Remember all the hype about Y2K back in 2000? The fear of the unknown had us all a-tither. We were concerned that all computers were going to crash therefore affecting every aspect of our lives. We would have no electricity, all traffic lights would go crazy, planes would come crashing out of the sky. It was the only New Year’s Eve I was able to stay awake to ring in a new year, a new decade and a new millenium.
Think back to how you decorated your home for the new millenium. The trend for 2000 was to organize your home and your life; get rid of all the clutter that had accumulated during the casual 90′s. Neatness and tidiness were all the rage. Furniture lines were tailored, mirrors and metal were in and the popular colors were white, lilac and gray. Sounds like we were going to be decorating for the Jetsons! But this was all before 911, the war and a new president.
Fast forward to 2010 and a new decade. Did you follow any of the above mentioned trends? Did the trendsetters adhere to their own advice? Interestingly enough, metal is experiencing a resurgence of popularity and purple and gray are still considered to be the new neutrals in home decorating so they got a couple of things right. But white has gone the way of much softer buttery and creamy whites for a softer look. Streamlined furniture may be in for some, but upholstered pieces, while not overstuffed, are covered in inviting fabrics like suede and chenille.
We enter this new decade in turbulent times and that certainly affects the way we decorate our homes. Forecasters are predicting that neutral colors will remain popular. They have a calming affect and make us feel safe. They can also save us money because they “go” with everything, eliminating the need to buy new items as trends change. For a mood lift, use the newly popular turquoise in accessories such as pillows or accessories. As times get better you can paint a wall in bright yellow or add a red rug to support your feelings of optimism. And the good news is that history shows us that times do get better so we all have something to look forward to.
While “trends” may perpetuate increased sales within the manufacturing/textile industry–due to the fact that “trends” are just that–fleeting predictions of color choices, so people are prompted to change their styles more often, and that is costly, the truth is that the neutrals have ALWAYS been popular with the more pragmatic and introspective type of personality. If something is balanced–whether it be in design elements, or fabrics or even a painting–people innately know it. They are all attracted to beauty, and that is timeless, never trendy. Making a room inviting in a simplistic, casual way is not only smart, it is a benefit to our senses of well-being. The 1970s were the worst years for interior renovations-the drab Spanish gold sinks, the olive shag carpets, the horrible ochre counters offered with the suburb ranch houses with three bedrooms so small you couldn’t even put a nightstand next to a queen bed, and only one bathroom. The truth is, it was not a “trend” at all–manufacturers offer what they believe will sell, and so the tail wags the dog. Trends are never followed in color schemes by the extremely wealthy…they have authentic reproduction fabrics made to re-upholster an antique chair or sofa..They ignore “trends” and stick to a sense of timelessness within the era they happen to be working with. High gloss formica was big in the 1980s and 1990s, and yet, as people age, they realize how difficult it is to keep those surfaces polished, and no matter what fabrics you use in a high-gloss environment, the gloss always moves to the forefront when the eyes scan a room, diminishing the beauty of a fabric. So I agree the neutrals are more popular, and it is because of pragmatism taking over the constant push to change everything..but since we all like changes in our environments, it is easier, more fun, and less expensive to change the drapes, curtains, window coverings, pillows, and art and accessories in a room than the entire suite of furnishings. I do notice a big increase in brown leather sofas and chairs–another foundation for wonderful fabrics, quilts and throws! We got a set for the family room by ItalSofa five years ago…for pragmatic reasons…and it was on sale..and then all of our friends and family did the same thing…they aren’t all the same style, but they are all some shade of brown or cocoa or tan, and leather–it was funny! They all like to change the accessories. I guess that is why. thank you.
I agree completely with heyoka. Believe it or not, I have a brown leather sofa and take the same approach to decorating with classic, neutral basics and the addition of fun pops of color with inexpensive and interchangeable accessories. Love the topic!
Heyoka
Wonderful feedback…you have given this topic a lot of thought. I agree with you on horrid seventies but we are seeing a resurgence in popularity of shag carpets, for example, just showing that everything old is new again!! Lets hope harvest gold appliances dont come back. As you said, classic and timeless never go out of style and trends just allow us to have a bit of fun with our interiors. Love the brown leather couch story…add a touch of turquoise and/or yellow to that sofa this year for a fun spring and summer pop. Thanks for visiting our blog and please continue to share your ideas.
Thanks, Sarah, for the input. Let me know if there are any other topics you would like to see covered. Would love to hear how you add fun pops of color to your rooms.