“The true secret of happiness lies in the taking a genuine interest in all the details of daily life.”
– William Morris
I recently moved into a charming 1919 brick Tudor. It has storybook vibes, a steep angular roofline, and the most interesting architectural details; leaded glass windows, coved ceilings, no less than 10 arches, period tile patterns and plaster walls. The interiors emphasize a soft curving line in juxtaposition to the angular statement suggested by the exterior. It’s quirky to say the least. Literally every closet has a window. I love this fact. It brings me joy. I can imagine a window ended up in that closet because of the need for daylighting, as it was built during the dawn of electrical lighting in homes. Nevertheless, it’s still odd to encounter in this day and age, as I doubt any practical design architect would put a window in the coat closet where you store your vacuum. Form follows function has been the modern architect’s manifesto since the turn of the 20th century, after all. These closet-windows are whimsical and unexpected in the best way. I’m considering adding a plant to keep my shoes company.
There are many compelling reasons for investing in an old home. Along with the quality architecture built with artistry in mind comes the nostalgia for a simpler life. Your environment plays a large part in how you perceive the world, so it stands to reason that a home of unique detail and eccentric charm would lead to a curiosity for life often missing in the bland, value-engineered homes of our current era. It’s an interesting thing to adjust your daily life to the whims of an old house designed for an old way of living. One example of this is the closed floor plan. I now have separate and distinct rooms focused on one singular activity. My dining room is only a place for dining, rather than part of a great multi-purpose room, where I can both view the kitchen and the TV at the same time. Walls provide acoustical and visual privacy and so a room then becomes a place of comfort and refuge. This traditional arrangement of space has tampered down the desire to multi-task and as a result I find myself spending much more time engaged in the present moment acting with intention. Time slows down inside these walls and the meaning of home is revealed. It is my sanctuary and within its timeless structure I find my freedom.
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