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Designing With Provenance & Purpose

TRANSFORMATIVE SPACES THAT SPEAK THROUGH STORIED DESIGN & DECOR

Article by Beth Krupa Interiors

Photography by JANE BEILES, JAMES GAGLIARDI, JIM FUHRMANN

Originally published in Greenwich Lifestyle

In a world of fast furniture and fleeting trends, the emotional resonance of home interiors with rich history and provenance offers something far more enduring: connection, meaning, and a sense of purpose. Homeowners are increasingly drawn to interiors that tell a story—spaces layered with pieces that have traveled around the world and have a story to tell. Whether it’s a centuries-old textile from India, a hand-carved cabinet from Bali, or original artwork from Paris, these elements bring more than beauty. They evoke memory, emotion, and a visceral sense of belonging to a home.

This emotional response is not just romantic thinking—it’s backed by science. Neuro-aesthetics, the study of how our brains respond to visual stimuli, shows that our environments deeply affect how we feel. The textures, materials, and shapes we live with can lower stress, elevate mood, and even promote cognitive clarity. A room that incorporates time-honored pieces feels more grounded. 

There’s a quiet luxury in the weathered patina of a vintage wood mirror, or the way an antique rug anchors a space. These details create a sensory richness—a lived-in warmth that sterile, trend-driven design often lacks. When clients walk into a room filled with well-curated objects that hold meaning, they tend to linger a little longer and breathe a little deeper.

Provenance adds another layer: story. When you know where a piece comes from—who made it, where it’s traveled, what purpose it once served—it becomes more than a piece of home decor. It becomes a conversation between friends and family, and a connection to the origins of the piece. It invites you to slow down and engage with your space in a more intentional way. Of utmost importance is that items are ethically sourced, with full transparency into their origins, and in many cases, proceeds returned to support the artisan’s village or community, creating a ripple effect of beauty and impact beyond the home.

The most memorable interiors are not simply styled—each item is considered with intention—sourced objects that reveal the artistry of their makers and reflect the unique narratives of our clients. The result is a home that not only looks beautiful but also feels meaningful, personal, and intentional. Because ultimately, the most successful interiors do more than impress. They embrace the people who live there, nurture their well-being, and transform the way they experience their home every day.

about the author:

Beth Krupa, Creative Director | Beth Krupa Interiors
bethkrupainteriors.com | bkhomegreenwich.com | 203.890.9292

Opposite page; starting top left-to-right: Teak Leather & Canvas Artisan Chair from Laos $2250, Onyx Raw Edge Bowl $1500, Oval Matte Gray Marble Bowl $495, Curved Horn Calligraphy Brush $70, 1960’s Indonesian Wood Cooking Pot $185, Kelly O' Neal Mixed Media Original on Canvas “Interchange” Framed $4250, Carved & Hand-Finished Marble Swaddle Bowl $630

This page, bottom: South African Artisan Hand-Woven Floor Basket $675
Available at bkhomegreenwich.com | BK HOME 19 E Elm Street, Greenwich

Businesses featured in this article