It’s a pet peeve of mine when someone rushes to fix (or worse, rip it out) because it isn’t “perfect” or it’s “old.” Sure, repairs are always needed but there is a lot to be gained by a building’s past. In fact, when done right it becomes a one-of-a-kind decorative feature and also celebrates the history of the building or property.

Sometimes when you walk into an old building that’s been repurposed or a business that has set up in a vintage space you find the coolest things. For instance, I spotted this wall that had lost its plaster or drywall, exposing the brick underneath while eating lunch in a sandwich shop recently. Some people might see it as falling apart or “just old.” I don’t see it that way at all.

It’s a feature that is unique only to this space. And that’s special! It’s kind of like the theory of kintsugi, where something is more beautiful for having been broken. Everything has a history, a past. Or think of it as having a dialog with the past. However you choose to look at it, it’s a fun way to incorporate a building’s past into the present and future.