From the comments section of yesterday’s post about the DIY Draper chests:
I have a question for you…
I am currently redecorating my living room and dining room. I decided to go with a 70’s British bachelor pad inspired look. Sort of a well traveled look with some Kuba cloths and other ethnic textiles for art. Lots of navy and gray.
Then I looked at this Draper project and realized I am still in love with Hollywood Regency. I am not too far into things to make the switch. It’s just that things like x-benches, Chiang Mai (love and have been holding onto a piece for a while now), chevron, painted furniture, and so on…seem so done now.
Are we too exposed to design? I love my blogs, especially yours (very honest unabashed flattery), but are we over-exposing ourselves (Keep Calm Carry On)? This is something I have been wondering about for a while now. It seems like once I finally get to taking on a project (making ikat drapes now), it starts to seem cliche.
Do you think we are moving too fast with interiors, or do you think we are moving in the right direction where anything goes. Sort of like fashion, you can still wear your skinny jeans or flares. When you start a new project do you agonize over doing something new, or do you just go with what you love at the time even if the idea has been seen?
House Beautiful
Just two days ago I was brainstorming with my mom an idea for my apartment when I nixed the project we were discussing because I felt like it had already been done on blogs or in magazines. I think we both realized how silly that sounded as soon as I said it. Why wouldn’t I do what I really love for my space regardless of whether or not a version has been done before?
I feel like it’s especially tricky as a blogger. If I put up a picture of campaign dressers (which I love), I’ll usually get one or two anon commenters talking about how campaigners are so over and so boring to them. And here’s the tricky part – we look to blogs and magazines for inspiration, for fresh looks, so I can understand in a way why the commenters are annoyed. They’re saying – “Yup! Got it. We know campaigners are/were cool. But what’s next?”
NYT
Are we oversaturated with design trends as bloggers and blog readers? Totally. I have hundreds of blogs in my Reader and sometimes I feel like I’m seeing the same thing over and over again. So I’m there with you.
But I also think it’s easy to forget that most people in the world don’t read design blogs. Most people don’t really know about ikat or suzanis or lacquer or lucite the way we all do. It’s crazy to think that someone is discovering a Keep Calm poster for the first time today!
A neighbor stopped by my house a few months ago, noticed my ikat skirted console table and said – “I love your decorating style…but what is that funky fabric on your console table? Crazy!”
And then just a few weeks ago I was meeting with a client here in the city, who reads my blog and who is a blogger herself, and she told me how much she loves ikat but feels like she can’t have it in her home – like it’s too expected now or something.
NYT
Are we decorating for ourselves or for our design-conscious friends (or blog readers)? Every time I feel like some of the sparkle of decorating is wearing off, I realize it’s because I’m over-thinking it or worrying too much about what other people will or won’t like. Unfortunately I think that comes with the territory as a design blogger. Still, don’t let yourself fall into that trap. If one in a thousand visitors thinks your decor is dated because you love your Chiang Mai pillows and the Keep Calm poster, don’t sweat it. Guaranteed the other 999 will wonder where you got them.
Maybe it’s time we take a collective chill pill about decorating and see it all for what it is and should be – a fun way to express yourself and your style.
What do you say?
PS Have you been watching Portlandia? Shell art is OVER! Seems so appropriate for this post.
PPS All the Miles Redd images above feature ikat chairs, which I love and think I might go ahead and do in my house, even though they have been done before. :)
I am a new blogger on , guess what? design! There are a lot of blogs on design, and a lot of the content is the same. I am trying to have a more masculine look to my blog and trying to help guys, or anyone, who is a little design challenged try to figure out what style they would like to go with and how to get the look.
I think your comment to your mother is funny too. Only people that read and look at EVERYTHING to do with design would think ikat is so done. Most people could care less and if they saw your place would think that you have great style. If you love it, go with it. I could care less what people think about my crazy style, and if someone comes in my home and says, 'that's so done' they don't need to be there right? ;)
As a hardcore Beatles fan, I've learned to wholly embrace that which is popular. You can't deny Lennon's genius, just because your aunt bought herself a yellow lamp too.
You get what I'm saying.
(Love your blog for posts like this one. Getting all "meta" and dropping Portlandia references? Perfection.)
Amen! I say (per the probably over-circulated quote), "what you love is never truly out of style."
Love your blog.
amen sista'. I REALLY needed to hear that :)
Well said!!!! If you love it then go for it, does it truly matter in the grand scheme of things? Nope!
I love this post. I think that true originality is doing/wearing/decorating in a way that one likes in spite of trends and the opinions of others. Even when what one likes is perceived as already having been done or over done.
Over the years I have gathered a few trendy pieces and moved out many other trendy pieces. Yes, the beaded Pottery Barn lamp shade is over a decade old, but I like mine. And it now belongs to a group of select items that make my personal style unique. In my opinion, true maturity is enjoying trends, but not judging others for liking things I don't care for.
I'm a newbie to the blogging community and I am not a designer, BUT the majority of the blogs I read are design blogs. Why? Because I want to learn, see new things and be exposed to everything from crafty DIY projects to ikat and draper chests! Design blogs are my escape and have helped me with decorating projects around my own house.
Great post! I agree that a design blogger or design blog reader, we are over-exposed to certain design trends. Or should I say 'exposed' – I think we forget that the general population doesn't read these blogs the way we do and so what you might think is overdone in blog-land is actually still really unique and interesting in the real world.
I think I definitely do certain things for my readers. I learn most things about design online and so when I find something that bloggers have introduced me to, I get so excited that I have to buy it/use it/post about it.
I don't think it is what the point of a design blog is but I kind of liken it to that scene from the Devil Wears Prada where Meryl Streep explains the trickle down effect of high-end design.
I am definitely at the low end of the trickle and am greatful for the wonderful designers like you who think up the wonderful ideas that I can try to implement in my own home :-)
I totally agree! sometimes i feel like i'm seeing the same things over and over and it feels so stale. time to take a step back and realize in your gut what you truly love to step into daily
In Dramatic Fashion
It is so interesting that you bring this up, now! My very sweet boyfriend just got me a "Keep Calm and Carry On" print for Valentine's Day. At first I didn't like them because I had seem them so much, but then I read the story behind them! And I had to have one!!! (I'm a history teacher who once lived in London, so they're origin is totally ME!!!) My boyfriend paid attention to my chatter while reading blogs one day and went out to Z Gallerie (my favorite store!) for one a couple weeks later. Making it a totally wonderful, surprise but also something I wanted, gift!
This weekend, I had a party and got tons of compliments on my print. Some from people who had never seen it before, and some from people who had seen it, but didn't know about its history (total conversation piece!)
So, in summary, I think you're right. It's all about what makes you happy! Who cares if it makes a lot of other people happy too?!?!?
I always feel like the moment I get a project done I'll find one I like better, then I think I'll regret the first project. Really I end up doing nothing at all because I over think it.
I used to be a blog junkie, but I've gotten so busy this is the only one I still read. I need my daily fix of LGN before work. It keeps my brain on the creative track for the day. : ) Even if something isn't "new" to the design world doesn't mean it can't be shared. Even the slightest difference or different take on a piece makes a completely new look. Example, I wasn't a fan of campaign furniture until I saw the picture of one with bun feet. I am obsessed with finding an old piece to fix up and put feet on it.
I adore the styles in this post.
Love your blog.
rivaflowzDOTcom
I love this post…I am totally new to blogging and almost didn't do it becuase it seemed like it's all been done, why would anyone read what I have to say when so many are analyzing a lot of the same things…but my husband and friends reminded me that we all have our unique perspectives and it's not all about everyone else, it's about what gives you fulfilment.
oh my gosh, thank you for this post. I thought it was just me feeling like that… I'm fairly new to the design blogger world and already feel like I gotta keep up! And you're right, at the end of the day I just want to do what I like in my own house
I love this post! I am new to blogging and almost didn't bother becuase I felt like there were so many saying/posting/show casing the same things but I was reminded that it's not really about what everyone else is doing or saying it's about what is fulfilling to you.
Chiming in with everyone else to agree on what & great and timely post. I remember mourning aloud the demise of Domino magazine to some friends. Every single one of them had NO idea what Domino was! (Which is probably why they folded.)
I love seeing the same items again and again! Often depending on where or how I saw it I might not have noticed an item or even many times – don't even like it at first. It's that 50th time I see it used in a way I couldn't see before, that I go – wow, yeah, I actually do like that! Or if I do like it at first glance, it's just plain fun to see the same item used in so many unique spaces and how they made the piece theirs. As far as being overexposed I don't think there is such a thing, at least not for me. Everyone is inspired by different things at different times and we're always coming up with alternative ways to use or present the same items. I love the challenged creativity of using a common piece in a fun new way! It reminds to think more out-of-the-box when looking at my own everyday items. I also love seeing things used in the classic ways that we love, like the way comfort food makes you feel all warm, fuzzy, and happy inside, the tried and true designs do much of the same with my creative mojo. So for me I love it all. And truthfully, I think if you love design in general, you can't get overexposed!
I question this daily when I'm in my little blog reader world. I get too overexposed to one item and then I start rolling my eyes whenever I see it.
But then I'm somewhere unexpected, maybe in a grocery line and an older woman in front of me has an ikat covered wallet and it's in such a random place and I realize we have something in common. It feels like we're in a secret good taste club or something.
And I kind of love it.
Loved the post! Everything is so true!
Thanks for continuing this conversation, Jenny!
We are exposed to a lot through blogs and online magazines but it's more about what we do with the influx of information. I believe this is actually a bigger idea since we live in a world of technology… where we need to make responsible choices not only about the things we choose to apply to our lives or in our homes, but also where to draw the line… when to step away. When ideas and information move so fast we try desperately to keep up but ultimately become engulfed in the novel, shiny, so-called brilliance that keeps churning out over and over. I believe you have to take the control back. Just like we shop with a critical eye, we must do so with technology as well.
I believe we should surround ourselves with the things we love. And "love" does not always nor should it mean "popular."
It will be interesting to see where this all goes! xo
Yesterday, I started to write a comment and it was so long I turned it into today's post for my blog – http://covetdujour.blogspot.com/2011/02/oped-saturated.html
Jenny, thank you for opening up this discussion!!
"Why wouldn't I do what I really love for my space regardless of whether or not a version has been done before?" – SO true!
When I was 23, I remember standing in my closet. I really wanted to wear something, a black merino Italian sweater lined in fur – something that I loved – and I heard that voice, "Darlene, you will be SO overdressed. No one else is going to wear anything like that to this event."
Then, I heard another voice: "… wear what you LOVE. It is you. Be who I made you to be."
For the record, I love trellises and quatrefoil. They are overexposed, but who cares: I LOVE them.
For the record, I hate Ikat. It is the hottest thing, but who cares: I Hate it.
I would encourage everyone to just listen to yourself, and pay attention to the things you have always been drawn to. Be who you were created to be.
Great post, Jenny!
-{darlene}
fieldstonehilldesign.com
Oh, how I love this post. I identify and am constantly thinking of how I don't want to redo anything that's been "done" but the problem is it's ALL been done, and that's a lot of pressure to put on yourself. You have to find some space where you allow yourself freedom to choose, for yourself and clients, what you truly love. Bravo!
P.S. Love Portlandia–the "Put a Bird on It" clip fits this theme too!!
You've said a mouth full. I agree that a lot of what we see on the blogs are done over and over. I am guilty of reproducing projects, using paint colors and fabrics seen in blog land. But, the fact that it may be "done" doesn't stop me from doing it. It's my home, I use/copy what I want to surround myself in and I live here so I want to enjoy it. You made a good point, everyone who has come into my house has a new awakening to what I have done. To them it's not "done", it's brand new!
If I ever start a design blog of my own (and I won't!), it will be called Off Trend, as I get so tired of looking at the same oh-so-trendy styles and designs. Here's my test:
– Does it reflect or continue a well-established tradition? (looking for a "yes" here)
– Is it over-styled, copied in concept all over the place, but only recently? (looking for a "no")
– Is it something that on-trend people have identified as a must-have, but only for the last six months? (no)
– If I had seen it five years ago, would I have embraced it as beautiful or interesting? (yes) Or is it so new, and so tied to a new aesthetic, that it would have looked odd? (no)
– Is it wry or sarcastic? (definitely no)
Personally, I'd much prefer to err on the side of an overly familiar but well appreciated, timeless look (e.g. I still like real ikats and antique suzanis) than jump on a new bandwagon that actively rejects tradition (e.g. most plastic furniture, mirrored chests, industrial chic). I don't want dusty or stodgy, but if I'm going to make an investment, I want to feel confident that I won't think it's ugly or outdated in a couple of years. And I'm equally interested in avoiding two things: looking like everyone else and going out of my way to avoid looking like anyone else.
I love your blog and read it daily. I also love the range of responses you've gotten to your question!
Do what you love and you will never be disappointed is my feeling….
I think making a HOME for our family is key !!!!!
Also don't you think that we all copy to some extent, just the nature of the beast….
Love your style and your blog….
Sorry I have been MIA, life sometimes gets in the way of blogging….
All the best,
Kathy :)
I have no idea what half of those words you used in the post were, yet i still love reading this blog and getting new (to me) ideas. Thanks :)
So funny. I've been having the same dilemma. About ikat no less. And yes, nobody I know knows what ikat is.
Such an interesting thread! I love checking design blogs and my home is far from being "designed" but living in a country where beauty is not much valued (post communism) I value the daily viewing of beauty they provide me. We cannot escape having our taste influenced by "trends" but unless we redecorate our homes every year we're safe from uniformity. Also I think beautiful is beautiful and it is normal for people to agree to that at the same time when something new yet beautiful is on the market no? BTW I have a "keep calm" poster I bought online and smile each time I see it years after I found out about it on a design blog! Don't know anyone in the whole country who has one! I live in Sarajevo!
We are totally over-exposed but that's always been the case with trends – all the design mags used to feature the same things, but now blogland just seems to make it even more so.
I decorate with what I love. And typically don't put a lot of money into trendy stuff. I may introduce an ikat pillow or a chevron rug, but won't go as far as to upholster furniture in these "trendy" fabrics because I know I'll tire of them. Keep the big things classic and then switch out with inexpensive accessories to get the feel without spending on something you'll grow tired of quickly.
great post! :)
I think someone may have already said something similar, but I think the Keep Calm and Carry On poster is the perfect example that, at least for me, reminds me to be true to myself. I've seen that poster EVERYWHERE, like everyone else, but it was a couple of months before I even knew the meaning and history behind it (The British government produced the poster during WWII, but it was never used. Then 60ish years later it was discovered and instantly part of the public domain.) So some people won't like it because it's overused. Others will like it because they like the neat story behind it. And another group likes it simply because of the powerful message… as indicated by the number of people who "instantly" love it, before they realize how popular it is. I love it for both the story and the message, and while I don't have one hanging in my home YET, I'm wouldn't rule it out in the future simply because so many people have displayed it before me.
Whew! Thank you for this post! I think that those of us like you, who log in to our blog reader as part of our everyday, are totally overexposed to design- it's a great thing and it's a horrible thing. It feels great when we are discovering new ideas and emerging trends, but like the Keep Calm poster- ugh. I even become embarrassed at trends that are in my home that are overdone on the internet, so sad! When people visit my home physically, they often comment on how unique our style is- but online, I feel like a fraud – the globes, the typewriters, the glove molds – is there a trend that I don't jump on?
Thank you for sharing that we should just follow our gut and decorate with what feels right and good to us, who cares what is of the moment online or in real life! Cheers!
Great post : ) I think a key part to designing your own space is knowing what you want in the first place – something fun, something calm, a space where you can work or relax? From there, go with what you want! I love when I see spaces that use different styles of design to create a unique room. But then I love seeing rooms that are one style, gone all out. I don't see the problem with using something that is so 'done' if you love it and it makes you feel at home.
Thanks so much for posting this – I think everyone needs to take a step back sometimes and remember to love a space because it's made up of what they love – after all, it's their place.
Thank you Jenny for posting this, and giving such great advice.
I had to sit and think about it for a day and get through all the comments,but I think I have made my own peace with the issue.
I think people forget how different things were when we only had magazines and books to inspire. Of course trend moved slower, but now we have so much freedom.
I am going to move in my owm undefined direction and love it. I remember when I first discovered your blog and I was shocked at the way you mixed colors. Until then I only saw designers pick the 3 predominant colors from a piece of fabric and go with it for a whole room. In other words, you went in your own direction and that is why it works so well.
I love design blogs and then I decide what design to incorporate into my own life! I think it is the same in any business. I own a small gifts business and feel that people are sick of the items I offer but then when I remove one everyone notices and begs for its return!
Yes it is all overexposed and yet when I see it in a different way I am once again reminded how much I love it!
It's like Carrie and her friends speak of cosmopolitans in SATC2 … they order them and then wonder why they gave up their favorite cocktails. They stopped drinking them because everyone else started! We must do what we like for ourselves!
xo mpm
Yes! Portlandia! Their "Put a bird on it" clip has really made me think twice about all the bird-embellished things in my life. So hilarious!!
I haven't read all the comments yet but hope to get to that. My two cents: I have really come to love and respect classic design. Neutral big pieces and patterned/trendy accents and accessories that can be switched out easily. I do get tired of big, patterned things super fast, so it just makes sense to me to be more practical and use timeless big pieces mixed with fun/quirky/unexpected/inexpensive smaller pieces.
Decor is like fashion and hair – it will always be fast-moving, but eventually it'll make its way back around. We recycle it. Just today I heard that the shag hairdo is back. Huh? It's so funny how this stuff works.
This is an issue which I've been thinking a lot about too. The world of fashion moves at lightning speed. But that doesn't mean I change my wardrobe every three months. I wear the clothes I love and which make me feel good. It's the same with design. For me, it's about finding what I like and sticking with it.
Amen sister! Do what you love and let everyone else simmer down now.
Thank you for this post. I have been thinking a lot about how in 2011 as a whole, people have so much more access to information more readily, and a lot of times choose to not take part. For example, the news, there is up to date everything on whatever you are looking for online. Especially Blogs. Everyone has an opinion that they share, or that they want to share. Design blogs are not immune to that and because we are such visual people, we can overdo something simply by the sheer factor that we like to look at it!
Personally in my own home it does not get used unless I am in love with it. Like the kind of love that I want to use it until the day that I die. The kind of love that my kids have to treat things nicely all the time. The kind where something gets ruined and I am sad ( not to tears with the majority, they are still just THINGS). I like ikat, but I don't LOVE it, so it hasn't been in my home. I like lucite, but I don't LOVE it, and it has yet to make an appearance.
Thank you for bringing this to our attention as a blogging community, and for being willing to take on the trend overload.
I really, really, REALLY needed to hear this. As a blogger, I do struggle with designing for what I love and coming up with something that is new and fresh and totally something people will fall in love with. I'm redecorating my bedroom now and really want a french country feel, but it's not really what's "in" now. I decided to do what I wanted to do and not feel pressured by the trends, and your post validated that feeling. Thanks so much (and thanks to the reader who originally asked the question)!
Okay I have only been blogging for two months and I have been feeling and thinking everything you just said- this post was so relevant and timely and I just loved it. It's also funny because I put up an Ikat window shade and lined a drawer in the same Ikat fabric and thought the exact same things you were just mentioning.
So yea, you really have to do what you love because only you live in your home, not your Followers. But on the other hand if you are trying to promote your blog in such a way that is cutting edge/design-heavy then you kinda have to keep up with the trends.
So I think it depends on what your purpose is for your blog, is it a lifestyle blog or a design blog? Who knew blogging would be this thought-provoking! Again, great post.
Fantastic post! It got me thinking about trend overload and how it relates to slow design, so I wrote a post about it. My take is here: http://sustainableslow.blogspot.com/2011/02/on-trends-and-slowness.html
I just moved into a new house and I'm having the same issues w/ decorating. Totally overexposed. I like so many styles and have for years, kwim? It is tough for me to put my finger on what exactly I love, even though this is the third house we've owned in 10 years.
Hah! if this answers your question–I have no idea what a campaign dresser is (but now will google to see) and had never once heard of ikat until your post (and wondered at first if it were an Ikea typo). And I am not completely design-ignorant, really…but I only read one or two style/design blogs (and now maybe three!).
I think blogs help with the decline of the shelter magazines, which I really miss (though my wallet doesn't). But while I am not the person just discovering Keep Calm today, I am happy to learn about ikat and campaign dressers. And what a lesson in doing what works for you, right?
I think everything can fall in that overexposed category! I try to ignore it! Do what you love, what is right for the space, your style, what your clients love and let the rest think what they want! Who cares!!!!!?
In/out is a whole load of BS! Excuse my French!
xoxo V.
This rings so true to me. I had to teach a cleaning/organizing class at church. I "styled" the table and hesitated bringing my "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster because I thought everyone would be so.over.it. I brought it anyway and decided the table did look better with it. I had soooo many women come up and ask me about it. NO ONE had ever seen it before! A room FULL of women. So go with what YOU LOVE. IT IS YOUR HOME. Don't take the joy out of that trying to fulfill someone else's expectations. (btw: I ordered the KCACO print from England after I saw it on Rachel Ashwell's website 3 years ago for $300. I framed it myself and saved a bundle. Then I saw it everywhere. Oh well, I still love it)
This is a great post! I truly feel that nothing anymore is truly an origonal idea. Every thing has been done before and is coming BACK with just the slightest twist to it. All the same colors exist now that did then….just maybe a different hue or saturation (and a new name). But YES, I have fallen into that trap that I get so worried what my friends will think (USUALLY b/c I think a little outside of the box) rather than remembering that Yes, my style is a LOT bit colorful! But that's me, and that's okay!
I totally think we're so over exposed that we easily tire of classics and start second guessing decisions. I've started doing that with my design work – wondering if I'm doing something current or simply cliche. Excellent and thoughtful post!
Came to your blog via: http://livebreathedecor.com
My friends aren't bloggers and don't know anything about the Chiang Mai fabric that I wish I could afford and whilst I am so 'over' the keep calm posters, they have no idea what I'm talking about. I see some design ideas repeated in 'the internet world' but only some trickle into the 'real world' and even then they're changed to suit that persons style (and budget). If anyone wants to give me a set of bamboo chairs; I would love you and I would be confident that I am the only one out of family & friends that owns them………… but that's irrelevant really. Would I really care if they did have them? No. :)
*Great blog!
elecatcreations.blogspot.com