Rest assured, this isn’t a death announcement. I’ve always had a deep appreciation for beautiful things, which comes naturally as an interior designer. For me, design is about creating a home filled with pieces that, one day when I’m gone, will make for the ultimate estate sale.
Owning and building things that last more than a season should be everyone’s goal. Think about it — estate sales aren’t filled with items from Target or Urban Outfitters. They’re stocked with pieces that were crafted with quality in mind, items that were passed down and cherished. Whenever I shop, I ask myself, “Will this piece last until my estate sale? Will someone else recognize its value enough to want it?” Not every item I own meets this standard, of course. I still have things from college that probably won’t make it another 60 years (I’m planning to live to at least 95!). But asking these questions helps me assess the longevity of the items I choose to own. If they won’t make it to my estate sale, they’re likely destined for a landfill.
These principles shape my work as a designer, too. Recently, I’ve been focusing more on designing custom furniture. I don’t expect people to keep the same upholstery or trims forever, but the structure, whether they’re metal or wood—should be designed to endure.
This sentiment has brough up a lot of questions for me about where this principle fits in with our current sustainability standards. I wonder if building codes will eventually require things to be designed to last a minimum of 100 or more years. Throughout history, we’ve seen structures last for centuries in all kinds of climates. So, why don’t we prioritize building things that stand the test of time? Are we too cheap to invest in longevity? Is it too hard to quantify what structures will age gracefully? I’ll be asking around to see who might have answers to these questions.
It’s also about embracing the idea of “fewer, better things.” Truly, I’d rather walk into someone’s home and see it sparse but high quality and cherished, than filled with a collection of fast-furniture knick knacks. Rather than filling our homes with mass-produced, disposable items, why not focus on acquiring fewer, but higher-quality pieces that truly bring joy? This mindset isn’t just better for the environment, it also impacts our quality of life. A home filled with thoughtful, meaningful pieces creates a sense of balance and purpose, both in the present and for years to come. I won’t see you at my estate sale because I’ll be dead, but but I hope the things I leave behind will continue to bring joy and value to those who find them.
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