We all have special items that have traveled with us, through time and sometimes across State lines, that we grant permanent real estate within our home. For Dwayne it is an Antique Secretary Desk, passed down many generations and which still resides with his Mother in her family room. This piece is something that he hopes remains in his family for many more generations to come. For some, it’s your parent’s china or great Aunt’s crystal stemware, but for others it may be the antique collected while abroad or the steal procured at a major sale from a favorite brand. Folding these meaningful items into interiors requires a practiced hand and editing eye. Dwayne’s approach centers around the piece’s function and form. Primarily, will the piece act as a focal point or should it blend seamlessly into the surroundings? Does it pair aesthetically with the space it relates to functionally? Does it require special treatment, like spotlighting, hanging, or natural light control? All questions that inform Dwayne’s decision-making process when layering in special pieces.
In a recent project, the team was tasked with infusing the home of a well-traveled couple with their vast collection of antiques, artifacts, and art from around the world. Uniquely challenging was the spectrum of design influences and cultures, from early English to ancient Asian and everywhere in between. In addition to intentional placement throughout the home, including groupings and shrine-like displays, Dwayne converted the guest room into a traveler’s time capsule. Every inch was adorned with meaningful memories in the form of art, objects, and furniture. For guests, the room is a museum, but for the couple, it is a living reminder of their collection of experiences, transporting them back to the times they represent. These special pieces are what make the home distinctly theirs.
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