"With a Laser-Like Focus . . . "

From here . . .  just beautiful 

Greetings,

One of the most amazing aspects of design these days is the almost un-ending variety of products and inspirations readily available on the market these days.  If you're a fan of clean, modern lines - there are a plethora of options of you.  If you lean more towards lush European design, you have numerous choices.

And I guess my thoughts keep turning towards the dark, mysterious concept of 'design trends.'  What are the current trends?  Should you follow them?  Or should you avoid them like poison oak along a hiking trail? (Can you tell I was hiking in Marin County over the weekend? lol)

Jonathan Adler, New York NY 

No matter what aesthetic you're drawn to - whatever it might be - it's all waiting for you at the end of a quick google search - or a quick call to your personal interior designer.  As someone that spends a goodly amount of my workday shopping for that *perfect* item - we designers love 'the hunt.'  But, I'm always amazed - when I start looking for something specific (antique books on French history or brightly coloured broadloom for a custom entry runner) - the market seems to be flooded with them.

Is it a trend?  Or am I just paying attention . . . 

Ralph Lauren Home, Le Grand Hotel Collection

I remember years ago - on a vacation in London over Christmas - that I wanted to find some simple silver flatware for my dining room.  I didn't care if it all matched.  As long as everything felt good together.  And maybe I could find a piece or two that was monogramed with a "W."

Nick Olsen, for House Beautiful 
(photography by Bjorn Wallander)

Well, once my eyes (and my over-caffeinated brain) had latched onto the idea, it seemed as if ALL of London had been alerted to my search.  Vendors were all brimming with glorious flatware.  I even found several small complete sets with a jaunty "W" emblazoned on them.  And vintage Asprey flatware made with stag horn.  Yes, to say that the day's search was a success is a bit of an understatement.  lol.

Christina Murphy Interior

So - I was sitting with one of my clients - working on a beautiful home here in San Francisco - and the topic of chevron patterned floors arose.  The graphic pattern could be perfect for the house.  Maybe for a rug in the master bedroom.  Or maybe even for an upholstery fabric for the antique chairs in the main living room.

Mary McDonald, Los Angeles

And one simple google search (and a quick Pinterest search) - and the world is almost littered with beautiful examples of chevron patterns.  On floors.  On dressers.  On chairs.  In bathrooms.  In bedrooms.  In kitchens.

Is it just a trend?  Or a classic?  Can you, at the same time, be 'on trend' without being 'trendy?'  Maybe in the end, who cares.  We're using them regardless.  Just as I wouldn't use something *JUST* because it's the hot topics in all the shelter mags - I would also never think of *NOT* using the perfect textile, or bath fixture, or wall finish - just because it is the hot 'darling' of the design crowd.

Trends come and go.  Design is long term.  And you can always buy a great new pair of jeans if you want to stay on trend.  lol.

Cheers,
Scot