Use of geometry. Circa 1950’s.

Use of geometry. Dining room designed by Sherrill Canet. Circa 2009

Hot or not?

In or Out?

Do or Don’t?

Is that too 80’s?

A couple weeks back, I was reading a blog which I am always amused by and check in with daily. The posting was about products and design concepts that the blogger was so over with! Garden stools, Moroccan poufs, industrial looking coffee tables to name a few were all put on the reject list. I laughed in amusement thinking only a couple weeks before I had installed a living room with the most fabulous red Moroccan pouf and a stellar industrial coffee table cart.

Was this living room so “out” then?

The weeks following, I kept discovering editorial concerning some product or design concept that was so over…There was an article in the Wall Street Journal stating that wallpaper is so yesterday. The writer was critiquing brightly colored floral motifs, grasscloth, and geometric patterns plastered to the wall. Instead embracing new idea… high lacquer walls! (Which are equally gorgeous).

I get that trends make the design world go round. Pick up Vogue or Elle in the fall and they are saying purple is the new “it” color. Chances are by spring, purple will be so yesterday and orange will be what you have to have in your wardrobe. Despite the fact that it keeps our checking accounts busy, there is value in trend following, it keeps fashion and interior designers on their toes and continually inspired to create things that the consumer will identify with.

But can we pause for a minute? Moroccan Poufs have been around since the 15^th century, chevron patterns can be seen in the oldest temples in India. These things which are so “out” are always historically relevant in my book.

What bothered me most about the blog posting is that design was being looked at with a critical eye instead of an open mind. Shouldn’t a good designer/decorator look at even what might be considered a hideous color or texture and find a use and place for it? Shouldn’t a good interior designer create a design scheme for a room and not be too concerned if something is in or out?

If a Moroccan pouf in a brilliant yellow will be the perfect nesting spot next to a fireplace and complement the design perfectly, then it should not be pushed aside because someone might think it’s passé. If a Chevron pattern carpet, which are very much “in” right now, is going to make that floor just scream with zest, shouldn’t we forget about the fact that it is being manufactured everywhere and use it for the design integrity of the space?

Why not all keep open minds and purchase and live with what we really love. Our interiors will look all the better for it. In the end, don’t you want your room that reflects you not this season’s “it” color? Our days are so valuable and I know all of us value time spent relaxing in our home’s as a top priority.

Make those spaces be a place you love. Go with what you believe, go with timeless design. Believe that you can create the house you want to live in…

Some “hot or not” items over the centuries…perhaps they are passé, I prefer to think of them all as classic…

Chevron Pattern

St. Micheal’s and All Angels in Stewkley, Buckinghamshire is one of the least altered of the 6000 Norman Churches in England dating as far back as the 11th and 12th centuries!

Miles Redd Interior

Nick Olsen’s DYI Chevron pattern carpet, I am seriously looking at my sisal carpet in my bedroom envisioning this!

Wallcoverings

Originating in Germany, Northern Italy and the Netherlands at the end of the 15th century, wallpaper was made one sheet at a time following the highest standards of graphic printmaking. Wallpaper became to be mass produced in the mid 19th century.

I have always loved the graphic quality of this Mary McDonald Breakfast nook.

Moroccan and Kano Poufs

Kano, a city in Northern Nigeria has long been known for it’s leatherwork. Poufs, made of tanned goatskin were made here and sent abroad from about 15th century!

Greek Key

Whoever first thought and put to paper this classic design was brilliant. It holds it’s own in any interior.