Chain, Chain, Chain

Tuesday, October 28, 2008 | Category: Decorating, Design Inspiration, Fashion

I have to confess something, I really cringe when I hear the word, “trend.” To me that immediately signals the downfall of something I’ve probably liked for years that will now be everywhere, saturating the market, and I will be eventually worn down to the point that I fall out of love with it a little bit. Now, let me clarify… trends are fun, but I personally have more fun experimenting with them in fashion.  To me putting a trend in your home for the sake of a trend is a little too permanent.  Being a designer and design blogger it can be difficult/annoying to watch your beloved suzani be commercialized to the point of a sale rack at Target (not that I don’t shop the sale racks at Target).  So when we talk about trends it is definitely a love/hate kind of thing!
Interlocking links or chain link is an example something I have always liked that now seems to be everywhere (but right now in a good way). I love it because it is such a simple design with humble origins yet it has become iconic (Thanks to Hermes and Chanel).

The Chaine D’Ancre pattern from Hermes has an underlying equestrian feel.

Lauren Conrad carries a classic Chanel bag with the signature chain link straps.

Chunky chain gold jewelry is an accessory staple for me (J Crew bracelets).

This link “motif” has been around a long time. I LOVED these windows at St. Peter’s in Rome.

This ingenious D.I.Y. shelf was showcased in the late Blueprint Magazine but I found it here.

These slinky chain metal curtains add amazing texture to this sleek room.

These bath mats are a pretty literal interpretation.

Bedding on sale from Pottery Barn.

Glass Links chandelier from Z Gallerie.

Nate Berkus used a lot of chain link in his collection for the late Linens N’ Things.

A favorite mirror from Mecox.

This neutral pillow is great if you want to add just a hint of the pattern.

Nordstrom “Etched Key” Vase.
I leave you with the immortal words of Billy Baldwin, “Be faithful to your own taste because nothing you really like is ever out of style.”

10 Comments to 'Chain, Chain, Chain'

sandra/tx 28 Oct 08 at 6:10 am

I love chains, too. We’ll be seeing those along with lattice at Wally before too long. :-/

maison21 28 Oct 08 at 8:15 am

that chian shelf is pretty spiffy. is that your pooch snuggled up with his nate berkus linens? he’s adorable!

SimplyGrove 28 Oct 08 at 9:44 am

WHat a fun post!! I love chains:)
Come over to my blog for a table giveaway:)

aby 28 Oct 08 at 9:56 am

love to see nice designs. And I must that those are high level designs.

My Decor Style 28 Oct 08 at 3:24 pm

I like chains, too, but I am annoyed when I see them EVERYWHERE, even at Lowe’s (and not in the chain department). I was in Michael’s the other day and saw several sunburst mirrors and shelves of mercury glass. I rarely invest in trendy things because of this.

Sherry 28 Oct 08 at 3:40 pm

Wow, that is miracle. I love the lights, so shine !

Lauren 28 Oct 08 at 5:34 pm

Sandra, you’d be suprised, I have found some “gems” at Wally World – however, I HATE going there!

Maison, yes that’s my lil’ girl, Hartley on our PB shams :)

Simply Grove – I must check out your giveaway!

My Decor Style, it’s love/hate you gotta keep checking those stores because you just never know when you will find something great…but yes, it does get a little depressing.

Paloma 29 Oct 08 at 2:13 am

Great post, Lauren! I also love chains, and you’re right…they are everywhere!

KarenB 29 Oct 08 at 6:07 am

I’ve been lurking but had to comment about your chain post. This trend dilemma bugs me. I do think it’s valuable for everyone to be able to afford beautiful things, but beautiful things become “cheapened” in my mind when they are at Home Goods, Target and Wal-Mart. You said it better than I can. I try to stay away from trends, but it becomes impossible.

Pillows 29 Oct 08 at 11:28 am

I just love the way the chain was used in creating that floating shelf, what a great idea.

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