Soulful Secrets Hidden Within Tara Shaw Interiors

Aspire to create a lovely home layered with interest, provenance, patina and soul? Does the prospect feel lofty as your eyes scan the space you occupy? Ahhhhh. I hear that. So saturated is the web with quality design from real and generated interiors, we’re easily intimidated. Perhaps it’s daring for an inspiration blogger to suggest loveliness is within reach beyond budget and space constraints. Yet lo here I am. Defiantly suggesting the space between you and what you can imagine is holy space. Suggesting creative goodness can build a bridge. Let’s collect bits of such goodness just now from Tara Shaw interiors. We’ll listen to whispers of soulful secrets beneath bespoke creations, designs, and interiors graced by her touch.

While we’re at it, we’ll also draw inspiration from SOUL OF THE HOME: Designing With Antiques!

Soulfulness, Antiques & Tara Shaw Interiors

Her bio is impressive and also honorable. Tara Shaw is a respected supplier of French and European antiques for a host of AD100 and Elle Decor A-listers, including Bobby McAlpine, Mary McDonald, and Bunny Williams.

Yet I remain more intrigued by the glimpses of the everyday beauty of her life shared on her IG. There’s freedom as well as boldness wrapped in tender soulfulness you can’t miss.

Well, maybe you’ll miss it if you’re moving through life more feverishly than soulfully or with a heart closed to mystery. (The soulful path may not be the smoothest or most predictable, but its textures and drama do seem to enrich the journey.)

Her gifts include what I might term holy seeing. Set apart wisdom to select antiques and know how to creatively integrate them in a natural way for beautiful modern living.

You’ll Love SOUL OF THE HOME

Her book SOUL OF THE HOME has chapters covering topics ranging from the importance of antiques to cultivating a home with heart.

In the book’s introduction, Shaw reflects on a part of her antiquing education:

“Throughout my life, books have been indispensable teaching tools, spiritual guides, and invaluable methods of escape. There are stacks of them in nearly every room in my house, and without them, I’d never have been able to tell Louis XIII from Louis XIV, much less build an entire career on the love of antiques. My hope is that this volume is one such tool for you.”

Anecdotes from years of treasure hunting are accompanied by color images of rare as well as precious finds, with help for selecting and displaying the proper pieces.

Secrets from Tara Shaw’s Book & Work

What secrets lie beneath vignettes and moments in Shaw’s book which speak to the creation of personalized rooms full of provenance and beauty?

Even though there’s all sorts of magic and well-earned mastery in the work, certain ideas and commonalities emerge.

Classic Elements: There’s a reverence for the history of finely crafted objects. Shaw incorporates classic design elements that have stood the test of time.

For example, elegant furniture pieces with timeless silhouettes (such as Louis XVI chairs or Chippendale sofas) are prized.

Quality Materials: Straight away, it becomes obvious that mediocrity is absent. Shaw prioritizes high-quality materials that are both durable and aesthetically pleasing.

This ensures interiors do more than look beautiful simply on the surface. They also withstand the wear and tear of everyday life.

Neutral Color Stories: Oh the quietness even with excessive grandeur! Shaw often employs a neutral color palette of timeless hues. Whites, creams, limestone, pale blue and gentle greiges.

Quietude & Sophistication

Such tonal quietude provides a sense of sophistication and allows other design elements to have presence without presenting overwhelm to the space.

Blending Old With New: Shaw skillfully mixes antique and vintage pieces with contemporary elements to create a sense of balance and interest in her designs.

This juxtaposition adds depth and character to the space while ensuring that it remains relevant and fresh.

God is in the Details: As exceptional designers always do, Shaw pays close attention to detail. But how does one attend to the details which truly matter? I believe this wisdom comes from breadth of experience, education, and travel.

To see the context, origin, and homeplace of antiques or art will refine the lens. It’s the sacred seeing with a pure eye that makes a world of difference.

The sacred music for the listening ear from things loved and cared for. From the choice of hardware to how accessories are arranged, a sort of symphony of design elements harmonize in a timeless composition.

SOUL OF THE HOME: Designing With Antiques

Personalization: While Shaw embraces timeless design principles, she also celebrates the beauty of personalization. Incorporating reflections of your personal taste, lifestyle, and personality is a secret beneath interiors with a soulful timelessness.

Where Tara Shaw seems to rise above the pack is how she uses a light touch and understands how to fashionably live in the now with the past.

To transcend fleeting trends and also remain relevant is no small feat.

The Power of Antiques

Shaw demystifies the artful process of layering history and mindfully modern sensibilities with sensual heart language her admirers can comprehend.

Will your senses awaken and energize you to address your own interiors? I predict OUI! (And who can place a value on such a motivator in the 2020s when copious hours find us at home?)

Cultivate a Home With Heart

Will you perhaps view antiques at the market through a more refined lens after living with this book?

Perhaps.

Engaging with the work on these pages certainly won’t hurt.

Bear in mind, what you see here is a mere morsel from the feast within SOUL OF A HOME!

Let Architecture Lead the Way

Believe it or not, the designer’s own kitchen (below) was a generic space before she worked over the top magic.

“To combat the somewhat sterile atmosphere imparted by the ordinary surfaces, I needed to introduce pieces that went in the opposite direction.” -Tara Shaw

Elevate the Ordinary Creatively

In case you care to elevate the status of your outdoor dining space, Tara Shaw offers advice:

“The only things a small patio or even a city terrace needs to transform it into an enchanted garden are plants potted in jardinières or terra-cotta pots. See how it changes the way you feel about your morning cup of coffee–it makes an ordinary Wednesday feel like a mini vacation.” -Tara Shaw

Embrace Enchantment

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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