Trends? Psh.
It is the end of the year and every one starts rounding up the “best ofs” lists. I have been seeing a lot of lists of trend that people would either like to see more of or never see again. The lists made me ponder. I came to the conclusion that I do not care what is considered “trendy” or “in style”. I like what I like and could care less what others think. Actually, I think that I prefer things that were never in style (both clothing and home decor), because then it can never be considered out of style. Also, if I like something, it is because it speaks to me. It shouldn’t matter what list it is on. I change my mind all the time, but not based upon what other people believe is “cool”. I, personally, never fit into one category anyways, because I mix pieces from all different styles. There should be no rules when it comes to your own tastes and your own home. If you truly love it, go for it.
Whew. With that said, I will step off of my soap box and show you all a visual list of the things that I have loved this year. Not because they are trends or not, but because that was what was speaking to me this year. I hope some one can find this inspirational, but in no way am I saying go out there and copy every picture. (Would that make it a “trend”?) Here goes:
1. The first thing that I have loved this year is collections. They can be utilitarian or completely useless. To me, collections can be like art. Some people think that if objects don’t function, they just sit there taking up space, but I think they can be beautiful. Here is a group of cameras and a small group of stereos.
http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/look-framed-vintage-camera-collection-on-the-cheap-072111
Angela and Adam's Mood Change. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/chicago/fall-colors-2008-midwest/midwest-25-angela-and-adams-mood-change-066295
Graham and David's Modern Escape. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/2008-fall-colors-southwest/southwest-26-graham-davids-modern-escape-066631
3. This is a little strange for me, but this year I have love all clear, or acrylic, furniture. There are so many great pictures, but here is a gllimpse of one that I am wanting:
This one even contrasts well with the cabin decor. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/la/look/look-modern-cabin-071787
4. No matter what anyone says, I love love love both empty frames and leaning frames. I lean frames as opposed to hanging them all the time. Against a wall, on a desk, on the floor… Just a couple examples:
Damien and Rachel's Chromatic Casa. http://www.apartmenttherapy.com/dc/fall-colors-2008-east/east-56-damien-rachels-chromatic-casa-066516?image_id=28726
6. I am loving repurposed decor and furniture. I have always been a fan of old, vintage, or antique items, but it more recently has occured to me how great it can be to repurpose some items into new things in the home. Some of my favrite ideas below:
Mail box used for laundry. Patrick's World of Wonder. http://gallery.apartmenttherapy.com/photo/121808patrick/001h
This is a vintage sign remade into a sliding door. I'm sorry, but I do not find where the image came from!
7. I am also a fan of decorating in black and white. Don’t get me wrong, I love punches of color, but black and white can make a huge statment and go with so many additional colors. Some great black and white pictures:
I'm not sure where this picture came from, but it is gorgeous!
Penny Pincher
Gas prices have been falling. Prices on other consumer products still soar. Around here gas is $1.50 per gallon at most places. But, we can’t seem to afford those crazy groceries (ok, not really, but they are rediculous). I have been reading many ideas for penny pinching and doing with less. My favorite idea has always been ro reuse and repurpose. I love making old things new again. And, this way your home will never look like page 7 from some Pottery Barn Catalog. Not that I don’t like Pottery Barn, but I want things to make a unique whole. I love when the items that make up my home have stories of their own. In doing a little research for money saving in the hard economy, I came accross these posters. A project recently had artsists recreating posters from the Great Depression Era. I not only found the posters cute, but their messages inspiring as well.
Now, these have cheered me up for the day, but who is going to pay for those student loans hanging over my head?
I Love Cubbies
I can’t help it. I just do. I love cubbies. Or pigeon holes. I always have. It just feels like there is so much possibility for little hidden treasures. Or something like that in my grown-up house. I am on the hunt for some sort of funky retro display storage peice for my kitchen. I was thinking some sort of mail sorter or even a group of mail boxes. Or, maybe a library crad catalog would work. Or… there’s always something else. I have been hunting, so if you have any suggestions…maybe something like this:
Apartment Therapy featured this picture from Bits and Bobbins. http://bitsandbobbins.com/
Check This Out
I know, I know. Shameless plug, but it really is true. My brother just emailed me and sent me his new website address. He is about to graduate college with a degree in graphic design and art. He is an amazing artist (not just because I know him!!) And he has a great portfolio going. So go ahead…check it out!
Make Mine Eclectic 