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Monday, August 15, 2011

Just Because You Can, Should You?



Just because you can put all the trendy fabrics available in one room should you? I was blog  hopping the other day and I saw several mood boards with chevron or zebra rug, trellis, Suzani, and Ikat patterns all in one room. I wish I could show you the mood board, but I would not want to offend anyone.

We all know that these patterns have been in vogue for awhile, but should they all be used in the same room at the same time?

Here are some examples of the patterns I am referring too. This will help you formulate a better visual of what I am talking about.

Suzani



CHEVRON/ZIG-ZAG




IKAT



After looking at the mood board with all of these patterns used in one room, it made me stop and take pause. It looked to me as if this particular person was  trying to hard to do what she thought was the current look. It was not a particularly  good design, but one of a mix of all the things she felt were current, and unfortunately it felt very contrived.


HomesRooms-KathrynIreland-0909-3-lgn Kathryn Ireland

I have seen rooms done beautifully with some of the above mentioned patterns so I know it can be done. Kathryn Ireland is known for her over the top mix of patterns. How does she do it? Why is her look considered good design? Maybe instead of using just one of all of the patterns I have mentioned we need to take it a step further and go over the top? Maybe one pattern needs to be the star and the other patterns need to be supporting roles.


Cote de texas (800x609)
Kathryn Ireland via Cote de Texas



image_thumb[37] (554x404)
Kathryn Ireland via Cote de Texas

All of the patterns I have mentioned are not new patterns, in fact they are revisiting from the past and have a wonderful history in design.

So when does it look contrived or trendy instead of good design and classic?

“Enjoy the Process” Of:

Mixing patterns beautifully rather than a contrived manner.

Kathysue