“Naturally refined settings
rarely occur entirely by chance;
instead, they stem from a philosophy
of ingenuity, intelligence and independence.”
NATURALLY REFINED
Living with a philosophy of ingenuity
October 2nd, 2015
SLOW
I often travelled as a young adult and was fascinated by details such as lime-washed chairs overlooking rolling vineyards, a fountain tucked away under a canopy of trees or a vintage car parked carelessly off the driveway. These beautiful settings left imprints on my soul. Over the years, as I dug through the layers of what appears to be naturally refined, I learned that these settings rarely occur entirely by chance; instead, they stem from a philosophy of ingenuity, intelligence and independence.
I vividly reminisce moments from an early morning in one such pared-down picturesque setting. The drifting steam—from a cup of fragrant lavender tea held close to my face—guided my attention to vintage cloches, which further led me to breathtaking undulating vineyards. Later at breakfast, when I brought up the bell-shaped glass domes, the lady of the house informed me that they were deliberately placed in the garden. The owners have created naturally refined spaces with a keen eye for detail and minimalism and a passion for tirelessly blending. In these idyllic settings, elements with stylistic differences co-exist peacefully.
The perfect collaboration of senses is not limited to ambience; this refined naturalness radiates from individuals who curate and breathe life into these spaces. In these settings—with the cacophony of pretence absent—life is akin to relishing an alfresco meal—luscious food enjoyed on sunlit porches against the backdrop of white masonry, dogs splashing in the pond and breeze carrying the fragrance of orange orchards.
Gift yourself independent travel—openness to learning and keenness to engage with strangers fosters an appreciation for detailed layering that aids in refining your facets.
