Friday, November 13, 2009

Random thoughts on trends.

A comment on the below post got me thinking... it read something along the lines of ghost chairs going out of style. It got me thinking about trends....

I've never been one on trends, I'm someone who buys pieces (clothing, furniture) that can last me years style wise. I still wear some items from high school. When skinny jeans first came out as trendy, I hated them. But then companies like J.Crew and Banana created versions that are classic and fits any body type and will be in style for decades:


{j.crew's matchstick jean}

I think the ghost chair is similar to this... it took a trend from the 80's that went out of style then came back in style.



And compiled it with a silouhette that will never go out of style (louis chair).



And for that reason, they are chairs that I will never fall out of love with.

Ghost chairs have been around since 2002. That's 7 years... maybe that's short lived for a "style"? I'm not sure. Maybe they are going out of style? I'm not sure of that either. It's sort of like the housing market.... has it bottomed out? No one knows.

But what I am trying to say is, when designing your home and when using a designer, do not pick items because they are in style. And don't disregard an item because you think it is going out of style. Pick things that you love. Not just because they were in a magazine or on a blog. I mean really really really love. Because when you surround yourself with things that you love, then trends really don't matter.

Here is another picture I just love featuring the ghost chairs, and I think really shows how beautiful they are even in rustic settings:



I have one more thought. I've said it before and I'll say it again. I never spend much money on things and I always try my best to find the best deals. This is insurance in case I fall out of love with something, then I'm not monetarily obligated to it. That is why I recommend the ghost chair replicas on Overstock.com, two chairs for $330.

[and a side note to Laura - if you don't love the ghost chair, we will find something else just as great :) ]

17 comments:

  1. I agree with you about the ghost chair. I don't think its going anywhere anytime soon b/c it marries a contemporary look with a traditional shape. But as you imply, if you love a particular piece of furniture, the trend doesn't really matter.

    That said I have to disagree with your philosophy when it comes to renovations. I think its important most people think about what might look dated when doing any kind of long term installation like tiles or fixtures. There are few trends that were huge a few years ago that look very dated now. Its hard to predict what those things will be but I wouldn't suggest anyone disregard that idea. Its just too expensive to redo and hard to hide. Better to pick materials that have stood the test of time or aren't popular enough to be pegged to a time period. At least thats my take on it.

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  2. Mrs. Limestone - I COMPLETELY agree with your comment about renovations, that's for SURE! Simplicity is key when it comes to reno's. Smart financial decisions trump trends in my book.

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  3. Even though the ghost chair blends contemporary with tradition it is EVERYwhere which is why I think people label it as trendy.

    And even though it is a traditional shape, it is by no means a traditional piece, which is my personal definition of something that is timeless.

    While it might have been around for several years I think it's pandemic popularity will eventually die down.

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  4. i don't think you are wrong about the ghost chair...IN FACT! i remember domino? instyle? some well respected magazine doing a feature on what design/furniture/style/clothing pieces would never go out of style and they specifically featured the ghost chair as something that would be a collector's item in years to come. so keep rockin' on with the ghost chair!

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  5. I agree with you 100%! Especially about not worrying if something is too trendy or not. I've done this with quite a few things and they always make me smile years later because I know they're so "me"! Great post Bryn! :)

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  6. a chair like that will never go out of style. it might fall out of favor for a while but to ME whatever is around replacing that ghost chair is the trend you want to stay away from.

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  7. I've got the Overstock chairs! They are great :)

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  8. I love this, very well said! Either way let us know what Laura and you pick :)

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  9. I love the ghost chairs, too, and I think they're here for a while longer. Cote de Texas shows them on the set of the new Meryl Streep movie ... in a bathroom! I love the contrast of the chairs next to a cast iron tub.

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  10. Why don't you post all the comments, for or against? I noticed my comment got deleted!

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  11. I agree that if you love something, whether it's a trend or not, one can make it work in their space for a long time to come. I've also been hearing that the blue-green color is a trend, but I love it, it's one of my favorite colors, I've been using it for years and will probably use it for years to come.

    I think that rooms look dated when everything in the room can be identified from one period. Personally, I think the ghost chairs look fabulous paired with a farmhouse table (and in a small room even better). Also, thanks to the scale of the chairs, they are so versatile. If your client gets tired of them, I'm sure she can adapt them to other rooms where they'll get used and loved for years to come.

    Also, I think this is my first time commenting on your blog. It's a daily read of mine and I love your style (both interiors and clothing). I can't wait to see the reveals of your clients rooms!

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  12. Anon- I always post all comments whether they be negative or positive, except if it's spam. What was your original comment? I don't have any waiting in my queue.

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  13. Hey Bryn, I noticed my comment didn't get posted either, and it wasn't really for or against. I'm not the anon poster, but thought I would chime in as well to say "ditto"~

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  14. "Because when you surround yourself with things that you love, then trends really don't matter." Great statement, Bryn. Something so true that we really need to live by.

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  15. I love the ghost chairs, too, and I think they're here for a while longer. Cote de Texas shows them on the set of the new Meryl Streep movie ... in a bathroom! I love the contrast of the chairs next to a cast iron tub.

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THANK YOU for taking the time to share your thoughts. I appreciate each and every comment.

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