Now that we are officially in 2010, I thought it would be fun to look back at the past decade and see what was happening in the design world that might be worthy of talking about. I was reading a few articles about this subject and it really caught my eye and attention and I knew it would be something all of you would be interested in too.
This blog post, by Things That Inspire, really got me thinking about the subject of what is going to look trendy in the first decade of the 2000’s. Those things that we loved and many of us included in our homes, but looking back, are they going to stand the test of time? Things that are trendy are bound to eventually lose their luster, as we all know. That blog post has a lot of good comments and discussion too, so you might want to check it out when you have a minute. I’m not going to cover everything she did in that post, but will mention several of them, along with some of my own observations. She mentioned and linked to a discussion on Gardenweb’s Decorating board, which I also used to frequent before blogging. I am GeorgiaGal over there, for any who have been on that board for a few years. I hardly ever get by there these days, but there have always been some lively design topics and discussions going on.
I’ve lived long enough to see so many trends come and go with decorating and design. My first memories of what was in style with home decor was probably in the late 60’s, early 70’s and we all know what the 70’s were like. Oh my gosh, shag carpet everywhere, fake leather, not to mention all those colors of burnt orange, avocado green, and harvest gold. To me, the 70’s have been the absolute worst in design. Ever! I mean, look back at the old movies from the 40’s, 50’s and 60’s and see how classic and stylish many of the homes were back then. Then, we get to the 70’s and all I think of is Brady Bunch. Now, that house was definitely not the epitome of style, don’t you agree? For a really hilarious look back at the 70’s, take a look at this post from James Lileks about a Better Homes and Gardens book, 70’s style. It’s priceless and his commentary is just a hoot. Here is one pic from that BH&G book back then. Anyone ready for this again? 🙂 Nope, me neither.
We have all evolved, myself included in the last 25 years of decorating and design styles. I like to think I’ve matured and learned a lot in that time, but truthfully, I’ve fallen for many trends over the years. I know I’ve learned a few things, when I look back at where I used to be and where I am today (I cringe at some of my old house pics. Classic, not so much).
I went through the seafoam and mauve stage, the hunter green and burgandy phase, and fell for the dark and moody colors, like the red dining room I just covered over earlier last year. Not that there is anything wrong with red dining rooms, I loved that color for several years, I was just craving something lighter. I think I could just paint my whole house antique white now and be quite happy in it, by adding color in fabrics and accessories. Classic and traditional furniture is also tops on my list too and that has been something I’ve learned over the years.
Here’s one example of how I learned this trendy lesson the hard way. This is my old kitchen in Georgia. The house that I built (with my Dad’s help) and I HAD to have these Euro-style cabinets that were all the rage in the mid-80’s. You’ve seen these things all over, there are relics of them still out there. I did get to redo that kitchen before I left and you can see that makeover here, but this goes to show that trends definitely are a huge thing and we all have to be aware of them. If you are stuck with cabinets like this, then all I can say is “bless your heart”.
Hanging out online with other design blogs and decorating sites has definitely honed my taste and my eye so much over the last few years and I’m really grateful for that. Thank goodness for growth!
So, getting back to the last decade. What are some things that you see from this decade that may or may not have staying power? Here are some things that I have seen mentioned and I wanted to throw them all out at you too. This will make for some lively and entertaining discussions, I’m quite sure. Many of these trends are seen in kitchens and baths, since that seems to be where more money is spent in new homes.
(from Moen)
Oil Rubbed Bronze – This trend was mentioned as being too trendy and going the way of brass. Now me, I love this look especially in lighting and hardware. I still haven’t changed out everything brass in my house and probably won’t (i.e. my brass shower surround isn’t going anywhere). But, will oil-rubbed bronze stay around as a classic? I have no idea, but I’d like to think it might.
(from Granite Indianpolis)
This is a gorgeous kitchen, but I see it has some of those trendy things mentioned: granite, glazed cabinets, different color island, stainless steel etc. I’d take this in a minute!
Granite Countertops – Now, mind you, I just got granite countertops in my kitchen this year and while other more trendy countertop choices may become even more popular than granite, I sure don’t see these being ripped out anytime soon from homes all over the country. I’m thoroughly enjoying my granite and feel quite blessed to have it. I’ve also heard that the standard dark granite with maple cabinets are like the “builder’s basic” of spec homes from the 2000’s.
Stainless Steel – Again, I have all stainless in my kitchen now and see it as being the new “classic”, but I could be all wrong about that too. I think stainless is sleek and fits in with classic and contemporary all at the same time.
Glazed Kitchen Cabinets and Furniture Style Islands – This is another trend that really took off this last decade. I did the white glazed cabinets in my old house and loved it all then, but I can see the glazed cabinet look coming to an end in the not too distant future. I see less and less of that now in fact. White kitchens are still very popular, but I’m not seeing a lot of the glazed look in magazines right now.
What do you think about the trend for white cabinets and the darker or different colored island? Again, I think this is a great look and can be done well, but is it destined to be trendy and therefore, dated in a few years? Only time will tell.
(from Red Barn Properties)
Large Two-Story greatrooms – Called McMansions for more than 10 years, these large overbuilt and slightly impersonal homes are all over the country. During the boom years in real estate, more and more people were moving into these large and spacious homes, but now that the economy has come to a screeching halt, the McMansions are not quite in vogue anymore. I’ve seen McMansions defined as large homes on a small lot, with some trendy architectural features, with perhaps a large 2-story greatroom. A big mansion wanna-be, perhaps?? More people are loving smaller homes now and I see the trend going towards smaller, yet more architecturally appealing features added that make the home more livable and desirable. There was a big discussion in the comments about what constitutes a McMansion and I found that quite interesting too.
So, the question is: what is the perfect sized home now? And what features do you love and can’t live without?
Here’s a great post my friend, Julia from Hooked on Houses did last year on the 2-story greatroom trend.
Our house is about 3,000 s.f. Sure, we have extra guestrooms that don’t get used all the time, but when kids come home to visit or we have guests drop by, they sure come in handy. So, I don’t see our house as WAY over the top when it comes to size or appointments. I can see this topic will be a hot one for the coming years, as more people are down-sizing and deciding that they CAN live with less amenities and space.
(my own Tuscan look from my old sunroom in GA. I did enjoy it and thought I did a pretty good job with it, but no, I don’t want another faux plaster wall).
The Tuscan Look – This is one trend that I saw was hugely popular in the beginning of 2000’s and one that I can definitely see waning now. I think the authentic look of a European farmhouse is beautiful and can be done well even new, if the architectural features and amenities of a home are taken into consideration. After all, Europe is known for its crumbling buildings and lovely old patinas and real tarnished walls. But, unfortunately this trend went really crazy for a few years and there were faux stucco walls being thrown up all over the place, along with wine and grape motifs. Tuscan gone wrong! I’ll admit I did a faux stucco wall in my old house (see above) and I loved it then. Would I do it again. Nope! 🙂 That’s not to say I think all faux finishes are out now. There are still plenty of them out there, like Venetian plaster that I think are gorgeous. But, I’ve seen that trend slowing down.
I do see more of a rustic and aged look on furniture now than ever before. I painted my black kitchen chairs with a sanded down, distressed look 8 years ago and that is still going strong. Will this look dated one day? Maybe, but I hope not anytime soon. There really seems to be a love of old things more than ever before, using recycled wood and repurposing the old and that is a very good thing, not to mention living with older furniture just feels right.
(from New England Classic)
Beadboard – I have fallen in love with beadboard and still love it, as I know many all over blogland have also. It’s been a steady and growing trend for at least 10 years now and I don’t see that stopping. I put up beadboard in my old house in Georgia back in 2001, in a couple of rooms. It’s really a throwback to when it was popular the first time around and after looking it up, beadboard first originated back in the 1800’s. Those old bathrooms with real beadboard on the walls and the hexagon tiles were so pretty and classic then and still are today. So, do you ever see beadboard going out of vogue?? I really don’t, I think it’s here to stay.
So, what in the world do you think about all of this?? I’m opening up this discussion for all of your comments and opinions, so feel free to chime in! Add in any trends that you see from the last decade that you think is going OUT. I certainly have not been immune to trends myself, but hope that I’ve grown to be a bit more discerning about it all. Classic is what I try to keep in the forefront of my decision making at all times.
Now, I do know that we can’t all live by what is “in” and “out”, but you have to admit that the trends definitely grab our attention, like it or not.
I think this will be fun to talk about! And while we are discussing, where will we go in the next 10 years? That’s also open for speculation. I hope things don’t change drastically like they did in decades past. I see cocooning and nesting being more important than ever in our current economy and that means we, as women will find the best ways to make our homes beautiful, liveable and functional for OUR families and do it frugally.
Where do we go from here and what will we cringe at looking back at 2000’s first decade?
I did read in the last couple of years that brass will be making a comeback and perhaps chintz will too.
Don’t forget the Top Projects of 2009 party tomorrow!! Come by bright and early to link up your post and let’s have some fun.
Becky K. says
Warren and I have been discussing the merits of stainless for our kitchen. I think we have decided to go with black for a more classic look.
We are not convinced that stainless isn’t a trend. Fun and different though it is….
This is a great post. I really enjoyed going back memory lane. I have done some “doozies”. Remember sponge painting? I did a terrible job on our boys’ room when they were toddlers.
Becky K
Jennifer @ Fiddle Dee Dee says
Love this post Rhoda! Audley and I were discussing before redoing our dining room (you can see it on my page) the different styles we had carried through the years and what was now “in”. I didn’t want this room to be one of those fads. In the 15 years since we married, I have gone from ultra-girlie (poor man slept on Laura Ashley bedding for eight years!) to farmhouse and have finally settled on a mix a classic and contemporary. I think that is the most common style out there at the moment and it works! An antique dresser with a modern sofa; painted furniture mixed with contemporary art. I just works.
Thanks for sharing!
Jennifer
Becca at Adventures in Decorating says
Great post, Rhoda !! If there is one thing I’ve learned is that what used to be in will eventually be out and then, at some point, back *in* again. LOL I love our granite countertops and stainless steel appliances and can’t imagine waivering from my *lurve* for them. That being said, I, too, cringe at some of my decorating choices through my decorating adventures but am starting to feel more comfortable in my choices the older I get. I’ve loved following your posts way back when on Great Impressions (w/ Maureen, Xanti, LouAnn, etc) and look forward to seeing what you get into in 2010 !! Stop by sometime, Becca
Kelly says
I believe that the zebra rugs (the ones that actually look like a zebra skin) will turn out to be a trend. I like them in the right room setting, but they are too trendy for my taste. I also think burlap will end up being a trend. I like it though and it is affordable, but the plethora of it will decrease over time, I believe. Of course, these are just my opinions. Time will tell. I love your post today!!
Allyson says
I am not a fan of the island being a different color. It just looks off to me.
But I do LOVE the 2 story great rooms everything just feels so spacious! It is amazing what high ceiling can do for a house.
Sue K. says
Love this post, and you’ve touched on almost all the things that have crossed my mind the past year or two, as I work on this old farmhouse we currently call home! In the 1970s, I worked as a decorator’s assistant – my job was to accessorize the builders’ models he decorated. It was a fun job, but it sure made me aware of trends. My boss used to fly out to CA (from MN) to see what the builders there were doing, and bring it back in his models. But I digress…
I’ve said for a few years now that I think both SS appliances and granite countertops were going to be the item that date stamps a kitchen. They used to be special, now they are considered standard, so it won’t be long before the pricier remodels will be looking for something different. I’m thinking, too, that with the economic downturn, it’s going to be “uncool” to look too pricey – we’re going to be looking for ways to look good and fresh with what we have – kind of a “recession chic,” if you will. I currently need new countertops – hate the formica pebbly stuff I have – but I’m not sure what I’ll use instead. I’m watching everything carefully.
Anita says
Loved the post….sometimes it is so hard to recognize what is trendy and not fall into the ‘trap’…also, there is trendy and there is trendy…some have more staying power than others….I would not mind trendy that lasted 5-10 years for instance vs. something that was out in 1-2 years….ouch, way too much work and money. I have to admit that I have fallen for several of the trends you mentioned…but, I am getting better at my decorating and a lot is thanks to the great bloggers like you who share their opinions and knowledge. Hope you have a great 2010.
Terri says
Rhoda, I hear you – I am SO over the 2 story great room! When we moved to Marietta we chose a house with ~10 ft ceilings in the living room, although it does have a 2 story foyer. In Birmingham we had a cathedral ceiling and I would have rather had another room upstairs for sure!
Not to mention that they are a pain to heat and I am always paranoid about one of the kids climbing over the ledge or throwing something down on someone’s head. That’s just my neuroses, though…
Bette @ Frugal Mom x3 says
Great Post! We redid our kitchen two years and invested alot of money into it because we wanted it to last. As I look around and see the white cabinets, furniture like island, oil rubbed bronze fixtures, stainless steel apliances and granite counters, I’m thinking did I fall into the trap? I’m hoping that I made those choices because I love them and not because a magazine told me to. Certain things come ago, but I think white classic cabinets are a main stay… I hope. I too remember the sponge paint technique and the tusan look. I think I’ve had both in homes at one point. One thing that was big that you didn’t mention was wallpaper. It was big a few decaded ago and then fell by the wayside. It’s in vogue again isn’t it? I’m still not convinced on wallpaper route (too much work to remove it). I can’t wait to see what you do in 2010.
Get Your Martha On says
A few trends that will definitely date themselves in the near future: vinyl lettering and stenciling numbers on everything (stairs, canisters, chair seats, etc.) and painted accent walls. Those definitely scream HGTV.
The Pleasures of Homemaking says
That was a fun post! I had the Tuscan look and the British Out of Africa look – all those faux finishes! I’m thinking probably concrete countertops are a fad but soapstone and butcher block have been around since forever and I think they’ll be around for a long time as countertop material. I notice more and more people using butcher block on there counters these days. Granite is standard now in every new home but it’s so durable that I don’t see it as a fad. But I think people who want the latest will start to look at granite like laminate. Oh…it’s granite…. LOL! They’ll be expecting something new and exciting. I like wallpaper in certain rooms and I know it’s making a comeback.
I do what I like and my tastes change all the time!
Manuela
Marty says
Very interesting post. I have really enjoyed some of the past trends, but I am not one to buy into it in a big way. I think trendy accessorizine makes more sense and this also saves the budget. I did the turquoise thing once, so I really don’t think I will be doing it again. lol Hugs, Marty
Stacey @ The Blessed Nest says
What a fun post! I think that for those of us that truly love to decorate, we will always have a little bit of what is “trendy” in our homes…we like to stay on the cutting edge of design, right? 🙂 And that also means that times and tastes will change through the years as our lives naturally evolve. It gives us more of a reason to keep on redecorating, right! LOL!
Personally, I see anything that has been around before in older homes and here in some way or another through the decades, something that is NOT a trend. That means it’s stood the test of time & should be “classic”. White kitchens, certain colors, wood floors, brass, silver, painted furniture, wallpaper, marble, natural materials, beadboard, panelling….all classics in my book. The exact lines and styles and patterns may change through the years to reflect current tastes, but these should all be considered “here to stay”.
What’s coming up to be big? Brass, but a much softer antique brass (using this in my bedroom, thank you very much! haha!!), wallpaper (been gaining in momentum the past few years, planning to use it in our powder room….I predict it will pretty much be popular again, but only in smaller spaces, dramatic spaces), less cluttered homes as people go for a cleaner look in their smaller homes.
Thanks, this was fun :)!
Stacey
Beth says
Great post! Basically I go with what I like and not worry about trends…it’s not for anyone to love but me and so I go with the flow. Strange am I? I do love me some beadboard and want to put some up this year in my kitchen. I have the black appliances and love this look. I let my hubby talk me into putting hardwoods in and I love them but oh keeping them clean is a pain with small children. But oh they are beautiful!
Roeshel@ The DIY Show Off says
Great post Rhoda. I’ve fallen into the trend-trap myself in the past and with now our farmhouse and all of the projects the past two years, learning more about design every day, I’ve finally learned to think neutral and classic on the big things and to decorate and accessorize with things that make me happy – trendy or not, at least changing the look of a the room will be a lot easier and less expensive. 🙂 That being said, painting my red living room is next on my list!
Our home is probably too big for the soon-to-be just two of us with 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms but it feels just right to us. We plan on staying here forever. Besides, I’ve always wanted a dressing room. 😉
Laryssa @ Heaven In The Home says
I really enjoyed this post. When I think about some of the decorating choices I made 12 years ago, as a young bride, I start to laugh….and I thought that I’d like those things forever!
Kathy@Creative Home Expressions says
I’m sure I’ve got some things going on that are trends now, and I only hope they hang in there. Although, colors always seem to be in and out of style in a cyclical way. I wonder if back in the 70’s people were excited about getting their Harvest Gold or Avocado appliances?
Karen B says
This is a great discussion idea, Rhoda. I have moved so many times that I have had the pleasure of reinventing my home each time. I definitely went through the sponge painting and wallpaper phase. Even had a business faux painting back in the 90’s. I never embraced the faux plaster though. Too much work! I have granite countertops, but didn’t want them. Everybody was doing it. It ended up that the builder didn’t know what soapstone was or even HONED granite. There is still ALOT of Tuscan out here in SoCal. It does fit the style of homes, but I’m so sick of it. We also live in a wine area, so there you go. I agree with Stacey that there are several things that are classic. If things return, they are always a little different, like clothing styles. I just bought a new dryer and I didn’t go with color or the new retro styles. It was difficult, believe me. But, I didn’t want to be locked into a color and still need a top loading washer for felting. Okay, I’ve gone on enough. Good post!
Wendy says
I just always ask myself, “do I love this or am I drawn to it because it’s trendy.” If I truly love my pieces then it doesn’t matter if it is a trend or not — because I will love it regardless.
My guesses:
Trendy:
*Tan raingutters/trim/garages (I remember these going “out” after the 70’s) — now they date the houses of that era.
*Stainless – I may be wrong. It may stick around because it is still what is used in commercial/high-end kitchens. I don’t love stainless.
*Tan two-tone paint.
*Anything olive or harvest gold (haven’t we already figured this out and yet I still see so many homes with olive green).
*Too much brown anything (I don’t love it — it’s just a trend).
*Dark wood – lived with this in the 70s. I confess that I do everything as light as I can. White is timeless.
Mary says
Enjoyed the post so much! We live in an old 100+ home and desire to keep the integrity of the home close to the original period though with a more updated look.
I have never been one for trends and think it is somehow a economic conspiracy to keep the money flowing! LOL I dress more classic and just update with a few accessories and pretty much do the same with my home.
Fans were supposedly one of the outdated trends but for some parts of the country they are so essential. That someone would rather be hot during the summer for the sake of a trend seems silly to me.
I think living with what you love is the best advice against trends-
blessings
mary