Provenance, Patina, and Poetic Soul

Aspire to create a lovely home layered with interest, provenance, patina and poetic soul? Does the prospect feel rather lofty as your eyes scan the space around you? Ahhhhh. I hear you. So saturated is the web with quality design from real and artificial interiors, we’re easily intimidated. Or paralyzed. Perhaps it’s daring to suggest loveliness is within reach. No easy answers, but what if the space between you and what you imagine is actually holy space? What if creative goodness can build bridges? Let’s peek at bits of such goodness from Tara Shaw Interiors. What whispers of soulful secrets lie beneath?

Tara Shaw design with antiques in a soulful arrangement for modern living. #tarashaw #livingwithantiques

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

Poetic Soul, Antiques & Tara Shaw

Such an honorable bio! 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.

Detail of antique French crystal chandelier - Tara Shaw antiques. — Tara Shaw: provence, patina, and poetic soul

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

Magnificent staircase and interior design (@mimiandhill) with Tara Shaw designed chandelier. #tarashaw #staircasedesign — Design: @mimiandhill

Well, maybe you’ll miss it if you’re moving through life feverishly rather 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 enliven the journey.)

Tara Shaw designed space with butterfly bench, antique African currency swords, and Swedish secretaire.⁠ #tarashaw — Tara Shaw designed space with butterfly bench, antique African currency swords, and also Swedish secretaire.

Her gifts include a set apart wisdom for selecting antiques and creatively integrating them in natural ways for beautiful modern living.

Tara Shaw The Soul of a Home book cover. #tarashaw #soulofthehome #designingwithantiques #designbook #interiordesign — *Soul of the Home: Designing With Antiques* by Tara Shaw (Abrams, 2020)

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.”

Tara Shaw design with antiques in a soulful arrangement for modern living. #tarashaw #antiquetapestry — Tara Shaw: provence, patina, and poetic soul

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.

Benjamin Dhong interior design project with Tara Shaw's neoclassical sepia grisaille art panel paired with Eames la Chaise. — Benjamin Dhong design with neoclassical sepia grisaille art panel from Tara Shaw

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?

Tara Shaw designed formal sitting room for Emeril Lagasse with bronze sculpture (Tom Corbin). — Tara Shaw designed formal sitting room with bronze sculpture by Tom Corbin

Even though layers of magic and well-earned mastery permeate the work, a common thread emerges.

Tara Shaw design with antiques in a soulful arrangement for modern living. #tarashaw #europeanantiques

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.

Inspirational quote from designer Tara Shaw on Hello Lovely Studio. #quotes #inspirationalquote

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 despite 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.

Marie Flanigan designed bedroom with Tara Shaw designed plaster chandelier. — Marie Flanigan designed bedroom with plaster chandelier from Tara Shaw

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.

Tara Shaw designed two-tone canopy bed in a gorgeous bedroom with antiques and European inspired style. — via Tara Shaw

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, or homeplace of antiques and art refines the lens. It’s sacred seeing with a pure eye that makes all the difference.

Sacred music for the listening ear echoes from things loved and cared for. From hardware to arrangement of accessories, a symphony of design elements can harmonize in a timeless composition.

SOUL OF THE HOME: Designing With Antiques

Exquisite with original paint antique Venetian corner cabinet stores white china and silver. Keys with burlap tassels serve as handles to pull open doors and complement worn finishes. #tarashaw #venetian #europeanantiques #antiques #cornercabinet #interiordesign #oldworldstyle #timelessdesign — Exquisite with original paint, this antique Venetian corner cabinet holds white china as well as silver within its blue-grey interior. Keys with burlap tassels serve as handles to pull open doors and also complement worn finishes.

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.

Tara Shaw seems to rise above the pack with how she insists on a feathery touch to fashionably live in the now with the past.

Transcending trends while remaining relevant? No small feat.

An eighteenth-century rococo Venetian mirror, contemporary onyx sconces, and gold toned fixtures harmonize in a stunningly elegant and luxurious bathroom design. #tarashaw #bathroom #interiordesign #antiques #oldworldstyle #whitebathroom #luxuriousbathroom — An eighteenth-century rococo Venetian mirror and contemporary onyx sconces as well as gold toned fixtures harmonize in an elegant bathroom design.

The Power of Antiques

Shaw demystifies the artful process of layering history.

Stately white painted Victorian home has breathtaking architecture and curb appeal in the lower Garden District of New Orleans. #houseexterior #victorianhouses #beautifulwhitehouse #historichome #curbappeal #frontporch — Victorian home with breathtaking architecture as well as curb appeal in the lower Garden District of New Orleans.

Will your senses awaken and energize you to address your own interiors? I predict OUI! (But take your sweet time. No design police officials will arrive to your doorstep with a warrant.)

Elegant and luxe, this master bathroom vanity was created from an 18th century French painted console. An 18th century mortar became a sink which Shaw paired with an 18th century Swedish barrel-back chair. #tarashaw #oldworldstyle #interiordesign #antiques #swedishantiques #frenchantiques #stonesink — Breathtakingly elegant, this master bathroom vanity was created from an 18th century French painted console. An antique mortar became a sink Shaw paired with a Swedish barrel-back chair.

Cultivate a Home With Heart

Will this book change how you view antiques at the market?

Tara Shaw designed Old World style kitchen - from her book Soul of the Home. #frenchkitchen #tarashaw

Perhaps.

An 18th century clock secretary in a Tara Shaw designed guest room has breathtaking patina and functions for modern life. #tarashaw #swedishantiques #europeanantiques #swedishsecretary #18thcentury #oldworldstyle #elegantdecor — An 18th century clock secretary in a Tara Shaw designed guest room…certainly lovely indeed! Its patina as well as function impart character to modern life.

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

Antique 18th century sandstone garden plinths combine with a 19th century walnut plateau to form a custom console behind the sofa in a living area designed by Tara Shaw. #europeanantiques #oldworldstyle #modernfrench #tarashaw #livingroom #interiordesign — Antique 18th century sandstone garden plinths and a 19th century walnut plateau form a custom console.

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

Two massive 19th century ecclesiastical paintings by Victor Mazies mix with a modern alpaca-covered chair in a living room designed by Tara Shaw. #oldworldstyle #tarashaw #religiousart #europeanantiques #interiordesign #rusticelegance — Two massive 19th century ecclesiastical paintings by Victor Mazies as well as a modern alpaca-covered chair in a living room.

Let Architecture Lead the Way

Beautiful blue 18th century Swedish secretary and vintage Savonarola chair make a stair landing functional for storage and correspondence. Tara Shaw designed this space. #tarashaw #swedishsecretary #swedishantiques #interiordesign #oldworldstyle #traditionaldecor — An 18th century Swedish secretary and vintage Savonarola chair certainly make a stair landing functional and beautiful.

Tara Shaw deisgned this exquisite master bath with salvaged Louis XV paneling with wonderful patina. #tarashaw #interiordesign #bathroomdesign #luxuriousbathroom #oldworldstyle #antiques #europeanantiques — Tara Shaw designed a particularly exquisite master bath. Salvaged Louis XV paneling certainly charms with wonderful patina.

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

Designer Tara Shaw upgraded a builder's grade kitchen with antiques such as a 19th century urn, 18th century Italian rococo lanterns, and grand stone mortar. #tarashaw #interiordesign #kitchendesign #oldworldstyle #antiques #europeanantiques #whitekitchen #traditionalkitchen #rusticelegance — Designer Tara Shaw masterfully upgraded a builder’s grade kitchen. Antiques introduced in here include 18th century Italian rococo lanterns as well as a grand stone mortar.

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

Tara shaw designed breakfast room with Swedish antiques, modern chairs, and gilded chandelier - THE SOUL OF A HOME. — Tara Shaw: provence, patina, and poetic soul

Elevate the Ordinary Creatively

Gustavian clock secretary has cabinets beneath the desktop doubling as storage. #swedishantiques #tarashaw #interiordesign #secretary #antiques #oldworldstyle — A Gustavian clock secretary’s cabinets beneath the desktop provide storage.

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

This outdoor dining area designed by Tara Shaw is an oasis with wisteria arbor, vintage tables and chairs, iron chandelier and pea gravel. #frenchgarden #frenchcourtyard #outdoordining #oldworldstyle #antiques #outdoooasis #romanticdecor — This outdoor dining area oasis boasts a wisteria arbor and vintage chairs as well as iron chandelier.

Hello Lovely pretty fabric & wallpaper ideas. #interiordesign #wallpaper #fabric #pillows #schumacher

1. Custom Pillow (Queen of Spain)

2. Pyne Hollyhock Pillow (Schumacher)

3. Toile de Fleurs Wallpaper (Schumacher)

4. Solandra Vine Wallpaper (Schumacher)

5. Blommen Wallpaper (Schumacher)

6. Blommen Wallpaper (Schumacher)

7. Madeleine Animal Print Pillow (Schumacher)

Peace to you right where you are.

-michele

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