"2014 Design Trends in WSJ . . . "
Greetings,
As is often the custom, the new year brings up the conversation about what trends we should look forward to - and the ones we clearly look forward to leaving behind.
I had a chat one afternoon a few weeks back with David Keeps (of the Wall Street Journal) about this very topic - and I'm delighted to be part of this particular discussion.
Have a look at let me know your own thoughts about these "ins" and "outs." Personally, I can't see myself ever leaving behind proper window treatments - or joining in an "upholstered corduroy" movement - but, I always find the dialogue to be interesting.
You can read the whole list HERE.
Excited to hear your feedback -
Scot
Comments
Personally, I don't think anything is ever out if it is used in good taste and small doses. An overriding trend I've been seeing that's exciting is a return to valuing things that are unique and have history or a great maker story.
P.S. Let's add the terms "glamour" and "pop of color" to the out list for 2014:)
I like classic things of beauty that are collected over time to make a house a home. Browsing through Home Goods makes me almost sick.
(1) Quality ikat prints (antique, or Madeline Weinrib) will always be in, just like other classic Eastern/Chinoiserie elements like Asian screens and garden stools.
(2) Sheers are lovely, but formal window treatments will always be in. I'm not suggesting that we bring back massive, flouncy floral-print drapes, but why not massive, flouncy drapes in a down-to-earth fabric like seersucker or muslin?
(3) Macramé? Just no.
(4) Corduroy? Maybe on a banquette or study couch that will be re-upholstered in a year or two.
(5) Books as design elements are anathema to me as well. I was particularly insulted by a designer sawing vintage books in half to fill a dummy, shallow bookcase added to make a room symmetrical. That was in House Beautiful or Elle Décor spread this year, and I was shocked that the publication would allow such nonsense in its pages.
(6) So glad grey is on its way out, and hooray to nuanced, delicate color being in.
- Macrame - please no, my 90 year old m-i-l still has a macrame plant hanger I made her in the early 80's but I am not ready for a come back at all.
- white kitchens - well, I have dithered so long about updating mine that perhaps oak ones will come back into fashion before I do anything about it!
- books - a definite NO to just using them as an accent, particularly when the spines are hidden so they are definitely not there to be read.
- YES to leather / velum books & studies or libraries at home
- corduroy does not wear well & is only suitable for mens trousers
- sheer window coverings are lovely but really only suitable for rooms on to private gardens.
- I would still like to see more tartan / tweed which is timelessly classic
- deer & antlers are classic - I love mine as my ancestors were pioneers in Africa & they were part of my life (but the daughters are squeamish about real ones so I have to be content with faux ...) A little & interesting is always acceptable.
- I think the best houses are those with things collected 'with the same eye' & which mean something to the people who live there. I detest generic picture prints & a house here everything is just sourced from the high street. I love hearing the 'stories' behind what makes each home interesting. My great grandparents photos now grace my dining room walls - the 4th generation they have come to & they are a massive talking point & part of who I am ... that is what makes a house a home!
Glass sheers are poetic, dramatic criers of a summer storm, and an added layer of padding between a daughter's sweet lair and the outside world.
Venetian marbled paper, well, I can't say enough. I started making folios for my watercolors and 2013 saw these papers and their ilk push aside my easel and fill my studio.
May I say here how grateful I am to the WSJ and NYT for the great design reporting they currently offer? Happy New Year Scott!
I'm loving everyone's thoughts on this "ins & outs" chat. I'm gonna keep my eyes pealed for the first major shelter magazine image that has some macrame!
Keep your comments coming!
Scot
Funny, I found a macrame' plant holder I made in the 70's this fall and thought about putting a plant in it on my porch! I will in the spring!
Sorry, but I love my white kitchen!
For me - these conversations are more about what's driving the marketplace. I mean, I've ALWAYS loved brass . . . and now that it's coming back on trend . . . it'll be damn sure easier to find - lol.
S
My only complaint is that in the hot summer months, it seems out of place. I tend to toss more lightweight pillows around then. But there's still that nagging . . . what did I do?
So, corduroy? - Okay for most of the year. Macrame anything? - Nope.
Great article and post.
I declare to remain stylishly "out" and happy in 2014.
A New Year's toast to you Scott, I so enjoy your blog!
Regards,
R. Kimmel