OK, I am going to stick my neck out here with my opinion. I have two photos of living rooms. The first is a room that most people I know (in person not blogland) would call a beautifully designed room. At the risk of sounding elitist, I think it sucks. It has a little matchy, a little trendy, its all shiny and new and seems devoid of personality to me.
The next photo is something that I feel is a more inviting, "real" room.
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| Home of Kate and Andy Spade |
Not everyone can be Kate and Andy Spade and have architecture like this and a top-notch art collection but they can layer books and interesting furniture. It is so much more inviting to see mismatched lamps and objects that actually have a story to the homeowner beyond the trip to Homegoods.
What do you think? Am I a snob? Out of line?
12 comments:
I completely agree. I actually think of that as the homegoods style. Everything in the entire room could be recreated with a good trip to homegoods. No thanks.
The second room looks more lived in...all those books make me want to stretch out on the floor with those pillows.
It's the books that actually look like they have been read by the inhabitants of the space.
i'm a décor blog addict and see a lot of rooms like the ones you pointed out. I read the blog of Amanda Carol (the first pictures' designer)..not sure if its her house or for a client but either way I think its just as lovely as the Spades' house but in a different way. Like art its all in the eye of the beholder. like most blog pics (and all design magazine pictures for that matter) I've seen I'm sure it was styled "just so" and some things were taken out of eye shot. Could I live in either room...yes. Would I change either room to fit my family? Definitely. I'd rather surround myself with things I truly love and that have meaning and stories behind them BUT then again when you're young and just starting out you may not have things you've curated and collected to style your home. which is where homegoods and stores like that can help a sister out. its all about balance and living surrounded by what you love in my humble opinion.
I agree Kerry. Homegoods is a great place....but why do designers have to run there and style their clients rooms with their merchandise? Even a young client who is starting out has possessions that could be used to fill in and help "style" their room.
Agreed!!
You have a done a lovely Homegoods job! What a pretty and cheerful color you've chosen. Well done dear! Have a wonderful weekend!
Interior Design
I like both rooms, but your right, everything looks new with the first room and lacks a bit of personality.
You are spot on!
The first design is an easier room to create. Made up of ‘over the counter’ goods. I see too much of those goods in this room. It makes it look trendy and trendy means ‘not exclusive’.
I would say this can be accomplished by a home owner or with the help of a young designer who is heavily influenced by what is often seen in blogs and mags.
The second room is a more mature design. Probably done with the help of an experienced designer. It has more personality, some history, not necessarily matching. ( important in good interior design; do not go overboard with matching things, keep it exiting by mixing…that is where experience comes in)
That said…..I also agree with Nancy.
Who is to say what is the ‘better’ look? A young couple might be very unhappy in the room of the second image. They may WANT a bit more flashy shiny bling going on.
My mantra is; as long as a person is happy with their décor….I am happy.
That said….I will not take on a job if a client wants the décor of the first room. It is not me, so I will refer such a client to another designer.
Agreed. The first room is "nice" but not warm or exceptionally creative. Model home-ish, if you will. The second room says, collected, honest, personal, these "things" mean something to the owner. You do not need massive amounts of money to create a home that says, "this is ours." A home with a fresh personal perspective is doable on a budget taking some time and thought anyone can have a great warm space that reflects who they are and what they love.
I completely agree. One might call that first room "over-produced."
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