What do Elvis and Home Decorating have in common?

Elvis would have turned 75 this year and there is still tremendous interest in the man’s life and music.  We all know about Elvis’ contribution to the music world and even the fashion world but what contributions did he make to the interior decorating world?  One visit to his home, Graceland, and you may be able to answer this question.

At first glance this house appears to be gaudy and pretentious.  But a closer look shows that the house was decorated in the style and colors popular in the early sixties.   Overlook the gilding and red velvet and you may be surprised to find that many of those design ideas are popular again today.  For example:

• The color yellow is used throughout the home from the soft yellow found in the living room to the vibrant yellow  bar in the playroom downstairs.  In 2009 the color yellow, aptly named Mimosa by Pantone, was a very popular color for home decorating.  The color blue is also used throughout the house and, lo and behold, the color of the year for 2010 is turquoise and related shades of  blue.
• The famous Jungle Room features hand carved chairs from Indonesia.  In today’s interiors, rustic and hand crafted items are very popular as are animal print fabrics.
• Graceland was decorated to accommodate a large family that gathered and ate together in the dining room and played together in the living areas.  Due to the state of today’s economy, many families are  now decorating their homes in a way that encourages and supports interaction with their families.
• Every room in Elvis’ home has several televisions and the latest electronic gadgets for the time.  Does this sound familiar?  Today’s homes also feature TVs in every room and enough electronic gadgets to fill a warehouse.  Not sure this is a good thing but it is the way of the future.

This article is a bit tongue-in-cheek but it is interesting to see how decorating and design trends come full circle.

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Animal Print Fabric: A sophisticated design statement

Animal print fabric has been a staple in interior design for many years.  These wonderful prints were originally introduced as upholstery fabric during the 19th century.  British colonists were travelling to different parts of the British Empire and discovering a new and relaxed way of life.  During this time the design style known today as British Colonial was born.  This style encompasses lots of dark wood, white walls and upholstery and touches of exotic animal prints.

The Art Deco era stretched over a twenty year period, from the 1920′s to the early 1940′s.  In contrast to the dark and heavy mission style furniture that preceded it, art deco design included lots of black lacquer, chrome, mirrors and geometric shapes.  Animal print fabrics were used on accessories such as small footstools or accent pillows, presumably to warm up the contemporary patterns and materials.

For today’s interiors, animal print can be found in rugs, upholstery fabric, accessories and even wall coverings.  It can certainly be used in a safari themed family room or a small child’s room but, used sparingly it adds a sophisticated touch to any room in the home.  For example, adding one small ottoman covered in a leopard print  adds a bit of whimsy to a formal room.  Edging a pair of drapery panels in a stark zebra pattern will add pattern and warmth to a contemporary space.  An animal print lampshade will give a home office some personality.

To find your inner animal step out of your comfort zone and try adding a touch of animal print in some accent pillows, a throw on the back of the sofa, even bath towels in the powder room.  Just remember, to avoid a “themed” room, a little of this print goes a long way.

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