I recently received a “tweet” asking me if I thought sunburst mirrors were out of style. You know I love a good sunburst, so it got me to thinking. . . . “Does it really matter if they are or aren’t in style?”
Emily A. Clark Interiors
That goes for a lot of things in design. I have to admit, when you write a design blog and much of your subject matter revolves around your own home, it’s natural to wonder if your readers will approve/disapprove of your personal design choices. In fact, you can become consumed with making the “right” or popular choices rather than just doing what you really love.
(One of my favorite styled foyers, using a sunburst—love this mix of old and new.)
I actually see this quite often in the great world of blogs. Sometimes, I see photos of someone’s home and think, “they must be an avid design blog reader.” Why? Because I see lots of—maybe a little too many—“trends” and DIY projects that have been blogged about time and time again. I think it’s great to pick and choose what appeals to you and incorporate it into your home. But, when you try to keep up with every blogged trend that comes along, it all becomes a little too much and ends up flat instead of a feeling like a warm, personal space. (Are you following me?)
So, with all that said, there are some “trends” that I’m just not over (besides sunburst mirrors) and will probably find a way to include in our new home.
Garden Stools
The trend may have passed when you can buy them at Big Lots for $12, but I still say they are the perfect little accent piece. Use them alone or in a pair for an end table, umbrella stand, towel holder beside a tub, or even an extra seat for a guest that you don’t want to stay that long. . . . Plus, they’re easy to spray in any color your heart desires.
Elle Decor
Stripes
Yes, even after all of the blood, sweat and tears that went into creating this small striped wall in our last home, I’m planning more striped goodness in this house. (I think I hear my husband jumping for joy now!) Stripes are clean, crisp and in my opinion, look great on the wall, on the floor or even on the ceiling.
Emily A. Clark Interiors
DesignSponge
Canadian House & Home
Antlers
I’m by no means an outdoors woman, but I like the quirkiness antlers add to a space. They can make even the sweetest room a little more masculine.
and along those same lines. . . Hide Rugs
Do I have an abnormal obsession with dead animals? I don’t think so; I just like the texture and the unexpected element they often bring to a space. I haven’t quite decided if our faux hide rug is going in our bedroom again, or to another part of the house, but it’s a keeper.
Emily A. Clark Interiors
Faux Bamboo
I’m not actually sure what the attraction is for me, but I’ve rarely seen a faux bamboo piece that I didn’t like . Something about it makes a space feel traveled and collected to me, especially when it’s mixed with other styles.
Emily A. Clark Interiors
Christina Murphy (Lonny Magazine)
Aussie Home & Garden via DecorPad
What about you? What do you still love and could care less if it’s in or out of style (according to the blog world)?
I'm with you, those "trends are here to stay (I hope). I'm also loving any thing tufted and am still on the chevron bandwagon.
ReplyDeleteI find with so many design blogs out there, showcasing such beautiful things, it's really hard not to jump onto the next "it" style. But I figure if go with what you love, it'll work every time.
This is so great, Emily! Thank you for all the inspiration (and a nudge to trust my gut-that Sunbursts aren't exactly going anywhere! (and if they are, who cares!-agreed. They are gorgeous!) All these "trends" are so great because they can be mixed into all different styles. Love this :)
ReplyDeleteOh I agree... these design trends are still going to be with us for a few more years... I don't see them being irrelevant in the foreseeable future.
ReplyDeleteI especially love me some sunburst anything and anything tufted... ♥
I think all of these are now pretty classic, especially the sunburst mirrors and faux bamboo.
ReplyDeleteWhere do you get faux hides?! I have not heard of that, and am struggling with what to get in my living room. I'm a vegetarian, so hides seem a little hypocritical, although I love the look!
i am totally with you on everything minus the antlers and hide rugs which i have never been into because they gross me out alittle. :) but i don't think faux bamboo can ever be a bad thing... love it!
ReplyDeleteYou know, I think the whole point is that you make a home that is beautiful to you and your family and is comfortable to all who enter. My style is MINE, not that of someone else. I might pick up ideas from blogs (like yours) or Pinterest, but when I actually take steps to do something in my own home, I don't care if it's trendy, I just care if it makes me smile. :-)
ReplyDelete@Fiona--ordered ours from Overstock.
ReplyDeleteI have 4 sunburst mirrors and 2 garden stools in my house so I obviously still love those styles. I'm glad to hear that others do too! I have been wanting to try some of those other design trends in my house (e.g. Stripes and faux bamboo)...hopefully soon.
ReplyDeleteGarden stools and stripes are on my list. I like to incorporate trends to some degree but I do believe (agree with you) about making a space personal to you. It should have something different, too. Interesting post.
ReplyDeleteYour post is timely as I have been thinking about this a lot with our new home. I have zero decor pieces (sold all before moving) but I do like the sunburst mirror/clock/whatever. I wonder what the next piece to take up wall space will be? Also, for the outside of houses, many have a star - what will be next? Agreed that whatever decor a person has it should be about them personally and not there just because its trendy.
ReplyDeleteSuch a great point to bring up in your post and I think about this so much. Stripes and sunburst mirrors are on my favorites list. I've never ever been a fan of the antlers or animal heads, they're just not for me, but I think mixing a few trends with classic pieces can really bring a space together - especially if the trend pieces can easily be switched out.
ReplyDeleteHi Emily,
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I love all your examples and have to admit my most guilty "has been" love - Chiang Mai. Many designers are "so over" this pattern but not me. I work with hundreds of high end textiles every single day and Miss Mai is still my fave. Her bold colors and beautiful surprises in every inch of the design are classic. Thanks for all the inspiration!
Kimber
House of Pemberley
The items you listed don't seem like trends to me. I think they are classics. If you looks at old decorating magazines/books you will see that these items were used "back in the day".
ReplyDeleteI am quickly becoming one of your biggest fans! Great read today : ) I too love mirrors. One thing that I will always have in my homes, whether they're in style or not, are antique stoneware jugs and pots. Love them, love the subtle warm range of earthy colors. I firmly believe you buy what you love and it will find a place in your home & then you will always be surrounded by things that make you happy : )
ReplyDeleteI'm hoping that board and batten doesn't fall out of style because I have been adding it all over my home! I like to think that I gravitate toward "classic" style, but things definitely change over time. I never thought I'd be so smitten with different hues of blue all around my house, but here I am!
ReplyDeleteWhat is funny is that even though some of these might be considered trends now b/c they're so popular, take a look back in old design books (1970s) you'll see some of the these trends (i.e.: antlers). So, while they're considered trends, I think some of these pieces have a timeless quality. And, I adore all the ones you selected and could see myself using it for years to come.
ReplyDeleteI am laughing hysterically while reading this... I guess I don't care if I'm on the bandwagon of home trends, because I literally have EVERY item that you have posted about except for the garden stool and bamboo.... (not to say that I don't WANT them). LOVED this post!
ReplyDeleteabodelove.blogspot.com
Where did you find the sunbursts in the first photo? Love it!
ReplyDeletei couldn't agree more! i still love quite a few of those design styles.
ReplyDeleteashley
One thing about all the elements you mentioned is they have been around forever!!! They might be on trend or off trend,but they are classics so they will always work. You hit the nail on the head when you mentioned too many trends in one room. I so agree with you on that point. Love all of your picks except maybe the animal inspired one's. I just never got on board with those and yet I can appreciate them in a room when it is well done, like all of your rooms. Great post, Emily!!
ReplyDeleteKathysue
Hi Emily...excellent post. I agree with you and everything you say makes perfect sense. I see blogger's homes and basically love all of them. But could I live in all of them? Answer is NO. I'm a traditional kind of girl. The all white look and chipped paint just isn't for me. I do love looking at it though...I love all design styles, fads or no fads. But at the end of the day you have to enter your home and say "This is mine." A pretty good feeling. Have a great rest of the week. Hope your settling in is going well. Oh...and I just bought a Sunburst mirror at Target yesterday...better late than never!
ReplyDeleteI agree that it doesn't matter whether something is trendy or not. If it's your style and you like it, then do it! But if it's *not* your style, then it's also just fine to skip something. For example, I might like the look of shabby chic, but I would never want it in my own house.
ReplyDelete@Angie--The sunburst above our bed was originally from Target that I found at a surplus store.
ReplyDelete1. Thanks for all the great images, I pinned half of them!
ReplyDelete2. I think some of my stuff gets too trendy, then I remember only about 1% of the people that come to my house read blogs. To them, it's a cool print...not overused ikat!
3. Are they called sunburst or starburst mirrors? Is there a difference?
4. I'm not over any of those things you mentioned. Or chevron for that matter!
5. What Garden Ridge can you find a garden stool for $12?!?!?!?!?!
6. I have no more points, I just needed to make this even.
yes, yes, yes, yes, yes, & yes! LOL LOVE them all and dont care if they are "in" or "out". and I agree with what Megan said these "trends" are great b/c they can be mixed with any style. I honestly think todays trend is "anything goes"- if you love it -buy it- it works!
ReplyDeleteI struggle with this. I'm a long-time lover of chinoiserie, so garden stools and faux bamboo have always been my thing. (I have a vintage brass garden stool that was my mom's!) I jumped on the hide trend for function: needed an odd shape to slip under a desk. And until I come up with something else round and inexpensive, sunbursts just go over the beds! But I do worry about too much trend in my home. Glad you're embracing it all, too!
ReplyDeleteHeather
loveyourspace.blogspot.com
im still very smitten with stripes...in fashion and interiors! xoxo jillian:: cornflake dreams
ReplyDeleteI'm with you... trends are great, but if you really love something you keep it for a long time. I don't care if they are or aren't trendy anymore. If it still looks good in my house, why not keep it, right?
ReplyDeletexo
Luciane at HomeBunch.com
Such a relevant topic - thank you so much. Personally I struggle alot with these decisions as I decorate my home. There are trends I LOVE - like convex fisheye mirrors and there are trends I'm so done with - Imperial Trellis. But I dont ever want to look too contrived so I veer away from some things but just cant help wanting to add others. Love driftwood still, love a good whitewash, and Im always worried it will come across as too 'popular'. At the end of the day, though, I guess as long as I'm being true to myself, it will always be authentic.
ReplyDeleteright on! still love all 6!!
ReplyDeleteI agree with that these trends are here to stay! I especially like starburst mirrors, turfed furniture, designer geometric wallpaper, anything chevron or striped.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, I am hosting a giveaway! Please come enter for a chance to win a piece of jewelry of your choice!
Jessie
www.mixandchic.com
Yes I am still deeply infatuated with all those trends!
ReplyDeleteAnd can I say how refreshing it is to hear you talk about the dangers of blogging influencing your design decisions - I definitely know that feeling of wanting to make the "right" or popular choice instead of doing what you love.
Great post!
Love this post, Emily! It's so easy to get sucked into the blog world trends but if we really just concentrate on what WE love then our spaces will always feel just right.
ReplyDeleteAnd for the record -- I heart sunburst mirrors!
i think it is great to be inspired by trends, and there are quite a few that i discovered a little lat in the game......but when it comes to my house...where MY family lives....i will do as i please. If i love it, i dont care.
ReplyDeleteI see a trend and am inspired, but i am such a control freak that i have to do it "my way" so it is never a copy cat type of thing. i say do what works for you, make your home your own.
xoxo
Jessica
I still love all these design trends. For me, I never get tired of anything with an ikat print.
ReplyDeleteI agree with all those except hide rugs and antlers. I've never been a fan of either. But that is the great thing about decorating ... everyone can do their own thing!
ReplyDeleteGreat post. I agree with Cassie, 90% (or more) of the people that come into my home aren't reading design blog. They have no idea that a fabric print or furniture piece is 'over' according to the blogging world. I like all of these you posted about with the exception of the antlers....they creep me out a bit....but I am getting used to them being in texas now!
ReplyDeleteEmily I agree! If you love it, you love it. I think that while there are some trends I think should lay low for awhile, its your home and whatever makes you happy.
ReplyDeleteI love all of those trends . . . and such a believer that any "trend" paired with more traditional elements has major staying power. I always try to channel my inner emily a. clark when browsing for garden stool deals. One day it will work. I know it!
ReplyDeleteOh I love Bamboo pieces! I agree with you they make a room feel as if you have traveled the world. I also love the sunburst mirrors, they add such a glow to any space.
ReplyDeleteI love this post and all of the items even if they are considered trendy!
I think if you love it then you love it and it will work wherever you use it. I don't mind using more 'trendy' accessories, but I won't use large expensive trendy items. I don't have the budget for it. A lot of the pieces you blogged about have been around for years. I guess it's the old 'what comes around goes around'.
ReplyDeleteThis is so interesting to me because I've wondered to myself, "If it takes me a year to implement the designs that Emily did for me, by the time I get around to it, will they be outdated?"
ReplyDeleteAnd I reminded myself that great design should be timeless, and that what you created for me will last for years and years. Of course I can expect to tweak it here and there and switch fabric out after some period of time, but I love that your designs really ARE timeless. It's one of your strengths!
Having been in our new home for almost 2 years now, I'm ready to decorate!
ReplyDeleteI've been so inspired by design blogs- yours is one of my favorite :)
I really struggle with "looks" that I like, and making our house our home. I find myself trying to re-create a look, and then realize none of those things mean anything to me, or my family.
Case in point: I have antlers. Look cute on your wall. Could totally add them to a gallery wall I'm planning. And then I remember. I don't really like antlers!
So, for now, I'm collecting ideas of things I like, being inspired by very talented people, and hopefully soon I can put some of your great ideas to use!
i couldn't agree more on every single one of these. i realize that they are many trends out there, but i LOVE all of the ones that you posted, and i am not ready to get rid of them in my home or my designs.
ReplyDeleteIf loving garden stools and faux bamboo is wrong, I don't want to be right!
ReplyDeletehttp://covetdujour.blogspot.com/
Thank you, thank you. I love looking around at design blogs, but am getting really tired of the chevron, it is EVERYWHERE! I used to love it, but I think that I have seen too much. I will trust my gut and make my home my own, without the 'trendy' chevron.
ReplyDeleteThis post could also be titled, "the downside to blogging about design", because I find that I hesitate on a few styles I love, because I have already seen them a million times on blogs. What I have to remind myself, and what you said so well, is that it's OUR home...and I'll just keep trusting my gut.
ReplyDeleteAbby
My garden stool has "lived" in nearly every room in our house now. But I'm feeling a pull to spray paint it as I haven't touched a can in two months! I don't know if the trellis pattern is a trend or not, seems more like a classic design, but I love me some trellis and some tufted.
ReplyDeleteI think your home is supposed to represent you and your own uniqueness. I think when someone walks into your space they should get an idea of who you are. Your home should have your voice and it doesn't matter what is the in thing right at the moment.
ReplyDeleteHaha I'm not over any of these trends yet either...I don't feel they are cliché just yet:)
ReplyDeleteI love all the blogger and pinterest inspiration, but I try to decorate for myself. Sometimes I get a little anxious showing off a piece of my own home, but I try to remind myself that I like it and I'm the one that lives with it. Besides, it takes me so long to complete projects that by the time I'm done it's not trendy anymore! haha.
ReplyDeleteSo funny, I was JUST thinking yesterday "Is chevron over?"
ReplyDeleteMy question comes from wondering if I personally really LIKE chevron or if I liked it because it was new and interesting. Now that it's been around for a while... Do I actually like it???
Some "trends" become classics, like antlers and sunburst mirrors and garden stools. Doesn't mean that I'll want to take a break from them from time to time and try something new. As a decorator, I find that my clients are still excited about trends that I've been seeing on the blog or in magazines for a few years - but to the general public, they are new and fresh. As a blogger who blogs her home, I too consider "will this elicit eye rolls from my readers" before spending money. But some pieces I love no matter what and those are here to stay!
Your post and pics are all great ! I have all of them except antlers and hide rugs. My home certainly has a place for some "trendy" items mixed in with the classic ones.
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun post! On my to-do list for this summer: bleach the antlers on a deer skull we found in the woods behind our house and hang it in my office. Glad to hear that hopefully won't be too gauche. And then there's the 1970s painted faux bamboo china cabinet in my entry way...
ReplyDeletei agree! I love all of those things and I think if you use them in the right space they are never out of style. Great picks! :)
ReplyDeleteI totally agree with you. I think all of these, when used right, just look classic and not trendy.
ReplyDeleteStacy
Agree, agree, agree, agree!! If you love something it is never out of style! In the end you are the one that lives in the space... yes the design blog world can be overwhelming even for us professional designers, but I love that there is a place to bounce ideas off of and find inspiration!
ReplyDeleteTiffany {Living Savvy}
I really want some antlers! Any suggestions on where to find them?
ReplyDeleteAgreed! I think to each her own when it comes to trends, is it in, is it out..who cares! Do you love it? Then get it :>)
ReplyDelete*** Emily, would it be "plagerism" for me to say "Nothing you really L*O*V*E is EVER out of date"?????
ReplyDeleteI love LOTS of "things", lots of styles, etc, but I canNOT tolerate CLUTTER... I "rotate" things often, & always seasonally... (We moved 28 times in 38 years~~~ living 18 years in Europe, & a few in the Middle East, exposes one to so much!). If I find something that truly grabs me and says "LINDA, TAKE ME HOME!", it's purchased (well, most of the time anyway!). They MAY not end up residing exactly where I THOUGHT when I purchased them, but, they always seem to find "the" perfect spot to reside in our home...
I liked all the things you posted here... then again, I ALWAYS do... You are such a sweetheart to take the time to research n' write your blog! I thank yoU!
Warmest as always,
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net
HAPPY DAY, girlfriend!
Linda in AZ *
bellesmom1234@comcast.net
*** P.S. I have a WONDERFUL collection of small, old/antique antlers, mounted on wonderful, often greatly hand-carved, old wood... many dated/signed (a special one is signed/dated from the late 1700's!)... I purchased them all in about a year of FUN n' FAB flea marketing w/ some girlfriends, etc, many years ago while in Germany... Sooooo many are in boxes in the garages still (I've just hung a few select oens)... and to think I thought $10-$15 each, for these small antlers (for "Reh" deer, or something like that... can't remember now!)was TOO MUCH $$ (or in this case, Deutschmarks!)!!! Ahhhh, to go back n' buy NOW!!! Jim and I saw them hanging in a wonnnderful antique shop in Park City, UT a few years ago, and the prices STARTED at $250~~~ Wow! Ig only I could get myself to parft with those babies!!!
ReplyDeleteOK, I'm reeeeeeally signing off now... promise! Thanks! Linda *
Spot on!
ReplyDeleteCamille
@Kat I found some antlers at a flea market. I've also seen them at thrift/consignment shops, and I'm sure you can find them on Ebay.
ReplyDeleteAnybody else have a good source?
The only thing I am SO over is the faux bamboo. But everything else I am still loving!
ReplyDeleteI agree with all except the antlers. I've always thought they were a little creepy. :)
ReplyDeleteSuch a great post and a topic that is constantly on my mind as an interior designer. I am in love with (and using) most of the trends you pictured with one exception - (I'm probably on my own here) - I've never warmed to starburst mirrors. I just can't gel with their circular, prickly forms. In saying that, I can totally see why they're loved by the design world at the moment though.
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteA to the men on who cares if it's still in or not! Last time I checked I was the one signing the checks to the mortgage company so I'll just keep doing what I love in my home! I'm with you on all points but the antlers - love them but not in my own home - I'm more a glossy white horse head (a.k.a white beauty) over the mantel kinda girl. ;) Love this post! I'm still loving me some ikat- always have - always will - and don't get me started on stripes - oh why must they be such a pain to create?!
ReplyDeleteI agree with all your choices, they are timeless to me as well. Great post!
ReplyDeletelove all these timeless looks for a room, I don't think that they are at all trendy...antlers very european. I agree with the above, if these are wrong, I don't want to be right! Kelly at High Street Market on Etsy has great antlers sometimes.
ReplyDeleteThe funny thing about the picture you posted of the room I designed using the sunburst mirror, was from a house designed in 2005. That is 6 years ago and I still LOVE that room. If it's done right, trends in small doses will never go out of style. Case in point!
ReplyDeletereally with the garden stools!? $12 at big lots? is that true! haha I've been searching for a white one that isn't $150 and can't seem to find one. I might need to stop at Big Lots on my way home tonight!
ReplyDeleteRebecca@ Dancing in Stilettos
dancingstilettos.blogspot.com
Emily...not tired of any of those "trends". Plus...if you like it, I say go for it.
ReplyDeleteI actually go through the same thought process as we move through rooms in our home. right now I am wanting to incorporate a striped rug and the louie vapor chairs. I have found some of my favorite homes I have found have great pieces from the 70's and 80's simply updated with paint. hoping these pieces will transition over tie.
ReplyDeletemy hope with the starbursts is in 30 years (i may still have mine) and I will look back and say this is one of those purchases that helped me discover my style. and find ways to bring it into the current day!
I think you go with what you love regardless of trends. Most everything has been done and just seems to repeat with improvements. And since Sunburst mirrors have been around for a few centuries, I think they are timeless!
ReplyDeleteEmily,
ReplyDeleteI know I'm a little late on this one but I had to come out of the wood works to say THANK YOU for posting this. I'm a young designer and just recently finished renovating my own home with my husband. I recently read on a blog that they felt that subway tile was a trend that was over. I immediately had that gut-renching feeling of "oh my gosh we're going to have to rip these out soon!!" But then I got angry - I LOVE subway tile. In fact, my personal opinion is that it's timeless and it completely matches my style. We're all going to go BROKE if we try and keep up with the "trends" and then really - who are we designing for?? Ourselves or other people/bloggers???
Thank you again!
Melissa
Great post! I agree with you on all counts except that I prefer fake antlers and hides, or antlers that have fallen off naturally, for obvious reasons.
ReplyDeleteOh, and thanks, as always, for all the beautiful inspirational images. Off to pin some of them!
ReplyDeleteI totally agree, who cares if it's in style. But, I also agree with the trends that you aren't over yet... I'm not over those either, plus a few others like tufting, chevron, chandeleirs, etc. The key is choosing what speaks to you and what you love being surrounded by.
ReplyDeleteI definitely share the love for faux bamboo, no idea why but I love it.
ReplyDeleteI'm a little behind here but felt I needed to add my 2 cents. I've never understood the antler thing, especially in the bedroom. Also the all white theme I see everywhere! I am so ready for that to be DONE! Thanks for your time spent blogging, I have you in my favorites I love your style.
ReplyDelete