Orange and pink look pretty good together, don’t they?
I was thinking about the ubiquitous phrase ‘trends in decorating’ yesterday. I see it everywhere; certainly all over blogland. The design industry, whether it be for the home or fashion, is driven by ‘trends.’ Everything, including Twitter, seems to be driven by trends. (If I hear one more newscaster use the words, “Trending on Twitter” I’ll scream). I understand that. It’s all about marketing. Color of the year. The dreaded chevron. Mid-century modern. Burlap. Geometrical shapes. White. These are just a few of the many hot fads in design and design blogging. I know I’m missing several. Feel free to add more in your comments.
When I was younger, a whole lot younger, I followed the fads. That’s part of the pack mentality of being young and easily influenced by others, of wanting to belong. Nothing wrong with that. I’d venture to say it is expected. It’s the rare young person that can buck the crowd and follow his/her particular likes and not give a dang about what others think. They’re out there, however, those young people that march to the beat of a different drummer. I find that enormously comforting.
I’m a ‘seasoned’ adult now. I’m more comfortable in my skin. And I don’t give a dang about what is trendy. I can look at photos of white rooms and admire them, but I know in my heart that particular trend is not for me. I like color. I can admire the lines of a room full of mid-century modern furniture, but since I grew up in a house with that look, it’s not appealing to me. It’s simply been done.
Ever since I hit my twenties, I have been that someone who, when told that ‘everyone is doing it,’ makes a U-turn and goes the other way. I never did drugs. I didn’t care how many of my dorm friends were smoking marijuana – I didn’t like the smell. And when my friend in grad school tried to get me to try cocaine because ‘everyone loves it, trust me’ I left the room. All it took was hearing the words: everyone is doing it. Bye bye.
“If everyone jumped off the Empire State Building, would you?” My mother asked me this frequently as I slogged my way through my teens. I bet most parents ask that question in some form. Congratulations, Mom. It took.
That’s my own particular sensibility. If you tell me that this or that is ‘in,’ chances are I will be making that U-turn. I’m a stubborn girl and telling me that something is in and I should partaking in it because it is in just makes me dig my heels further into the ground. We Hill girls are stubborn. Ask my dad. Or my husband.
One of the benefits of growing older is not caring anymore what others think. I no longer feel it necessary to follow the rules. Certainly my decorating style has evolved over the years as I have evolved. I decorate with the things I love, with as many colors as I want, with comfort and a dash of funkiness. I mix patterns. I have a lot of stuff. If I love something, it goes in the room. And if I truly love it, no matter what it is, it will work.
As I look at blogs and decorating books and magazines, my favorite rooms have always been those that are unique. That don’t follow the trends. That are a reflection of the person that lives, breathes, eats and daydreams in that room. That are funky and individual and full of surprises. That throw orange and pink together, thank you very much, and make it work. That look real. And, apologies to designers everywhere, that aren’t done by a designer. Because I can see that in a room from a mile away.
Being a seasoned decorator is a good thing. It’s freeing, don’t you think? We can do whatever we like. We’ve been through all the needing to belong stuff; we left that behind years ago. We don’t care about trends. We decorate for our needs, for our sensibilities. Isn’t that wonderful?
And by the way, the sensibilities of a seasoned decorator are not necessarily entirely defined by age. There’s a dash of ‘who cares?’ in there that I’ve seen in every age.
Thank goodness.
Happy Friday.
in Gods world Flowers match to-gether with any mixed color. Right.
True words!
Great Post Claudia, I feel so much better about my little corner of the world! Look at me I’m my designer. If I Love it it goes in there. Thank-You! I Always Love your Blog. -Judy A-
You ARE a designer, Judy!
I am so with you! I decorate the way I want to. I never liked the everything has to come from Home Interiors look. I want different. Not to go into others homes and see the same art work that I have. I do decorate with photos I took and things I find that I love. Even our gardening does not follow the “rules”. We don’t buy one plant in multibles, and group them. We have a hodgepodge of plants, but it works. Our gardens were built over time. We never could have done it otherwise. So our outside rooms match our inside rooms. But it works for us.
My gardens are the same, Teresa. I just throw things in there that I like!
Good morning Claudia, I enjoy reading your blog everyday. My mother use to say the same thing about if everybody jumped off the …except it was the Golden Gate Bridge. I had to laugh because I’m from the west. I understand what you are saying about trends. My sister and I recently went on a home tour in her neighborhood. She lives in an older neighborhood and the homes were built from the late 1800’s through the 40`50’s. I love looking at the different styles of architecture, Most of the homes were decorated in what I call Pottery Barn style. I like Pottery Barn but was disappointed not to see more individual taste in decorating. I see on the internet “trendy” decorating style but also many individual styles which I enjoy looking at and am inspired.
Well, actually, my mom said ‘the Ambassador Bridge” which it the bridge that runs from Detroit to Windsor, Ontario. But I didn’t think enough readers would get that reference!
Pottery Barn Style = boring, to me.
I get it Claudia. I’m from Michigan. I do like some of the pottery barn rooms. I’ve bought a few things on clearance there but the prices are ridiculous! I don’t go for trends either. I decorate with things that feel right for me and god knows I don’t follow any rules. I just transformed my living room into a sort of eclectic coastal cottage style and love it! I’ll be getting plantation shutters in a couple weeks. I wanted the room to feel like I was on Tybee Island, GA. All white rooms are boring to me.
Claudia,
As usual, I’m with you 100 per cent. While designing and building This Green House, our philosophy has always been: classic and re-used materials, traditional-looking design, because we don’t ever plan to remodel. That’s just a waste of the earth’s resources. (For example: Not using big 12×24 bathroom tiles, because they’ll be out of date in 5 years.)
You are very wise, Gail!
God bless you, Gail. And could you PLEASE clone yourself about a million times?? This world SO needs more people with your attitude and sensibilities. PS – I’m big on giving homes a name – you should totally name your home “The Green House.” :>)
Hi Claudia! This post made me chuckle… I also heard the “jumping off the Empire State Building” speech more times than I can remember :) I also used the same speech with my kids…..
Anyway, I had an email from a customer telling me that she loved my shop, but wasn’t going to buy anything until I had more “modern” fabrics. I’m sure she meant chevrons and geometrics. It made me laugh. I love cottage style and making my house a reflection of the people and pets that live there. xoxo
Good for you, Debbie!
I couldn’t agree more, and I tend to follow my own fashion trends, as well. :) As I’ve said before, just because something is “in” doesn’t mean it looks good on me.
Absolutely! Same for me.
I am in complete agreement! I get so tired of the people, ready to jump on board to follow any trend that is popular, extolling how wonderful the look is and urging others to follow.
I once read a blog, written by a woman in her late twenties or early thirties, who was expounding on how clueless people were who didn’t have their bed ruffles and curtains pooling on the floor. Excuse me, but I think that trend is ridiculous. Have dogs or cats sleeping on them? Have people tripping on them? I don’t think so.
I am tired of reading about what is “supposed” to be fashionable. There will be a glut of trendy furniture and decor at garage sales in a few years. The hideous fashions of a few years ago, probably won’t even be purchased at garage sales. Thank goodness the “muffin” look, whereby women, young and too old for the style, wore cropped tops, with very low cut jeans, exposing rolls of fat, is coming to an end.
It is so comfortable living with the things we love, and wearing clothes that look good on our particular bodies.
It is really okay, and interesting to mix different types of wood . We can comfortably mix styles and periods of furniture. One room doesn’t have to be the same style as other rooms. You are so right, if you love it, incorporate it into your life.
Great post.
nancyr
I so agree. I’m tired of people telling me what is in and what is out, what is fashionable and what is not. According to who?
Claudia, you and I are so alike. I had to laugh when you said you’d do a u-turn when you heard “eveybody’s doing it”. That was, and still is, me. Just this past weekend I got dragged into a trendy decorating store by a friend… we admired some of the pretty things on the shelf and she said “Wouldn’t you love to decorate your whole home with all these things?” Without missing a beat I shook my head and said. “No. It’s pretty for someone else’s house, but it’s not me at all. My house is filled with family memories, things that I grew up with and things that my children made. The things in this store mean nothing to me.”
I do the same thing with movies! If I see commercials for a movie for months before it opens, I end up not going to it. I eventually watch in on television or something, much later. I get tired of commercials telling me I mustn’t miss this movie!
AMEN! I enjoy looking at magazines and decorating books for inspiration, but not for “how-to” decorate my home. Our place is filled with a collection of items from both our families, our vacations, our splurges, etc. Each piece tells a story or has a memory associated with it…and everything works together/fits together…for us. It might not work for everyone, but then I would be disappointed if it did (and would probably have to change things – lol).
Absolutely. Who wants their home to look like everyone else’s?
This is the reason I have followed you since I first found your blog. You are you. As my Ma would say “Devil take the hindemost”. It is freeing to be yourself and not care for opinions of others on the way you look, your house and how you live. It hurts my heart to see how lemming-like Americans have become. Thanks for being you.
Lemming-like is the perfect way to put it, Regena!
One of the things I enjoy about visiting blogs is seeing how someone’s style evolves over time. I know my tastes certainly have. My first apartment was full of dark wood, green velour and shag carpeting, reflecting the Spanish look that was trendy in southern California in the 70s. Some 40 years later, my home is much “lighter” with creams, reds, pinks and browns, and painted or stained woods, with a definite cottage influence. Somehow, my style has evolved into a look that seems pretty trendy these days, too. Not sure how that happened!
I remember loving browns and dark colors when I was younger. I’ve changed a lot since then!
I find it interesting to see what is “trending”…and, surprisingly I’ve even learned a few things along the way. Like I really have a thing for Noguchi cocktail tables…I previously didn’t know about them, so that led to some research. I’ve never been a trendy person, unless it’s totally by accident! I never heard the expression “jumping off of the Empire State Building…we just had bridges! My home is furnished basically in family pieces, and garage sale items, with all colors, mostly blues. Very few new items…and that’s the way I like it. I, too, lived through the mid century modern…and don’t care to return!;)
Noguchi coffee tables are pretty neat, Donna. I can see why you like them. I like learning about new things, too. But not because I’ve been told that I ‘have to have it,’ but simply because I find things like that interesting.
I agree! Years ago we built a lovely home, the nicest compliment I recieved was “there in not one cliche in your home”. I look a the lovely rooms on the blog home tours and see the common themes everywhere. But I am 70 years old and have lived in 14 homes so I know what I like. Age is freeing.
It is indeed, Gayle.
I know exactly what you mean. I think I was the last person in North America to see “Star Wars”, just because I didn’t want to jump on the bandwagon.
I decorate my home the way I want to – which means, bright colors, old mismatched furniture, and lots of dog hair!
When I find something I like and can afford, I incorporate it into what passes for “decor” in my house. And I don’t like chevrons or geometric prints or “mid-century modern” either.
We’re alike in the not wanting to jump on the bandwagon department, Paula!
Claudia, Fads come and go…style is forever. I like that people have many different styles. Less boring that way. Enjoy your weekend. xox,Susie
Me too. Who wants everyone’s houses to look alike? Variety is the spice of life!
Dear sweet friend,
If you are a seasoned person, I am a “very” seasoned person. I grew up in the sixties, and it never occurred to me to break the rules. Being the oldest of two girls, I thought I needed to be an example. There were drugs in the dorm, but I never tried them. Don’t you think trends come, go, and come back around? When I see burlap, I think of my Pa’s barn and animal feed sacks with a red stripe. Also my daughter and daughter-in-law are wearing clothes that look familiar. Have a fun Friday from mid TN.
Absolutely. You have only to look at mid-century modern, or as I call it, the way my mom decorated. Or the tie-dye trend of a few years back. Hello, my youth! There’s nothing new under the sun.
Same here Claudia..Chevron gives me a headache..rooms that are all white..boring..Burlap..itchy..no way am I sitting on burlap..lol..and the word TRENDING is used so much that I want to scream when I hear it..The decorating magazines that I read are the ones were they use re-purposed junk or antiques and vintage to decorate cause those are the things that I love..I’ll pass on your new and trending thank you..
The same kind of magazines appeal to me, too. I like vintage and imaginatively recycled things.
Every year I plant hot pink impatiens in an old orange Dutch oven type pot. Reminds me of the 60s! What kinds bugs me about trends lately is how long they stick around!! Can’t we come up with something new?? I’ve been looking at white rooms since the 90s! And good luck on you upcoming trip!
Thank you, Diane!
I hear you and I agree. I am definitely not a follower of trends. I have loved cottage decor for many years. It just happens to be “in” right now, but I loved it before it was in and I will love it after. I agree that not feeling the need to follow the crowd is one of the best benefits of growing older. xo Laura
It sure is, Laura.
I’m always shocked by those who follow “this year’s color” – last year it was tangarine and this year it is pine green. It is decreed as the color of the year (by a paint company, by the way – and to see people jump up and paint everything in sight in that color and also get a new car that color annoys me. How many ugly houses do you see now that were painted in the 90s with those horrid mix of bright “country” colors – mish-mash colors thrown together that never looked good in the first place – dark red/turquoise/orange/gold and bright blue together – horrid to look at. As bad as the turquoise and country green houses of the 70s – some of those still need repainted. Did they not realize that they don’t paint their house every year and it will be ugly for years to come – with neighbors shaking their heads and hoping that the potential buyers of their own houses aren’t scared away by the post-trendy colors of that ugly house next door
And what is with all the painting of vintage furniture – painted turquoise and now orange – ruining the actual furniture for future generations – it won’t be saved and admired because it is badly painted. What a shame.
I decorate in a style of things I like – and people always comment about how cozy my house feels. I think that is because I am content with it.
I paint furniture, but only when the finish is so badly ruined or stained that it has lost its beauty. Then, paint is a good thing!
Being content with your home is a good thing and that certainly is passed on to your visitors.
Claudia, I paint furniture (like my fireplace) because it didn’t do anything for the room when it was natural maple (not my favorite wood) I painted my kitchen table and chairs because they were in terrible shape. I live the mix of some painted furniture and some natural wood. I love looking at homes that reflect the personality of the person who lives there for instance, your keyboard sign in your living room. I adore your kitchen. I don’t want a cookie cutter house and have always hate the word trend!
I am always amazed at “young people”, :-) married 5 or 10 years who are on their 4th couch, 2nd bedroom set, and 3rd dining room table. When we were married, oh-so-many years ago, we started out w/ hand-me-downs and bought new things as we could afford them. Many of them we still have… and we have 2 (grown) children, 2 dogs and 3 cats. So our stuff is lived on/ in. I think memories are lost on the younger folks and they easily discard most everything. Our Christmas tree is also made up of ornaments from over 40 years of marriage, and some from family who have left us. On blogs I read where people throw/ give away all their ornaments each year and then go with the “trending” style the next year to decorate. Makes me sad. Places like Pottery Barn also make me a bit sad because it seems like no one thinks for themselves any longer, and have come to believe that just flipping through that catalog is their answer to happiness. And then they simply discard it all within a year or two. Individuality seems to have left the building.
I agree, my friend.
So agree, ladies. My parents had virtually nothing but hand-me-downs, side-of-the-road finds [my dad was EXTREMELY handy] and homemade until most of their 6 kids were out of the house. They finally got to remodel the kitchen when I [the oldest] was half finished with college. My mom didn’t even choose a china pattern until her Silver Wedding! Now you see these “real estate” TV programs where 20-somethings categorically rejects houses without granite countertops and walk-in closets – it’s amazing. But I guess it’s part of the Big Circle of Life. You really don’t know anything when you’re a kid. You don’t even know that you don’t know it. But it is the best thing about growing older – you learn what’s really important.
I like my home to reflect where I am in my life. When I was younger and had children the home was part comfort, part playground. Now it’s a collectors home. Surrounded by things i love. Of course now with a two year old visiting I have to put some things up. Still my home is comfort and full of love.
Linda
Wonderful, Linda!
Isn’t it great to reach that point in life where you really don’t care what others think? It’s so freeing!! I love alot of the design trends but they are not me. I know what I like and that’s what I’ll have in my home and my closet.
Judy
It is very freeing, Judy!
I loved this post…you put into words what I’ve only recently been able to understand for myself.
I’m finally settled with who I am in my home.
I’m a little bit different…and I’m ok with it!
Pat
It’s good to be a little bit different, Pat!
Well my home certainly is no designer home. LOL The only things that can be found in stores are what ever is “in”, maybe that’s why my things are from thrift stores and garage sales.
Me too, Dawn!
Nodding my head in agreement here. I do believe this just might be one of the best things about aging I now know what I like and don’t give a flip about the trends.
Oh, and I am very happy to know there is at least one place in blogland where I can safely say if I hear the word chevron (or see another room full of them) I just may jump off the Empire State Building. Ha, not really, but I do feel better having said that.
I feel better for you having said that, too, KIm!
There are others like me out there!! Thanks, Claudia – for this post. Like you, once I hear “everyone just LOVES this,” I find a reason [or I don’t] NOT to love it! I always thought I was just obstinate and ornery. Now I know others have felt this too – and that we are just simply marching to our own drummers! I really feel better about me today! :>)
PS – I’m a collector of “home” books – anything to do with the home [yep, I’m a Cancer]. Have 100s of cookbooks, decorating/organizing/home care books etc. And the smartest “decorating” advice I ever read in any of them reiterates something you wrote in this post. “If you really love it, get it – it WILL “go” with your other stuff and look right to YOUR eye in YOUR room. YOU are the one who needs to be pleased after all…” Have a great weekend and please give Scout a bellyrub for me. I just love Scout!!
I can’t afford to be trendy and I don’t like to have new things. So I stick with what I like. I’m me. Once people have noticed that you don’t care at all, it’s very liberating. :-)
Funny, was just thinking along these lines as I made the bed this morning. Mostly about how much has changed in my home decorating over the years compared to my parents home as I grew up. Back then we had the same furniture forever, well until my dad died and mother was able to replace the hefty sofa with one she could move………….and brother decided the ‘antique’ bulky oak dining room set would look better in his home, and replaced it with a modern lightweight Danish set, again moveable for an aging lady.
Yes, I know I’ve followed some trends, especially the white slipcover thing – but that’s because I don’t want to change my couch and chair – old but well built (unlike much of today’s offerings) and already re-upholstered twice, just nice to now have the covers to throw in the wash. My room gets no direct sun so the lighter look is good – yes, just like Scandinavia!
I think it’s the accessories that are being foisted on us – all these replicas of things – animal horns, coral sprays, resin mostly. The mags. and online offerings seem to put so much stock in those trends. I prefer the real thing when it comes to the knick knacks of life – like your vintage china and my finds from the French brocantes. Also, no parts from dead animals, real or fake, will ever adorn my walls of coffee table!
Great post Claudia – like you I never did drugs or jumped off the Devon cliffs (no bridge or skyscrapers in the neighborhood!), but admit I changed the wallpaper in my teenage bedroom OFTEN……….ah, the start of decorating with what I loved I guess!
Happy, safe travel today.
Love, Mary
Well said, Claudia! I’m so glad I have a dash of that “who cares” in me! I’ve always been drawn to the tried and true classic style with a little whimsy thrown in for fun! It’s all about what reflects you and your lifestyle…not what the popular trends dictate!
Claudia, This is a fabulous post. It’s sparked an interesting conversation. When I look at Pinterest and many of the so called “popular” blogs (the ones who hang out in packs and promote each other) I find that their homes all look VERY similar. I like quirky, whimsical and unexpected surprises. When I buy pieces or artwork, they have to mean something to me. I love things that tell a story. I buy some new things but they must speak to me. I love decorating magazines (especially the ones who feature vintage and re-purposed junk) I read cottage magazines simply for inspiration but I would NEVER want to copy a room!