trendey

Now, returning to the eclectic decor style. What determines whether the decorator has mastered this style?

Maybe we can apply law here! In copyright law, the term ‘threshold of originality‘ (Sw. verkshöjd) determines when a creator of a work has certain exclusive rights. Threshold of originality means that something reaches a level of artistry – it is a measure of originality, individuality and independence. The threshold of originality does not include the ideas, the subject or contents of a work, but its unique shape, expression and interpretation. Originality has to do with a reflection of the author’s/creator’s personality. You see where I’m going with this..? :)

The main characteristics of the eclectic decor style is that it radiates authenticity and originality. It is telling of its creator. Furthermore, the eclectic style has been associated some benchmarks: a mix of several styles; design elements should coordinate or have a unifying component; main decor principles should be followed; harmony created. I’m a qualified lawyer but I am no judge. So I’m turning to you: what do you say about the level of artistry in these decors, 1-5? (more…)

In a column in the latest issue of Swedish Recidence Kjell Häglund says Swedes have become trend-bulimics. We are compulsory eaters of home decor trends. Chew and spit, spit and chew. In a furious speed. Before the “right” lamp or furniture piece is for sale, we have bought it.

Worse still, we put ourselves on high horses with our “knowledge”. You can see it in the evening newspapers. They have started to let people send in pictures of their homes and comment on others’ home pictures. Result? Many disparaging remarks. Mean notes and remarks on almost everything from fellow readers who know exactly how the decor should be. Swedes are anxious, believe me, and our resistance to supreme trends is weak.

In view of this, let’s strike a blow for a narrow – almost no trend at all- trend: again; the Swedish folk style. Something old, reliable and genuine. No fuzz. One can not write about Swedish folk decor without mentioning Carl Larsson (1853-1919).

photo: Carl Larsson Garden

The home – the interior ideal – created by artist couple Carl and Karin Larsson in Sundborn more than 100 years ago, has been given standing as the archetype of Swedishness. Sweden’s first interior design book A home by Carl Larsson, with 24 paintings from Little Hyttnäs in Sundborn, came out in 1889. In this book Carl Larsson describes how a nice home can be created with simple means. He writes:

Therefore, o, Swede, save yourself in time, again become simple and dignified, be rather clumsy than elegant, dress up in leather, fur and wool, make yourself furniture that fit your heavy body, and way in strong colours in everything, yes, the so-called gaudy, which are necessary as contrasts to the deep green pine forests and the cold white snow, and let your hand freely cut or paint the meandering he is willing and able to on your furniture. Then you will become happy in the feeling of being yourself, it will go well, and you shall live long upon the earth. Amen.

The painting “Skamvrån” (‘The Shame Corner’) by Carl Larsson

We have a special eye to trends here @trend-ey. It has been suggested that the main interior trend of 2010 is not to follow any trends. The trend is anti-trend. Key words are personality, freedom of choice, individuality and creativity. To celebrate diversity and imperfection. Or perfection. You choose: Individuality rules!

So, how is this expressed? So far we have seen a strong mix-trend. To mix and match, or actually: mix and consciously miss-match. Preferably, you mix new sustainable design with old furniture and fittings from flea markets and auctions. You mix shabby industrial parts with soft delicate fabrics and fine arts. Re-paint, re-use, and return to your (great) grandmother’s caches. Create your own unique design and decor by putting together spare pieces from today and yesteryear. 

| photo: freshome |

Ideally, in this trend, you pretend not to pretend. You are above and beyond trends; you do as you like. Your newborn obsession with heirlooms and flea market finds is just You, it’s your personality. Now who is fooling who. This isn’t follow no trends, is it?

So what is and what will be the expression and direction of the anti-trend trend? It is not the parisian rock chic, crazy colourful, eco, folklore or country chic, they are all trends… An anti-trend is an aversion to something that is usually chosen. So this need to work at home behind closed doors, otherwise people will ape after each other right? And there, we have the seeds of a trend.

As a first option I boldly say:

There is no such thing as an anti-trend trend. You can not escape.

Option two:

The supply will be wide and diverse, in interior design magazines and blogs and in every conceivable kind of shop. Personal style rules. The world is our interior design oyster.

Option three:

Back to basics. The prevailing perception is that you should own as few things as ever possible. Eco-thinking and consequences of the consumer society makes us want to live organically and be self-sufficient as far as possible. We really don’t care about glossy magazines and expensive design products. Mother Earth is our interior design oyster.

The before-mentioned Colour Futuresâ„¢ - with predictions on how trends and colours will develop – presents one overriding message and five trend related themes for the year 2010. The message for the new year is: Reclaim. And my dear readers, this is cutting-edge, sensible world-enhancing politics. (Colour Futures for president!!):

After the financial uncertainty of recent times and our concern over global warming and eco-management, we need to re-establish those values and qualities that are enduring, true and solid. The general mood is directed towards a more active role for the individual; of taking charge and being responsible for our own destinies, of valuing those things pertaining to friends, family and local communities, and of caring for the world in order to ensure that it is in a healthy state to pass on to our children. We want to be more proactive as individuals, giving back to society rather than relying on the State for total control. ‘Reclaim’ recognises that we are in a state of flux between those attitudes and institutions of the past and what we will replace them with as the new foundations for life. We now have the opportunity to reshape values, recreate systems or build alternative ones.

Each of the five trend themes refers directly to these issues.

They find stylistic independence in Silent Space, material innovation in Fluid Fantasy, reclaiming trust in Basic Beliefs, creative individuality in Free Spirit, and cultural values in Sweet Memory.  All themes come with their own colour palette! (I’ll get back to the blue one.)

‘Reclaim’ heralds a new dawn or new horizon for humanity which allows us the opportunity to look again, create better, improve what has been and adopt a more caring and rational attitude to the way we all live together on this planet and fairly share in its resources – a real reclamation of collective wisdom for the future.

I have never read such a programme, a manifesto, well thought-through and full of world politics. Wasn’t it about colours and trends?! I’m impressed. Will colours change the world the magic year 2010? Well, Only if we let them :)

The Scandinavian interior design style has been mentioned previously in a few posts. Now what about some pure philosophy on a day like this? I’ve been contemplating the words of Josef Frank, the “creator”, or may I say father, of the Scandinavian (or Swedish) interior design style. Josef Frank was born 1885 in Vienna and moved to Sweden in 1933, where he started working for the design company Svenskt Tenn and produced numerous design items until his death in 1967. With a pic from Svenskt Tenn is the middle, here’s Josef Frank and some of his designs:

Josef Frank formulated his interior design philosophy (referenced as the Scandinavian or Swedish modern style) in two much quoted articles that appeared in Form magazine in the 30s and 50s. Amongst other things, he stated the following:

The modern dwelling space has white walls. This is the only way to preserve its freedom and enable the introduction of a variety of items without disrupting the colour scheme.

Josef Frank thought too much white in a room gives an unrestfull impression. White walls needs to be combined with colours and patterns for a balance to be created. He also said:

There’s nothing wrong with mixing old and new, with combining different furniture styles, colours and patterns. Anything that is in your taste will automatically fuse to form an entire relaxing environment. A home does not need to be planned down to the smallest detail or contrived; it should be an amalgamation of the things that its owner loves and feels at home with.

One of Josef Frank’s fundamental ideas was that the occupants of a home should enjoy a personal relationship with all the objects surrounding them. Each object should hide a “secret” that makes it special and interesting. All pieces of furniture should be individual “living organisms” with souls of their own. Also, in the Form Magazine of 1958, Josef Frank coined the term Accidentism. He had been asked to write an article, and the result was a scathing criticism of the contemporary stiff modernism. This was his way of making up with the modernism, which was then supreme. He thought it was too standardized and was tired of everything looking the same. The Accidentism theory is based on the idea that we shall personalize our surroundings as if it were the result of an accident:

The living room where you can think freely and harmoniously is neither beautiful nor harmonious, or fotogenique. It has emerged as a result of coincidences, it will never be ready and it can in itself absorb whatever might be, in order to satisfy the holder’s changing discerning.

Now the words of Josef Frank – articulated half a decade ago – do shed light on contemporary Scandinavian style, as well as other contemporary interior trends, don’t they?

Lamps are the perfect DIY-projects. And vintage china is burning hot. As I reported earlier, nowadays everyone wants to take their daily (or in Henen’s case hourly) sip of coffee from a beautiful vintage cup. What could be more appropriate than to design your own vintage-china-lamp?

The most inspiring piece of cup-lamp I have seen is put together by Oddbirds (shown to the right). Oddbirds is a Swedish design group with a design philosophy completely in our taste here @ trendey. They say:

Nothing is sacred. Some might think it would be a shame to paint a Gustavian chair cerise and dress it with butterfly-patterned fabrics. But if we feel that is the right thing to do, that’s precisely what we will do.

Now back to the subject. At Country Living I found this great guide on how to make new use of mismatched china. Step by step, they let us know how stylist Paul Lowe turn a collection of castoffs into an Alice in Wonderland-inspired lamp not very unlike the Oddbirds-one. This version is tea, I prefer coffee. Here it goes:

First picture: A box of vintage china. In the guide I refer to, colour-coordinated, simply shaped teacups, pots, bowls, and saucers that would stack easily were chosen. 2. Organizing the spare parts. To create a balanced arrangement, the tip is to chose components that can form a pyramid – with large, heavy items on the bottom and lighter teacups up top. 3. Attach hardware. In this example the stylist filled the top cup with self-hardening clay. While the clay was still wet, he pressed in a socket-and-cord unit from Ikea and a harp from Lowe’s, an inch deep. He then let the clay harden for 24 hours. 4. Assemble it. Glue remaining elements together, let each piece dry for a minute before adhering the next. Paul in this example waited a day for the lamp to set, then he screwed a standard shade to the harp’s finial. The wiring of Paul’s creation doesn’t require any drilling, because the cord runs behind the lamp instead of through it. Keep the cord flush against the base with a few pieces of electrical tape, and then position the lamp against a wall. Extra tip: Sandwiching saucers in between the teapots and cups gives the lamp added stability. 5. Tada! A teapot lamp.

Pics and instructions: Country Living. If I misinterpreted their article and misled you, don’t blame Country Living. Thank me, for your overly oddish china lamp. :)