We may yearn for rustic detail and old-world charm, but those who have it set their minds on vinyl wallpaper, fitted carpets and all mod cons.
In "The Caliph's House: A Year in Casablanca," Tahir Shah highlights the contrast between romantic notions of rustic living and the practical choices of those who experience it. While many may romanticize traditional aesthetics, those who actually live in such environments often prefer modern conveniences like vinyl wallpaper and fitted carpets. This illustrates a disconnection between idealized perceptions and the reality of comfortable, contemporary living.
Shah's observations reveal a tension between...