A Bygone Design Aesthetic?
Wednesday, August 26, 2009 | Category: Decor Accessories, Decorating, Design Inspiration, Trends, Uncategorized
So I have been receiving the Restoration Hardware catalogue quite frequently these days, and I must say I am very conflicted about it. As much as I love their new, revamped design aesthetic, it worries me that this look has seen its day, that it is no longer on the cutting edge anymore if it is appearing all over every page of this catalogue, and certainly others like it. It is actually quite startling that almost every page of the catalogue looks exactly like something I myself might have designed over the years! I mean, I think it is wonderful that Restoration Hardware is bringing these beautiful designs to the mainstream American public, but does that then indicate that this whole design aesthetic is at the tail end of its “trend?” Does this mean that this style with its heavy focus on interesting architectural accessories- that once was so unique, chic and often hard to find in their original forms- has trickled down to mass merchandising and is no longer recognized as so inventive? Here are some images from the latest catalogue…tell me what you think about this conundrum!
- Posted By Julia-Chicago
- 13 Comments
- Category: Decor Accessories, Decorating, Design Inspiration, Trends, Uncategorized
12 Comments to 'A Bygone Design Aesthetic?'
karen@strictlysimplestyle 26 Aug 09 at 12:09 pm
As much as it pains me to say this, I have to agree without about the current catalog. While I love the architectural details, it may be time to add a bit of color. Most, if not all, of the images were void of color.
Stefanie Merruchi 26 Aug 09 at 10:43 pm
Trends come and go and once their everywhere they don’t seem to be as interesting!!!!! Not sure if I want pieces everyone else has.
Best,
Stef M.
Julie C. 26 Aug 09 at 11:08 pm
Julia-
I’m so glad that you agree! I too have wondered if this “trickling down” of such interesting and unique designs indicates that they have in fact become a mere “trend.”
It’s up to design trendsetters like to you be on the look out for the next new “thing” I guess!
Kudos to you for being ahead of the curve with the fabulous architectural details!
Furniture Stores 26 Aug 09 at 11:10 pm
Restoration Hardware is one of my favorite stores, but some more color would be nice.
nikencantik 27 Aug 09 at 3:07 am
nice blog..i love article and picture..keep write about this topic…good job..
Sheila H 27 Aug 09 at 9:15 am
It will be interesting to see how well received this change in direction works for them. See this review on Joni’s Cote de Texas blog http://cotedetexas.blogspot.com/2009/08/restoration-hardware-goes-belgian.html
Trouvais 27 Aug 09 at 12:21 pm
I feel exactly the same way…very wistful that the style has officially peaked. It’s like a bell curve…grain sacks for $20 at the flea 2 yrs ago, now mucho bucks, eventually trickling down from RH to PB to Target. So glad I didn’t buy that wine barrel chandelier for @ $1000 couple years ago…now it’ll be everywhere. Exception is the fabric…for wear, kids, dogs can’t beat grain cloth look (would love to it on bolts at Calico Corners). I love how the Flea Mkt style was all about individuality. It’s somewhat ironic that it’s being institutionalized. Time to track color, gilt, shine. Look for what is forgotten in the rush for matte, neutral.
Ann Porter [KitchAnn] 27 Aug 09 at 12:41 pm
Buy what you love.
Zeba 27 Aug 09 at 1:16 pm
I was just looking at the Restoration Hardware catalog yesterday and thought the SAME thing! Although many of the pages in the catalogue were styled to look like a high end room with a number of antiques and heirlooms, the items were actually all mass produced by Restoration Hardware for mass consumption. I have to agree with some of the other posters, that if you think about it, this is a common occurrence in interior design (as well as in fashion). What was once exclusive, expensive, and unique (and reserved for the wealthy) is eventually mass produced and made more accessible to average consumers. I understand that this seems dissapointing, but I think this shouldn’t really dissapoint because spaces that are designed and personalized with unique finds instead of catalogue buys will always maintain a charm that you can’t get with Restoration Harfware pieces!
5TH AND STATE 02 Sep 09 at 5:47 pm
julia, we think alike again!
as an independent retailer i travel far and wide to source unique, individual, vintage finds.
personally i still love this look but will now steer clear. once items are mass produced they lose their cache for me. as a previous poster mentioned, this will only trickle down to target, it’s luster is now gone.
Computers & Tech 17 Sep 09 at 5:45 pm
Hey there,
Nice blog, I just stumbled upon it and I’m already a fan.
Solar Panel 23 Sep 09 at 10:02 pm
Wow, great read. I just found your website and am already a fan.