Welcome to our October Journal! This month, we’re talking about the beauty of living finishes. A living finish is a finish that naturally changes and evolves over time with exposure to air, moisture, touch, and everyday use. Rather than being sealed or coated to preserve its original appearance, it’s allowed to develop a patina, shift in color, or show signs of wear as it ages. If we accept that change is a natural part of life, why do we put so much pressure on our homes to remain untouched and perfect?
We’ve always been drawn to materials that get better with age. There’s something about a finish that isn’t meant to stay perfect that makes a space feel more authentic and collected. A home’s character often comes from the details that aren’t quite perfect. There’s a reason the most beautiful historic spaces feel so timeless: their worn finishes, irregularities, and evidence of age give them a beauty that simply can’t be manufactured.
Think unlacquered brass that slowly darkens, copper that develops a rich patina, marble that picks up a few marks along the way, or a leather chair that softens and deepens in color over the years. These are materials that respond to the people and spaces around them, and no two will ever age exactly alike. That’s part of the charm. You’re not just choosing a finish; you’re choosing something that will evolve over time.
There’s a lot of freedom in letting go of the idea that everything needs to stay pristine. When working with our clients we strive to create a home that should be lived in, and the materials we choose should be able to live a little, too. We’d take a well-loved brass finish or a marble coffee table marked by evenings spent sharing wine with friends over something that still looks untouched. To us, a timeless home isn’t one that stays perfectly preserved, but one that grows more beautiful and full of character with the years.
