed served as a gentle reminder of how the charm of a cozy place is often found in the details - the unique blend of elements that make up its aesthetic. But knowing what to look for, especially when you're trying to recreate that cozy ambiance for yourself, can be challenging without the proper vocabulary. Like identifying the 'Tiffany' in a beautifully patterned stained glass lamp or recognising the timeless elegance of a 'Chesterfield' in a well-loved set of chairs. And that's what this post aims to illuminate.
The seating
In particular, the winged Chesterfield style chairs caught the eye. We bought them on auction, after having been on the hunt for a very particular complete set. The auctioneer had them listed as: "High-backed Chesterfields upholstered with deep-buttoned, tacked brown leather. The frame is of stained beechwood, carved with flowers and foliage, cabriole legs. 20th Century."
The auction's initial images can be viewed here. The noticeably light brown hue didn't daunt us. Recognizing that the photos might emphasize the brownness, and knowing the ease with which a leather treatment, such as 'navsværte', could darken them, we were undeterred in our choice.
An intriguing observation we've made over time is the recurring appearance of Chesterfield-style furniture sets, akin or almost identical to our own - in various forms of media. They've graced movie sets, posed as charming backdrops for professional photoshoots, and even added a touch of antique elegance in the grand halls of a castle we visited. It's quite remarkable to notice this shared design connection with such a diverse array of settings, adding an element of shared history and grandeur. This fascination led us to start a collection of pictures every time we stumbled upon them. If you notice them anywhere, please forward us a picture!
The plants and flowers
The verdant assortment of plant life that shares our space is a vital component of the charm. Our choice of greenery includes the Golden Ivy, or more ominously named Devil's Ivy. With its trails of heart-shaped leaves, it adds an enchanting wild touch, dangling from its perch like nature's own drapery.
Our green family also includes citrus trees, their glossy leaves and fragrant blossoms infusing the air with a light, zesty fragrance. In a delightful turn of events, one of our trees even managed to produce a genuine orange. A small triumph, indeed, in our Northern clime!
The balmy, jasmine-like scent of citrus blooms is not the only olfactory delight. Nestled on the sunlit windowsill, a small crop of cherry tomatoes thrives. These little ruby globes do more than just brighten up our salads.
The rosewood table - And a hidden chest
This piece, adorned with intricate cabriole style legs, has quite the tale to tell. We discovered it in a rather forlorn state, its once-rich rosewood exterior dulled by weathering, the table seemed to have lost its past grandeur. However, the promise of what it could be shone through its grayed out facade. So, we embarked on a mission of modest restoration, dedicating time and effort to revive its lost luster. The rosewood was thirsty, soaking up oils like a parched wanderer finding an oasis. Bit by bit, the table began to regain its original sheen, transforming under our hands into the beautiful centerpiece you see today. This table serves as a testament to the potential that lies within discarded items - given some tender care and restoration, they can be brought back to life in the most delightful ways.
Concealed under the round table, a well-weathered chest might pique your curiosity. This isn't just any old box, but a veteran voyager with a tale of transatlantic travel. Originating in the Netherlands, this hardy container was used to ship beautifully adorned tiles to the United States. A piece of Dutch artistry sailed across the sea, leaving its homeland behind.
With the passage of time, this relic of days gone by found its way to us. The battered chest, once a vessel for elegant decor, was adopted into our lives in the most unexpected of roles. Rather than tiles, it became our trusty transporter for the flavorsome world of teas and liquors! A hint of the exotic tucked under our beloved rosewood table, it's a piece of history intertwined with the mundane, making everyday life just a little more intriguing.
Bric-a-brac and this-and-that
In a cozy nook where every object tells a story, the bric-a-brac scattered about, each item imbued with its own unique charm, adds to our home's maximalist narrative. Each seemingly ordinary piece becomes an extraordinary storyteller when seen in the light of its personal tale.
Perched on the tabletop, our steampunk-inspired coffee brewer winks at you with a whimsical gleam. It's a blend of the old and new, marrying Victorian aesthetics with the modern need for caffeine.
And then, there's the old ship's lantern. Not just a lantern, but a memento from a seasoned sailor that carries the echo of salt-laden sea breezes and endless horizons. Its soft glow casts a nostalgic light on the room, infusing our space with a sense of nautical history.
The standing lamps, draped in the intricate artistry of the Tiffany style, stand as luminous tributes to hand-made craftsmanship. Although reproductions, their price pales in comparison to the original Tiffany lamps' exorbitant cost, they add a priceless touch of coziness.
Blanketing the floor, the Persian carpets weave intricate tales in every knot and pattern. These lush textiles also encase the poufs, their rich hues adding depth and warmth to the room.
Finally, the small pillows are lovingly adorned with colorful fabric salvaged from Indian wedding dresses. Their vibrant patterns tell tales of joyous celebrations and cultural richness, cushioning our space in a global tapestry of style and story.
Interior design has always been a shared passion for us, with our tastes evolving over time. While the eclectic maximalism you've seen so far holds a special place in our hearts, our current aesthetic leans towards Scandinavian cottagecore - embracing whites, woods, and the simple allure of the countryside.
Our former treasures from our previous apartment, while no longer in our primary living space, have found a new home in our 'Robber's Den.' This whimsical nook, a tribute to adventurous spirits, is our personal speakeasy, offering a delightful departure from the everyday.
Maximalism served us well in our old apartment, where space was at a premium. Our desire to extract the utmost from every inch nudged us towards this aesthetic, which allowed us to transform a small space into a vibrant and cozy haven.
In future posts, we might give you a sneak peek into more rooms from our past and present homes. For instance, our former apartment's kitchen, teeming with rustic charm, is certainly a sight to behold…
— Lastly, a little note to our Redditors out there: should you wish to share any of these never-before-seen online photos, we wholeheartedly encourage you to do so. All we ask is for you to kindly link back to our site as a nod to the original source. If Pinterest is your platform of choice for pinning inspirations, you're more than welcome to share and pin these images there too.
