How’s that for a title? Are you curious now?
Today’s post might get me in trouble, but I’m going there anyway. I do have a few pet peeves when it comes to decorating and since I’ve been learning some of these things myself, it’s only fitting that I share them with you. Believe me, I sure don’t have it all figured out, but I know I’ve gotten better over the years, even just since I’ve been blogging. There’s so much inspiration out there, it’s hard not to hone the creativity.
So, today we’re going to talk about what NOT to do in decorating.
- Stay away from Themes: Now, this one is wide open to interpretation, but for the most part, themes are a no-no and can really date your space. Of course, we’ve all fallen for fads and themes, myself included (I have bunnies in my house), but I’m trying really hard to learn those lessons and not get caught up in theme-y decor.
One of the biggest themes of the decade of the 2000’s is Tuscan, as I touched on back in January in this post about the Decade of Design. Now, let me just say, I absolutely LOVE Italy. I spent some time there 20 years ago and have never gotten over it. But, Italy is time worn for a reason. It’s really, really old and the patina that is all over that country just can’t be duplicated very easily.
Like this, this is a classic building in Italy. Beautiful, time-worn, gorgeous patina. See what I mean?
It seems that in the early 2000’s that everyone was jumping on the European bandwagon, particularly the Tuscan look. Faux finishes and stucco walls were everywhere, along with the earthy colors of Italy. Now, there’s nothing wrong with that, I love it all. In fact, I love homes that are built in the Mediterranean style, they are gorgeous when well thought out architecture is put into a new home and added with integrity.
But, when Tuscan gets mass-produced in China, this is what you get:
Look familiar?
Yep, it’s all over the place. Sorry Kirklands, which is where I found almost all of these, don’t mean to knock them, but they aren’t the only culprits, you could duplicate this look at any number of retail establishments. And if you have this all over your house, I’m really not trying to step on your toes, just throwing some things out there to think about.
I beg you, my dear readers, don’t go there. 🙂
The reason I got onto this train of thought is this. I did a consultation recently here in the Birmingham area and the girl that I was helping had a TON of accessories. She just didn’t know what to do with them all. And she had really gone overboard with the Tuscan thing. I don’t think she would mind me mentioning this, since we talked about it at the time and she totally agreed that she was very tired of it all by now. And I know she had invested quite a bit of money into these pieces. So, I used some of what she had and we rearranged some walls and removed some things and moved some of her furniture around and I think she is on the right track now. She was really happy with it all when I left 4 hours later.
So, where am I going with this?
Well, for starters, I’d really like to encourage you when it comes time to buy things to hang on the wall, that you get out of the habit of mass-produced pieces and think about buying vintage or yardsale original art. I have very few things left that are mass produced on my walls (or in my house, for that matter) and my favorite items are those that cost me very little money, but they have a unique look since I found them while thrifting and I won’t see them in everyone else’s home.
Like this little original oil painting I found for $1 at a yardsale. I’ll tell you that these unique finds that you can scout out there are going to be so much more interesting in the long run than those mass-produced pieces of artworks. There’s just no comparison.
So, I hope this got you thinking about looking at your artwork in a different way. Get out there and see what you can find. I’m always excited when I spot some neat things when I’m out there and now I have a house full of original art.
(original oil picked up from an antiques store for $7)
It might not be priceless art, but it sure is to me and I’m finding that I love the original art much more than those framed pieces from retailers that I’ve picked up and eventually tire of.
In fact, I’ve gotten SO inspired recently that I’m planning a little overhaul in my living room. I’m getting a less formal rug than the needlepoint that is currently there, the tapestry is coming down and in its place will be a HUGE mirror (yet to be found) and on the other side of the room, I’ve done a gallery wall. I’ve already got lots of pieces to work with, but looking for more will be a lot of fun.
(Domino) LOVE this look! Stay tuned, I’ve finished my gallery wall and can’t wait to show you.
How do you like your art?
Are you an art snob and only hang the finest on your walls, or does mass produced rule (and maybe you’ve never even thought about it like this), or do you, like me like to scour the flea markets for one of a kind treasures?
Hi Rhoda,
Gosh, I do remember Tuscan. Do you remember in the 80’s the country cottage look with pastel blue and rose? Terrible.
Please take a look at my new blog entry: http://colorandlightatelier.blogspot.com/
Best,
Melissa
Brave post but well said Rhoda!
I am a real mix!
I have vintage paintings that were inherited, which I love…a couple pictures from Kirklands that I like too. I have some of my own photography framed, gifts from family and friends, flea market finds…you get the picture.
All in all my walls are covered with things that I love.
No matter where they came from.
I did the Home Interiors thing for years…and loved it at the time….so the mixing and matching from various sources is new and freeing. However, I find it more challenging. That is probably a good thing.
A thought provoking post.
Becky K.
Hospitality Lane
Honestly, I never liked that Tuscan look. Nor any other fad. Seeing all those mass produced “Tuscan” items in the stores made my stomach turn. They don’t even look like they’re from Italy!
Rhoda, very good post. You are so right. We have quite a few paintings done by my mother-in-law, and when she went into assisted living, we acquired quite a few more. I have them placed around the house, but love the idea of a gallery wall of art. I can’t wait to see what you have done, and then I’ll probably be a “copy cat” (the sincerest form of flattery!). Linda
Good post. I’ve never really thought about mass produced items. I always just go by the rule that if I find something I like it doesn’t really matter where it comes from. Thanks for the thought provoking issue & have a great Tuesday.
There is very little art on my walls. I am starting from scratch after selling all my furniture though. I do want a wall of cross that I’ve collected from around the country. They are all so very different. That will replace the only Tuscan picture I have. 🙂
thanks for keeping us thinking about furnishing our homes with what we like and avoiding mass produced “canned” decor! I suppose we are all guilty of it at one time or another. But, I can’t help but wonder if “vintage” is the new Tuscan! It’s all in a word- one woman’s “vintage” is another woman’s “old and boring”. I still like the idea of decorating to what calls to you- if you love it, it will “work” in your home, because THAT is what a home should be about- YOU!
Hi Rhoda!
You have inspired me to get out to some antique/thrift stores & yard sales and look for some cool, vintage, or original art work that appeals to me–some fun stuff that will not say “mass-market trend.” I admit I get burned out and bored with every single store having the same, same, and same accessories, colors, art, etc. Themes. . .is it OK to have a rooster or two? (Heheheh)–just kidding! Thank you, Rhoda.
Sindy :]
Only 1 customer did not pay me last year. 2million + Tuscan style home, new construction. Dark inside. No detail too small. Should have listened to my intuition. Looked like a high-end Steak & Ale, circa 1973. Ick.
They lost their home & their business. Economy? No.
Greed? Yes.
Garden & Be Well, XO Tara
Hi Rhoda,
Picking the right wall accessories can be difficult when decorating a room. I think you can do somewhat of a theme with careful editing and placement. Or as you said in your post, not to go overboard!
Blessings,
Carol
I love a fellow trouble maker so you had me at the first couple of lines! Now, although I adore old world stuff I do NOT adore any of the wall art. Architectural detail is what I adore. For my walls I prefer wreaths, barn stars, letters, unexpected things in frames, and pics of the fam. I really only have one piece of “art” and I’m actually trying to sell it :). Great post.
I’ll admit, I’m a wall art snob. Mass produced is not allowed. I’m open to breaking my rule with something totally awesome, but I’ve yet to encounter the mass produced wall art that begs for me to reconsider.
Oddly enough, I have this rule for myself, but don’t hold others to it. I’m just fine with MPWA in other people’s houses and don’t think twice about it when I see it hanging on their walls.
I agree, I would much rather make something to hang on my wall. When it comes to pictures or art hung on my wall it has nothing to do with names and all to do with price!! I most expensive picture or thing hanging on my wall was $3 🙂
Oh I think we have all fallen in this pit a time or two. I still laugh when I think back to the farmville. My Mom had the geese,Sister had the cows,and I had pigs! We were working this look…really! Then there was the pine country…oh yes the Tuscun too. I have tried them all. I’m sure we will all look back in a few years and laugh about our white plates on the wall (which my husbands hates by the way). Home decore changes like our hairstyle…thank goodness we are so past the big hair and apples on our Christmas tree..ha! For now I’m enjoying my thrift store finds but I can bet cha….something new and fresh will take it’s place and I will hop on that bandwagon with paint brush in tow. Gotta love it! Love ya Rhoda…(((hugs))) Susie
I’ve got a few art prints that I love, but you’d be hard-pressed to see them in other people’s homes. The majority of art in my home were done by either my son or myself…definitely one-of-a-kind!
Bravo Rhoda, I so agree, I agreed even when Tuscan was in. I never did any of that look but had so many that did and you are so right, way overdone. I find most trends are over done. I think it is so important to really know yourself and what you truly like and dislike. Take a look at my post today. It is a guideline for just that. Our two post go together well. Your shows the result of what can happen when you just follow trends and not your true decorating heart. I love art and have pieces from Homegoods and some real art, a real variety. Art should speak to you and draw you in. I can see why you purchased the pieces you did, they drew you in with their great colors. Looking forward to seeing your changes in your living room. Great Post my friend and again, Bravo!!! Happy Tuesday!! Kathysue
Thanks Rhoda for this thought provoking post! I find that I have the hardest time figuring out what to do with the walls in our home. Just this week I saw some photos taken at a get together in my home and I could “see through the cameras eye” how bare my dining room is!! Really eye opening!! I love your unique finds!
I don’t mind mass produced art. They are often pretty and in nice frames. I would much prefer to see that than some of the stuff I see on walls! My feeling is that regardless of what you put on the walls, it’s proportion that counts!! I am so tired of seeing small pictures on a large expanse of wall! Or a huge picture on a small wall. If the size and colors work, I say go for it whether it’s original or available in every store in America.
I have to say, I was hoping from your post title to see a lot more tips than just one…. Could you do another post with lots of tips, such as the one I just said about proportion? I’m sure you probably have lots of ideas and tips to help people decorate their walls, regardless of what wall decor they possess. Sometimes it’s all in the arranging and staging, and making sure you have a variety of items, etc.
Thanks!
hmmm that gets me to thinking. I do love original stuff and a good bargain is a plus. However, I’m also pretty picky. So, I find it hard to find alot I really like thrifting. I’m not one to buy something just because it is a good deal. I’m definitely not into the mass produced stuff though. Actually, I like alot of other things besides or in addition to art (prints). I don’t have a whole lot of prints hanging in our house. Love mirrors, love plates, love arch. (salvaged) pieces. In a guest bedroom I do have several antique pictures featuring children.
Can’t wait to see the living room changes!
tina