Feeling Our Way

The sense of touch is a fundamental element of interior design. How does it feel?  Is it soft? Scratchy? Fluffy? Babies develop their understanding of the surrounding world through touch. While it may look like mindless play to our dumb adult brains, we forget that as children we all felt our way around the room. It’s how we learned about the world around us.

As a boy, my first son walked the streets of our Tribeca neighborhood caressing the sides of the ancient buildings with his left hand while I gripped his right hand for dear life to keep him from running into the street. His hand was filthy but he registered every crack and crevice, and I believe it shaped his connection to architecture—and the city where he lives today.   

Now that little boy is a dad, and we love watching his one-year-old daughter learn by petting the textiles we so carefully chose for her home. This needlepoint stool patterned with flora and fauna was made by my Grandmother Marguerite. It’s no surprise how easily the things of quality that are made by hand can find their way forward three or four generations. 

If you think back to your childhood, I know you will find a vivid memory of something your hands first touched. I can still feel the warmth and short fur of our Dalmatian, my faithful companion Cindy.