Trend or Fad Show
What are the trends, fads and classics? How do you distinguish between them? We'll go through the 7 layers of design as it relates to today's trends and fads. .
A fad will last about a year. A trend can last from 1-5 years and can become a classic. And a classic will endure the test of time.
Trends are influenced by what's going around us. Things like the hotel design which last 10-15 years.
Fads include things like bread machines, mood rings, macramé, waterbeds, pet rocks, Rubik's cube, rotisseries,
Trends include things like fondue, the twist, pasta machines.
Classics include Elvis, Tony Bennett, classic rock music.
Guest
Lisa Roberts, author
Antiques of the Future
antiquestofthefuture.com
The first edition iPod is considered one of the antiques of the future.
As you're archiving the antiques of the future, what is the criteria?
I've created my own guidelines including items that the design industry
has said has noteworthy designs of today. They have won awards, have
been designed by designers of today or have been highly recognized in
the publishing industry.
So many of the objects in your book are items that people pass by
all the time.
There was a trend in the 80s of household designer furnishings. The
architectural industry was depressed so architects designed dinnerware,
tea kettles and such. People got excited.
Tell us about Michael Graves and his relationship with Target.
Michael Graves, a well-known architect, is known for products he designed
for Target. He designed a whistling bird tea kettle in 1985. It became
so popular, it's probably one of the most well-known designed household
item. Target was a mass-market store and by recognizing that design
had a commercial aspect to it and could separate their store from the
others. People would pay for the items. They asked Michael Graves to
design a line for them. He did a white toaster with a blue knob and
a yellow dial. And since it's no longer in production, it's an antique
of the future.
Tell us about the egg vase.
The way the vase was made was willing a condom with eggs to make the
shape of the mold. One of the things that makes an antique of the future
is humor in design. It's allowed the designers to have fun. The appeal
goes to the customer. It gives an entirely new dimension.
Look at the OXO line of the carrot peeler (technically called the Good Grip Swivel Peeler) with the oversized black rubber handle. They were originally designed for people with disabilities. But it has become part of the permanent collection at the Museum of Modern Art.
The Phillip Stark Lemon Juicer is like something from outer space. It has beautiful design and makes a mundane item a work of art. People view the most basic objects beautiful so people don't want to keep them under the counter.
Are there any lights?
A light called the Blow Lamp that looks like an electrified candelabra.
To turn it on you blow on it. The way it works is there's a sound sensor
hidden behind the candle. The blowing sound activates it.
The block lamp that's encased in a glass block is a faux block. It
looks like it has a full size lightbulb inside. You see an incision
on the lightbulb that's a night light. Part of the appeal is tricking
the eye.
7 Layers Defined by Trends
Layer 1 Paint and Architecture
We're seeing a trend back toward wallpaper, but textured rather than
patterned or prints. Digital imagery can replicate the look of grasscloth
without the texture or photo laminate wallpaper.
In paints, there's a trend toward low VOC paints or more awareness toward eco-friendly products. In the 50s high gloss paints were used on walls. Now, walls are usually painted with flat paint, unless it's in areas using water such as kitchens and bathrooms, then you should use eggshell finishes or semi-gloss.
Chocolate brown is very "in" right now. Seafoam green, orange and chartreuse as well as faux finishes are popular. Nature inspired colors are classics.
The other part of Layer 1 is Architecture.
Thick, unadorned molding is classic. Carved molding is out. It's important
because we attribute molding to our wealth and status.
Layer 2 Flooring
Intricate floor patterns are out these days but hardwood floors are
classic. Painted floors are coming back. They can be either a fad, trend
or classic. Because people couldn't afford marble, they painted the
floors. High gloss lacquer can transform floors in an amazing way. Dark
black floors are more of a trend.
Area rugs help define rooms in open floor plans. Rugs used as works of art on walls bring a completely new trend.
Peel and stick tiles are very easy to use. Many of the organic textures like slate and marble are now available in peel and stick tiles and look very real. They're quite acceptable today. They are a great alternative to expensive ceramics for younger couples starting out to cover up an unacceptable floor.
Layer 3 Upholstered Furniture
We're seeing smaller sofas coming back. And also the pit sofas or sectionals. You can move pieces of it around to make two or three conversation areas in the room. And the chaise lounge is coming back. The plasma TVs are no longer in large armoire cabinets but either on a low table or mounted to the wall. We're seeing the recliners chairs making way for smaller, more stylish chairs that may recline.
Padded headboards are making a comeback. There much more comfortable to lean against. And add architecture to the room.
Skirted furniture is non-gender specific and more tailored. It's more common to see two loveseats opposite each other for seating. Keep upholstered furniture simple, unadorned with texture. Top designers are using microfiber or ultrasuede. They're low maintenance and easy to care for. Rather than adding pattern to a room with a print, there are combinations of colors in sofas, either in the cushions or the trim.
Upholstered dining room chairs or slipper chairs are more comfortable than wooden ones. High back upholstered chairs in the dining room make Thanksgiving dinner a pleasure.
Ottomans provide extra seating and can also be used as coffee tables.
There are also smaller, more portable ottomans with storage.
Layer 4 Accent Fabrics
Technology has made more expensive fabrics available and more affordable.
Trends in window treatments are solid colors with vertical accent trim.
A really cool look is sheers with striped panels on either side of the
window. Straight lines in panels that don't puddle
Fewer prints are being seen. Throw pillows in solid colors on a leather
sofa provide the accent color without dating the look.
Trends in Country are away from gingham and tiny prints and more toward
huge checks or plaids in shades of one color. Even raw silk in silver
and taupe are a new country look. Animal prints are on the way out.
Layer 5 Non-upholstered Furniture
Hard surfaced furniture falls in this category. Bookshelves and coffee tables and armoires. The armoires are coming back into bedrooms and kitchens as pantries. Because of technology and plasma screen TVs, they're becoming the jewelry of the room. It's now being seen as a sign of luxury and is being hung on the wall. A better alternative is a sideboard with the TV up on a base. Clean lines away from carved wood unless you want the old world charm. Thick dark woods are coming back. Heavy simple ledges in dark woods are popular. Pedestal tables in an entry way with a large vase and huge flower arrangement are a great way to furnish these spaces. Several round tables in open spaces with seating for dining work better than one long table. Bar height dining tables are great for informal buffets. Or they're great for the morning cup of coffee.
Layer 6 Accessories
Layer 7 Plants and Lighting
Layers 6 and 7 are merging. The trend is to minimize accessories. Clean,
uncluttered surfaces are now popular. Lamps placed on tables are becoming
the only accessory on that table. Lamps are becoming sculptural pieces.
A wall sconce, table lamp and chandelier all match. They provide mood
and necessary function that makes rooms work. No longer is it considered
poor taste to have faux plants. Today's plants are very touchable. Placed
in a corner with uplights, they're becoming the monuments of open spaces
that make them work.
Blasts from the Past
Shag carpet
Black and white linoleum
Bean bag chairs
Blow up furniture
Gold and orange floral couches
Vinyl sofas
Ornate windows with swags
Door beads
Southwest fabrics with western scenes
Lava lamps
Black lights
Macramé plant hangers
School pictures in a line down the hallway
Awards and trophies
Water beds
Giant spool coffee table
Bricks and board bookshelf
Mirrors
Velvet paintings
Plastic couch covers
Handmade afghans
I've Got Mail:
Email Questions & Callers
We just moved into our home and are going crazy with picking colors.
We want to be bold and paint it a WOW color! We have decided on sherwood
green on the bottom of the rail and a lighter green on the top of the
rail, but are open to any color. What color should I stain the crown
molding and chair rail in my dining room? If we decide to paint it Sherwood
green on the bottom of the chair rail and the lighter green on the top.
I have a dark color dining room set. The dining room set is coming in
March 31.
A call from Rosalie from Wayne, NJ
The dining room set is called Northshore, a formal statement with turned legs and an arched top. The color in the living room is gold with the trim which is white mixed with a little of the gold. The ceiling is painted off white. Green is a good color to choose for the dining room, but be sure it's a dusty green, not a clear green or accent color. There's a chair rail around the room with wainscoting. Good idea to paint a darker green below the chair rail and a lighter version of the green above. As long as the colors are from the same paint strip, they will have the same hue value. Bring the color of the trim from the living room into the dining room to marry the two rooms together. I know you're concerned about painting the wainscoting and chair rail. Remember there is a lot of wood in the table. I'm afraid you're going to overkill the wood. I think visually it would be better to paint the trim. If you insist on white for the ceiling, use the same off white you used in the living. Better yet, use the gold color from the living room walls and paint the ceiling that color. That way you've cross-pollinated the rooms and connected them visually.
I just moved into a new home and need to paint by bedroom. I have
a bedspread that is the color of your paint Peas and Cream. I have chocolate
brown silk drapes that I would like to keep. Can you help me with paint
colors?
Sallie from Muskegon, MI
You have a blonde storage armoire in the room. The bed is pushed up against one of the windows. Extend the curtain rod the entire width of the bed and hang it at the ceiling to make it look like a headboard. Move the curtain rod up on the other side of the bedroom as well. Use Walnut Shell paint for the wall color which will bridge the chocolate drapes and the green. Paint the ceiling Peas and Cream. It's a subtle way to incorporate the color from the ground level up to the ceiling. You can have professionals remove the popcorn ceilings or paint it using a thick roller. By leaving the ceiling white, you're calling attention to it. If you need to add panels to the windows, it will make the windows look deliberate.
- Never buy paint on your first visit to the paint store. Your first trip is only to retrieve paint swatches. Take a week to make your decision. Go back to the paint store and don't waiver on your decision.
- Never make a paint decision in a room outside of the room you're considering painting.
- Never make a judgment call on a color you choose until all references of white are out of the room.
- If you're stuck for color choices you can live with, check out your wardrobe. Chances are if it looks good on you, it will look good around you.
- Keep jewel tones off the walls. They're accent colors.
- Try to avoid wallpaper pattern in the public spaces in your home. It will date the room. It's fine in bedrooms.
- Remember, it's only paint. It's the cheapest way to theme a room. By the time you add six more layers, how much of that color are you really going to see?