When I heard that the second thing a person notices about another’s appearance (after his or her face) is his or her shoes, I was at first skeptical. Shoes seemed like one of the less important components of one’s appearance, being so low to the ground, taking up a smaller physical percentage. But then I remembered the trope that a man should be willing to invest quite a bit in his shoes and belt before anything else, advice which argues the point as well. For women, shoes and the bag might hold the same weight. These are the staples of a person’s wardrobe, the functional pieces without which an ensemble isn’t complete. They at first seem like details—small and unimportant—but actually they are closer to a foundation because of the function they fulfill and the visual impact they offer.
With my awareness now cued in, I realize how frequently I notice details like these and how they can undo the beauty of the whole, whether a person’s clothing choice or a house or a room. We can’t afford to overlook any aspect, as each either supports or detracts from the harmony of the whole. Fortunately and simultaneously, we can also therefore enhance the beauty of any situation with just a few small changes. For example, I wrote two weeks ago about how avoiding certain materials can improve any space.
If a well-made and handsome pair of shoes enhances a person’s appearance, there seem to be a few general high-impact elements that bring a situation to its fullness. For this week, we’ll focus on the domestic realm, and in the coming weeks, shift attention to the personal and interior.
Lighting: Designers sometimes choose light fixtures first because of the tone they set and include them in the category they call “jewelry,” which also includes hardware. In choosing these, it’s good to aim toward pieces that reference classic shapes and silhouettes, whether traditional or modern. For example, the many iterations of the colonial candelabra will never go out of style. So too, mid-century lights with long angular arms and shades, in the right room, will always be fun. Be wary of any fixture that doesn’t seem to participate in the historical development of interiors.
Window treatments: These can expand a room visually, adding dimension, color, and texture. They also contribute toward its mood; neutral textiles lend a sense of calm and minimalism, whereas patterns can offer playfulness and reference specific time periods. For curtains, I avoid grommets, similar to my criteria for lighting, because they don’t hold historical precedent (at least that I’ve noticed); curtain clips and rings are a more timeless solution for easy opening and closing. Roman shades and café curtains are options for more casual spaces. Also, a rule for hanging curtain hardware—as high and wide as you can go. This makes the window and room appear larger, drawing the eye upward and outward.
Hardware: Also thought of as the “jewelry” of the room, these elements are among the smallest, but attractive switch plates and outlet covers and handles lend a sense of care and quality. My favorites are either those that integrate into the wall color or pattern or have metal finishes.
Art: In a sense, this is one of the final details of a room—maybe the last pieces to go up—but art transports the space beyond itself, situating inhabitants within a certain conversation—whether contemporary or historic or eclectic. Artful photographs, vintage and contemporary paintings, originals—all determine the style and mood of the space. It's a good idea to avoid word art (Too much telling and not enough showing.) and mass-manufactured pieces. And stay tuned for tips on arranging art well throughout the home.
Plants: So many rooms (both domestic and commercial) are just missing a few real green growing things. They seem insignificant, perhaps, and can be small, but they give life to a space, cleaning the air, providing that pop of vital color and texture, and, I've heard, improving people’s moods. Artificial plants don’t hold up to real, and I’d encourage you to give them a try. There are many low maintenance and low light varieties if the thought is intimidating. Also, I think loving our plants and having confidence in them gets us far. On a practical note, aim for at least one potted plant or arrangement of fresh greens per room. I find medium-sized plants to be the hardest to decorate with, so I opt for either small or large planters.
Beauty is challenging to define, but we get closer to a definition with the idea of wholeness or fullness. Beauty is not any one specific quality; it is a host of qualities, all good, that integrate and correspond and transcend dimensionality. All is here, inviting us elsewhere. What at first seem like only details because of their size or place in the process may hold a great deal of power and be the key to a more pleasing environment.
Making a room more beautiful might be as simple as getting it a new pair of shoes.
An interesting meditation. At first, I balked. I thought about how I never notice what anyone is wearing, or their hair, or shoes, and prefer to look at their face and ask questions — connecting with who they are inside, not outside. But I had an interesting experience earlier this summer, sitting in DIA, waiting with my husband for a flight to NYC. I glanced down at my shoes and thought, “Oh, no, no, no, this will never do!” They were scuffed and tired-looking and needed a freshen-up! I marched back up the concourse and left my shoes with the shoe-shine guy who, a credit to his trade, shined them right up! They looked fabulous! My trip to New York was so much better with my shiny shoes! I did not have to hide them under the cafe tables or feel embarrassed of them on the subway. I walked with confidence! I think it is interesting that I don’t bother to notice what OTHERS’ shoes might look like, but it is important to me that MINE look nice.
An unexpected trip back to Minnesota mid-summer for a beloved grandmother’s funeral found me back at the airport and handing my shoes to the shoe-shine lady who told me she was grateful for the work, that it had been slow. My shoes were ready for a new shine, and I was grateful for her good work. I agree that “shoes” are foundational, for people and houses. Thank you for your article!