Design Elements of Classic Cars Belong At Home

Cars, especially the older ones often showcase the perfect union of form and function.  This is nothing new for interior design work.  Regardless of one’s belief system I find all things are related.  I’m not the first to be a unifying force between design and automobiles.  This just happens to be something which makes a significant imprint in the creative files in my brain.

I debated calling this “classic cars” or “vintage cars.”  To some they have almost opposing meanings (a concours judge) and to others, it really doesn’t matter because what we are talking about is really fabulous automobiles.1938 Peugeot next to a Rolls Royce from the same era… what’s not to like?  Sinuous curves are for both style and balance.Can you find a straight line on the body of this Delahaye?Of course I will go ga ga over beautiful woodwork like this wonderful inlay in the passenger compartment of, what else, a Rolls.Notice how much this 1950 Ferrari 166 Inter Barchetta is like the simplistic interiors we covet today.  Though this version of simple will set you back over half a mill.One can’t even consider style and design in terms of an automobile without including a Bugatti.  This is the famous Type 57 Atlantic, if I was a guy I would be making some comment about wood.  Sorry, but this car really is so fantastic.  Design perfection.  Details, details, details…I’m a girl, so what!  I happen to have a thing for cars, but just cool ones, of a certain vintage, from certain makes and of course only in the right color.   Well, to be honest I would have to adjust the color scheme of the Delahaye to nix the red.

So how to I bring this back to interiors?  Easy.

1. A home can have the same style and comfort as these beautiful cars.
2. Wonderful interiors display the exact same sensitivity to line.
3. A good interior must function with the same precision.
4. Do you notice the absence of clutter?  The parts and pieces fit together without visual complications (clutter).
5. Why limit good design to the inhabitants of a garage?

Not that I am dissing the garage.  If the stars line up I too am fully capable of having a stable similar to Ralph Lauren.  He often comments how both his home and fashion collections are derived from his cars.  See video – Ralph Lauren Opens His Doors For A Personal Tour Of His Exquisite Car Collection

Good design can be found anywhere.  The point is to recognize it and replicate it.  Ladies, this might also be a way to bring your men around to appreciating the work you want to put into your interiors… relate it to a car.  😉