Repeat Offender #1: The Keep Calm and Carry On Poster
The “Keep Calm and Carry On” poster has become the “Hang in There” kitten of the decade. I recently learned the history of the poster, which was introduced by the UK during WWII to boost morale. As much as I appreciate the bold graphic and charming backstory, the poster has become so ubiquitous it now shows up on coffee mugs and in parody version.
Image via knowyourmeme.com
Repeat Offender #2: Chalkboard Paint
When I look through the magazines (online and off) I see gorgeously styled rooms with entire walls covered in chalkboard paint. Oftentimes someone has taken the care to beautifully hand letter a pastel alphabet schoolhouse style. I see refrigerators paneled in chalkboard, spelling out enticing menus of French bistro style cuisine. Yeah {sigh}. I like the idea in theory, and in theory I would also like to have a personal chef to prepare that French menu for me. But what I don’t like is the chalk dust. Because you know, in real life, that is going to be a hot mess.
Wouldn’t it just be easier to pull up the gazpacho recipe on Epicurious? Image via teamsterlingrealty.wordpress.com.
Refresh this trend: A writing surface is a practical necessity in many rooms of the home. And I’m all in favor of encouraging kids’ creativity by providing a variety of art supplies. Perhaps even a small, discreet chalkboard tucked into some inconspicuous spot, preferably not adjacent to food. Or better yet, sidewalk chalk that stays outdoors. You can create a family “information center” a number of ways: using a corkboard, a magnet board, or even a large calendar. If a wipe-able surface still seems appealing, did you know you can use dry erase markers on glass and mirrors? For our own weekly menu of mainly re-heated Trader Joes entrees, I like to use a small notepad that has a magnet on the back, posted up on the fridge. Like the menu, it’s not fancy but it works.
Repeat Offender #3: Fake French Accents
I love Paris as much as the next girl (or guy). Paris is romantic, Paris is chic. But somewhere along the line someone got the idea that the word “Paris” or an Eiffel Tower image, or just some random French words emblazoned on a faux-grainsack throw pillow or lamp was ne plus ultra chic. J’adore French style, but this approach is so trite and literal it has me feeling like I just ate one croissant too many.
Now, if instead of Paris it said “Novosibirsk”, then I think this would be far more interesting. Image via lessthanperfectlifeofbliss.blogspot.com.
Roughly translated, this lamp says, “The Small Cake Pastry Shop”. Unfortunately the lamp did not come from a pastry shop, or from France. Can you imagine the reverse of this? You go to France and see a lamp that says “Dunkin’ Donuts”. Yeah, I don’t think so. Image via shadesoflight.com.
Refresh this trend: Home accessories can, and should, speak to the places we love and aspire to travel. There are entire coffee table books devoted to French decorating, if that’s your thing. Take a look at the colors, textures, and materials you see in those quintessentially French rooms and aim to bring them into your own space. Consider art photography, with images of the special places you’ve been or hope to visit. Also consider that France is not the only option when it comes to regional style. There are many other countries with interesting style traditions you might like to emulate.
Repeat Offender #4: Ikat
I feel bad about this one. I love ikat in all it various colors and patterns. It was fun and global and fresh… until it was not so fresh. Kind of like that Gotye song that sounded so cool and hip the first 27 times you heard it, and then it was everywhere – at the mall, at the Olympics (one gymnast used it for her floor routine), and it became your grandmother’s ringtone. Ikat is an ancient form of weaving color and pattern into fabric, and is traditional across many parts of the world, including South America and central and southeast Asia. Today ikat fabrics and ikat-style prints are on everything from sofas to ladies’ skirts.
Ikat take it anymore! I suspected ikat had jumped the shark when it showed up on the “free gift with purchase” bag from Estee Lauder.
Refresh this trend: Ikat’s shelf life is quickly running out, so I would strongly discourage any large investments in this look. A throw pillow or some cocktail napkins at most should be sufficient to get in on the trend. To get that global style, focus on natural materials like jute, shell and bamboo and add a pop of color with a bright woven basket or exotic art print. And for an ikat alternative, consider African wax prints, Indonesian batiks, or Japanese kimono fabrics to provide color, pattern and an international flair.
To me, the absolute best, most fun thing about decorating a home is the chance to express one’s own personal style, and there are infinite ways to do that without jumping on the trend bandwagon. But I hope my dear readers will take my points as they are intended, a bit tongue-in-cheek, and no offense if you have decided to cover every surface in your home with chalkboard paint. Actually, THAT would be cool. I just wouldn’t want to be the one to clean it.