What IS the difference between a trend and a fad and how can you tell which is which?
The difference is that trends have a much longer life span than fads. Trends can be in style for many years. They rise in popularity slowly. Fads come and go quickly. They are short lived. Think ‘pet rock’ and ‘mood rings.’ Usually fads are things everyone is talking about. They get super hot real fast, and fizzle away just as fast. I think of shag carpet as an example of a fad. And this was an expensive fad! Most people can’t afford to make a mistake on that scale.
So how can you tell if it is a fad or a trend?
To be honest, it is almost impossible to tell in the beginning, because a trend and a fad look very similar at first. The trend begins more slowly, but otherwise they look very similar. The trends tend to be things that have something classic about them. Specific patterns are usually fads, like Chevron (the pattern, not the company.)
When there is a color change like tan walls to gray walls, I believe that to be a trend not a fad.
Why?
A. It’s a classic neutral.
B. It is beautiful.
C. Bloggers have embraced it.
WHERE CAN YOU FIND OUT WHAT THAT TRENDS WILL BE?
This brings me to my next point. The days of magazines driving trends is over. Bloggers are now driving the trends. That’s not just my opinion. I’ve had conversations with brands and magazine editors that also share that belief. All I have to do is walk in a home decor store for proof. I see designs that were originally created by bloggers that have been copied and reworked by brands then mass produced for consumers. If you want to know what the trends will be, check out home decor blogs. I am a person who loves magazines, so I am hoping they are around for a long time! I want them to be successful. I think magazines have moved from starting trends to reporting the trends, but there is still value in that. And I love holding a magazine in my hands.
When you see something pop up on several blogs, you’ll be seeing it in stores soon. Look to Fixer Upper. I think their farmhouse style is a definite trend not fad and their reach is extensive with a home decor store, furniture, rug and paint lines.
TRENDS
Now having said all that. Here is what I believe the current trends are (meaning they will be around for awhile.)
Grainsacks
Grainsacks for example have been around for over a hundred years. They have texture and look organic. I’ve seen them in magazines way before blogs made them popular. I see them as classic and a trend.
Linen
People are beginning to really appreciate natural fibers. I think more and more consumers are going to be more interested in linen, cotton and wool, and less interested in synthetic fibers.
Gray
I think gray is a definite trend. I honestly don’t see it going away anytime soon. It’s gorgeous and still a neutral.
Stripes and checks
Simple fabrics have always been in style. They don’t have anything distinctive that places them at a certain time or place. They have universal appeal.
Chalk-based paints
I think these are here to stay. There are more and more paint companies popping up every day. There is a reason this paint is popular I think its properties will keep it around for a long time.
French furniture
It’s classic. French furniture is elegant and beautiful. It’s been popular for hundreds of years and that isn’t going to change.
Ironstone
This is only getting hotter.
FADS
Pallet projects
Things made from pallets I believe are going to look dated pretty soon. I’m amazed at some of the awesome things people have made with them, but still, I think they won’t last.
Chevron patterns
Yes, I think it’s going out pretty soon. It had a big hay day but I think it is on the wane.
Mason jars
I like Mason jars, but I don’t think we’ll continue to see them everywhere.
Chalkboards
I think chalkboards are great, but putting them everywhere I think is on the decline.
I would love to hear your thoughts. What do you think the current design trends are?
It’s hard for me to know what any of the trends are, but I as I am slow to embrace new home styles, I hope some of the ones you’ve mentioned are going to stay around longer. I’ve just begun to add some gray and I’m really enjoying how it looks in my home decor. I usually have my own style and if I see too much of any one look – whether in a blog or a magazine – I will usually avoid it. I just can’t stomach over-saturation. I love making my home a haven for my family, but at the same time I’m a frugal person. I’m usually looking for inexpensive ideas to inspire me, especially reusing what I have with easier DIY projects.
This is one “article” I can embrace! I have done my own thing over the years I have been a homemaker, (54 to be exact) and this made me realize my love for silver, old china, grain sack and French accents does not date me. Thank you so much for making my day! However, I have a chalkboard in my kitchen as a memo board for me (I really need it!). ?
What are your thoughts on White Cabinets? Also reclaimed wood? Great article.
I would be interested in your thoughts on white or cream cabinets as well. We will be building a new home in a few months and I love the white cabinets with glaze. Thanks!
I think I will address that in an upcoming post. Great question!!
I agree with Jen – over-saturation is a big turnoff. Like you, I still love magazines, and hang onto some favorites for years – always able to go right to the article and pictures that made me want to keep them! I have photo albums of pictures cut from magazines – the precursor to Pinterest, I guess. I agree that the chevron pattern has had its heyday…..as a matter of fact, I think I’m old enough to have been around for the first one! I really like your style and creativity, and agree with your assessment of “trend” and “fad”. You’re an inspiration! Thank you!
I too have binders full of pictures culled from magazines! Three decades worth to be exact. So I guess we were the precursors to the Pinterest phenomenon? Lol! I have a large bulletin board that I use to pin pictures to when the hub’s and I are remodeling or building something. It’s helpful for him to have a visual “reference board” that he can look at and pin notes to.
I agree! Pinterest is what my husband calls ‘my happy place’! We sit together and look at my board ideas for our new/old house, where as we used to look at my idea books, 40 years worth of hopes and dreams… scrap books of photos from magazines. I still love to hold a magazine, too, but pinterest has access to more quicker! As I look through them, I realize I haven’t really been caught up in fads….guess I’m more of a traditional gal!
I too still buy magazines the ones that have pictures and articles that are keepers. Not everything is on Pinterest.
Nor should be. I love looking into the photographers pictures and see the texture
I agree, especially about the chevron. I never did buy me a dress or top. ?
Like the previous comment I avoid anything that seems to be saturated with the exception of anything neutral. I love changing things with accessories but always keep my background neutral and I always try to honor the style of the architecture. My rooms are my canvas. They change with the seasons. Luckily I own a business that satisfies my desire to decorate and when I get home I find I just want simple and clean. I love your blog because you focus on classic, clean designs that will stand the test of time. I love magazines as well because I love holding one in my hands and flipping thru the pages. Color saturation is better than a computer screen too. I do hope they won’t go away.
I agree 100 percent with you! The most amazing thing about all of those things being trends, is that I was trendy before all of it was. The things that are trends I have been doing and collecting because I love all those things, always have, always will. It to me goes back to only bring in things that you absolutely love into your home, and you will never go wrong in decorating your home. I am not a blogger, its just me from my home and following my own rules for what comes in to my house. Love your blog!
Chalkboards will remain, but not all over the place. They are useful. The same goes for mason jars. They make excellent storage for food and don’t have the negatives of some plastics. Palette projects may continue when the ‘project’ works for a home. French furniture and neutrals will ebb and flow as will other trends. I am in my seventies which means I grew up in the 50’s. Who would have thought at that time that mid-century modern would be a classic.
I agree! I am keeping my Mason jars, I just don’t think we will see them every where. I have a chalkboard also, but think they have been overdone.
I have one small chalkboard for our weekly menus and my son has a large chalkboard calendar in his nautical/industrial leaning bedroom. I have mason jars for food storage, small craft notions storage, and some décor. I didn’t go nuts on either one of those and really thought about how they would truly be useful because I thought it would make them lose their charming little punch to overdo. Glad I listened to my inner voice 🙂
I’ve got a big chalkboard in my house Cori. I think they are great. I just think using them everywhere in the house is over. Using them where them where they make sense I think if a great idea. Yes still love my Mason jars, but I don’t think we’ll be seeing them everywhere like we did. I was seeing Mason jars on pillows and on artwork, really everywhere.
I redid my kitchen 10 years ago. Wall to wall ceiling to floor. But it’s a small condo kitchen so I only had so much to work with. So the kitchen door leading into the garage became painted with magnetic paint with chalkboard paint over that. Chalkboards are here to stay but not on everything you see. This replaced the ‘trend’ refrigerator magnets..
I agree with you, they are practical and can be used daily.
Love this post! I agree with the things you listed & truly hope those trends stick around! I’ve been adding a lot of them to our home & am obsessed with the comfort and beauty of the farmhouse style. It’s just so practical and cozy. Another trend that I’ve often wondered about is “restoring old homes to their former glory”. I absolutely love it & I hope it will still around for the long haul! Thanks for sharing!
I think it will.
You are so right! I jope one particular thing that stays is gray…Christine
I am SICK of the geometric designs. It’s very hard to find anything in draperies, shower curtains, or rugs that are not tied to some geometric design. Hate them, won’t buy anything until that goes away.
I agree that the pallet stuff is going, don’t think you could ever get me to buy a shag rug either. Never got on the chalkboard or mason jar bandwagon. I do think some of the industrial lighting and decor will be a longer trend simply because most of it is classic.
I do think the neutrals rather than rich, strong colors will trend for sometime as well. I’m edging towards griege (beigy gray) rather than a full gray, lol. Stripes, larger checks and the grain sack types of materials are classic.
The key for me, right now, is NOT pattern, but TEXTURES – an let me tell you a neutral anything with texture is HARD to find!
I think you are spot on in your observations!!!
Oh I agree. I do not care for anything. Ugh…especially Chevron, never like it. Love the neutrals with pops of color in the accessories according to seasons!!
Oh I meant to say I do not care for anything geometric!!!
Incorporating treasures passed down from my relatives will always be a winner to me.
Amen to that! Our entire family feels this way. We laugh about how our furniture just moves in a circle, with the temporarily unwanted pieces always landing in my basement for storage until there’s a need. It circulates between me and my four kids. There are pieces that we all simply understand will NEVER leave the family.
I found this to be very helpful. Thanks!
I think the clear mason jars and painted ones will disappear! But the true blue old mason jars will stay around for years to come! I have some old blue and one old lavendar one! I think the canvas, linen and other natural fabric is here to stay too!
I agree with the chevron being a fad that will go away very soon! Ditto mason jars. I never embraced either, and I’m glad. When you see something make multiple appearances in the Target Dollar Bins, you know it’s a fad that’s on its way out. No offense to the bins, where I pick up a lot of great “stuff”! I hope the gray/taupe trend hangs out for a long time, because I find these colors to be very peaceful and calming, and they can be the backdrop for all sorts of fabulous color accents, yet support traditional decorating – which, truth be told, is where most decor-conscious people start.
Trends and fads? I have found that trends will have fads attached to them, such as the Fixer Upper trend or style. But once it shakes out you will still have the basic “farmhouse”, style. I think with all trends and fads we have a choice of how much we do. I think it is so funny when I see things that are considered new and “on trend” that I have been doing for years without a blog, Pinterest, Instagram or Facebook influence.
I love decorating in a classic way with styles and colors I like not so much what’s trending at the time. This way I truly love and enjoy what’s in my home!
Great comments, Anita. I will be so happy when the geometric are out! I love classic patterns that have been around a long, long time.
This girl is glad to see chevron disappear completely!
I couldn’t agree more that chalk paint is here to stay and I would include milk paint to this list.?
Interesting, I think classic things last for ever! Like paisley, silver, copper and plaid never go out of style. I like mason jars as they can be used for so many things…Colors are personal, I live in a coastal area and am drawn to pale colors that are cool..I am starting to like pale gray, but greige, never! Lets face, colors come into style from paint companies and they seep into our minds…
I love the linen fabrics. I hope these stick around for a long time
Liked this. Never saw what was to like with a chevron design. Plain ugly!
It’s good to know furniture manufacturers are listening to what the public says. Nice to know bloggers are leading and not being led.
What is your feeling about shiplap? I am old enough to remember when paneling came on the scene and everyone started using it. After a while people were over it and I wonder if that is what will happen with shiplap? Your thoughts.
i remember when chintz prints with large flowers in keeping with English Country style was extremely popular on upholstered sofas and chairs. Sometimes a bedroom would have matching chintz print wallpaper and drapes. Haven’t seen that in awhile.
Would that be a trend or fad? It was classic, chintz prints have been around for 150 years. it was pretty. While this pre-dates blogging, home decor magazines certainly embraced it.
I managed to dodge that design bullet. In the 80s I had my chairs re-upholstered in a small green and white stripe that still looks great today.
I enjoyed reading your thoughts on these, Anita. As much as I love magazines (and am still hoarding piles of them in my basement), I think the blogs have become very powerful with driving the trends. I tend to choose more classic pieces because I don’t like things to look dated quickly. Although, about 5 years ago, I redecorated my then 8-year-old son’s room and used gray and white chevron curtains. It was probably the only “fad” I have used in decorating. Anyway, recently I was looking for new curtains for his room because I was tired of the look of the chevron. Well, apparently, he has gotten very comfortable with how his room looks because he doesn’t want me to change them! I guess I will have to live with them a bit longer!… I have never done a pallet project, though!
Shelley
Shelley, and here I thought that i was the ONLY one that hoards magazines!!!
LOL.
I don’t have the opportunity to adopt these wonderful things into my home, but we hope to have a new home one of these days and I can decorate to my heart’s content. I am just thankful that these particular trends and most fads we’ve seen are so lovely!
I’ve been seeing a gray come into it’s own slowly in the last year and I’m definitely on board with it. So many shades and pretty versatile as well. Some great color combo’s like pink and grey or blue and gray – classic. I, for one, hope it stays a while.
I agree with you 100%. Can you please make all of the signs with the cutesy sayings and phrases go away? People need to just talk to one another and not speak through signage! Lol..
Amen!
I like stripes and checks, but I think a muted floral in a bedroom or pillow is a great way to add a softer touch.
Oh yes agreed!
Well, I have never liked gray, chalkboard or chevron patterns so I’d like to see those go. I also don’t like the blue or red in most grain sacks so they don’t tie in with my decor. I somehow think canning jar and pallet projects might hang in because they are inexpensive and fun.
I loved this post and trying to help us understand. Someone else came up first with the idea of the trend. To me, trends are always pushed at us, whether it is bloggers, designers, or markets. That is how I know it is a trend, and still NOT ALWAYS FOR EVERYONE. I found that instead of creating the home they can love longer than two years, they only buy and decorate so they are like everyone else. Whatever happened to individually and making it your own. I spend a lot of time “trying” to find something in the stores not geometric, not gray and not galvanized for my home. Soft plaids, strips, herringbone, tartans look so much cozier to me. They suggest love and family and that should be what matters. A wise person once told me, “if you decorate your home or landscape your yard just for others to see, then you must think more of their opinion than your own.” This has served me well. Hopefully Pom Pom stuff will get back to the bedroom and out of the living room soon. – a FAD ? JudyC
Agreed. Go with what YOU love in your home.
Right now there are so many beautiful trends going on now, until its hard to know what will stay around vis what will soon be out! For example we all seems to paint things that in the past would make one vomit at the thought of not staining a piece especially if its an antique piece.
I love the farmhouse look, even in a modern home. I love rustic look. I love painted rooms/cabinets colors that are, black, white, and dark grays. I hope if not all, most will always hang around, because I love them and so many other trends that’s popular now. Also any earth tones colors and/or items.
I really enjoyed this post, I love French furniture and have been very lucky to have a couple of great vintage pieces that have been gifted to me by friends or family…or along my travels stop by antique stores and purchase a few items, I’m not to much into grain sack I like it! it’s just not for me. As for the chalkboard I own none….lol….
I’m not into fads I guess I just stick to the classics it’s what make my heart sing….
Smiles~
Maritza
I love the trend towards grey. The classic lines of the French style have always appealed to me. I think back to when I decorated my first home in 1978 and I went with classic French style even though we were renters and the house had hideous orange shag carpet!! Don’t have a clue what they were thinking! I just tried to overlook it! Years later and my floors are neutral! Love your ideas. Thank you for sharing.
I have gotten so sick of everything on HGTV looking the same! Surely others will get tired of this over saturation. It’s like there is one gigantic HGTV warehouse and things just get rotated from one project to another! Also I am so over granite!
So far I am doing well with getting the trends instead of the fads in my decorating. I have found that mostly go with what
I can’t live without.
Yes, I’m already sick of chevron. Been way overdone! When I moved into my previous home in 88 grey was big. It lasted a ewhile, but did fade out. But who cares if you love it. I agree that the antique Aqua jars will always be loved. I love my chalkboard that I have had in an old window for years, but again; way overdone. GreT post!!
I had been in the “I hate gray” camp until I started noticing some lovely rooms on my favorite blogs. Thanks to you, Anita, and Cindy at Edith and Evelyn I found a gray I absolutely love (SWs Agreeable Gray) and am currently enjoying it in our newly remodeled master as well as our formal living room. It really is a chameleon depending on the light, but it is always soft and lovely, and never feels cold. And thanks to Lory at Designthusiam and Jamie at So Much Better With Age I am embracing a shade I have always loved but had never figured out how to incorporate into my decor – a soft muted dusky rose. I’ve even found a fabulous linen available in “Dusk”. It goes beautifully with grays, and doesn’t look too feminine. Linen is another one of those trends that is a staple in our home, both in bedding as well as for setting a beautiful table. Bloggers really have become my design experts, and I appreciate every one of you.
Jeanne – may I ask where you found your “dusk” fabulous linen…I’ve always loved that
shade also…Thanks, Linda
Linda – I found the items at Rough Linen. Currently Tricia only offers bolsters, duvet covers and napkins in this shade, but I’m hoping to convince her to add table cloths as well.
I think you are right on the nose with every one of these! I hope pallet projects find another useful life though since they are a way of recycling but maybe they can live somewhere else besides the living room. 🙂
Great article!
I love reading my daily blogs for whats in and out. I tend to just keep what I like even if it goes out. I have a huge collection of blue mason jars. They fill a backet in my home.
Thanks, Anita! I really enjoyed this article. I’ve never cared for chalkboards – all that dust from the chalk! We moved into a new house 2 and a half years ago, the bedrooms have the frieze carpet – I already want to change it out.
I agree with most of what you said. However, I like using pallet wood. I just make sure my pallet projects don’t scream pallet. It is a good source of free wood and a little sanding and a nice finish does wonders.
I’m hoping the grey will stick around for awhile as I’ve just grown to really like it and have done our family room in Revere Pewter. I’ve been wondering about the shiplap, also. it would solve some old house decor problems for us ( in a quick and easy manner), and our French Country look is being softened and updated with some farmhouse accents, which I think are classic and blend beautifully. So what does everyone think about the shiplap? I’d like to put it on a half wall behind our bed in a slanted ceiling room. I just can’t imagine it not being a classic, like beadboard.
I tend to like the classics with a modern twist. I just had tile installed that looks like wood. I love it for the Florida climate. Do you think this will be a trend or fad?
Enjoyed all the conversation regarding trends and fads. Your hone us lovely Anita and your book is a great resource. Jean
I agree with your point of view completely. I too am a magazine reader and keep them for years and revisit them again and again. I have always taken my cues from what I see emerging for sometimes years before it becomes mass produced……instead of always seeing what is in the forefront of a picture, I am looking in the obscure bookcase or something in the background of an adjoining room…… I think I am blessed with that kind of eye and a let go on classic things very reluctantly…..
Keep doing the great job of blogging.
Great article – I agree that the trends seems to be coming from bloggers, and the magazines are now showcasing the bloggers’ decorating. Love it!!
Very interesting post with lots of feedback. I really need advice about cabinet hardware. How about the huge handle style hardware that’s in style now. I really don’t like it but am redoing my kitchen with white shaker cabinets and don’t want it to look dated. How about brass hardware ? Is it really back for a while ? Fad or trend? I need to know. I have found that lighting has a very short
Trend span. Love old architectural pieces I don’t think they ever go out of style,trouble is I can’t get my honey to see my vision on that. I definitely think blogs are driving the trends now.
Copper is hot again. Crazy prices too. Funny thing is that everything comes around again. I remember when copper was popular as was mason jars. Globes were hot when Joanna from Fixer Upper used them, prices went nuts, now not so much. I have always liked buffalo checks. While gray is populatr, I am not so sure I like it.
Ikat. Fad or trend? I’m thinking fad, even though I like it.
To emphasize my agreement on fads, pallets are splintery, a pain to work with, and to me not so much rustic as college poor furniture (think tables of giant wire spools and swiped plastic milk crates). When I see chalkboards overdone all I can think of is dust! Chevron is just too edgy and Mason jars, well, I put up food so I am obviously biased about their importance. But they don’t need to be painted and converted to every imaginable use. They are functional and beautiful all on their own and anyone that has walked a county lane to pick orange daylilies to fill a blue Ball or Mason jar knows that very well. Love your blog!
I so enjoyed these topics…thank you. I bet you didn’t know you’d get this huge of responses??? Good for you!
Never liked chevron (not a geometrical person!) not particularly fond of grain sack but can appreciate it; not at all fond of burlap; what I hope does NOT pass away is white, grey and chalk painted furniture. What I love is the French influence which I hope is here to stay a long time! Enjoy your blog very much.
So well said, Anita. Some of us are blessed with family antique furniture, silver, crystal, books etc and it is always somewhat of a challenge to keep it fresh, inviting and “now.” We look to gals like you for encouragement and direction. Keep it coming!
Thanks for a really great post!
I think you are spot on – I agree with all of your trends and fads.
Congratulations on your article in Country French magazine. It was great.
Have a wonderful week.
Mary
Couldn’t agree with you more Anita!!!!! Thank you so much for sharing this with your fellow followers!!!! As Always so helpful and informative!!!!! Roxann
So glad I’ve signed up for your daily tips
Great article! I pretty much agree. I never really liked the Chevron pattern myself, as far as pallets, it is saturated, but at least it did give people ideas for “on the cheap” furniture,storage,shelves,etc., and especially for peoplel with no budget, like college students, newlyweds,roommates, etc., who can really, with just a few nails and some sandpaper, make a lot of useful things, plus the aspect of recycling. I think mason jars will be around forever,but only for true gardeners and preservers, and families, which saves them money and increases their pantry. There are only certain places that you can use the jars for decor and make them actually fit in,but are very useful for modest weddings for flower vase,etc., but dolled up to match the occasion., I use them a lot, and other clear bottles, to store things in my craft room, so that I can see what is inside with a glance. I totally agree about the fads, and thank goodness, not ALL of them stay forever!! Observe and note the usefulness, I say, but, stick with the “classic” trends. I, too, love a good magazine,but I have found MY personal style on blogs, like YOURS for sure.
Peggy Lee, yes Mason jars are classics for sure. I was referring to their overuse everywhere. I even use mine for a smoothie every morning.
Yes, I’m sure the maker/manufacturer is just LOVING that fad! LOL
Smoothies? I’ve been drinking smoothies for 14 years, so for me it’s not a fad. But yes you see them everywhere now.
Anita, I meant the fad of making everything out of mason jars! I haven’t tried coloring any yet but those are really pretty I think.I do have one vintage blue one with a zinc lid.
I would love to have some of your favorite smoothie recipes.I follow you on Pinterest too and plan to look at all of your boards as I get time.
I really love your style and all of your posts as well. You are such an inspiration to me! It was great to finally find out my decorating style through your blog. I found that I have a lot of French and French Country style and accessories in my home already.I love your choice and use of paint colors as well. It was nice to finally pin down what I really love!
I think the use of burlap is a fad as is covering all the books on a bookshelf in the same colored paper. I’ll be glad to see them both go. Truthfully, I think painted furniture is a trend that will fade before too long. I think a lot of folks will eventually regret having painted over beautiful wood. I think ‘shabby’ will go out as well. People return to refinement and ‘chippy’ will be a ‘has been’. I think we’ll see less of light fixtures that have bare light bulbs. They are harsh, cast unattractive shadows, and are hard on the eyes. I really don’t care about any of it except I’d love to see color return. I’m so tire of the monochromatically neutral, washed out, bleached out, anemic looking interiors. I’m SO ready for beautiful natural wood tones and color to return.
Love this topic both here and on your instagram. But I’m old enough to remember the term used was ‘classic ‘. Is that the same as a trend? I’ve been lucky to have been the recipient of classic pieces of furniture as hand me downs and these pieces are still floating around for a 3rd generation. Jenny Lind solid wood beds, solid wooden Early American style dressers and such. Just today I realized a solid wood drop leaf table we bought in the 70s as our first piece to stain, is still being used by my Dad after making the family rounds for years. But I also just last month read on another blog that grey was a fad and was gonna be gone in a year.
So your words are right, do what you like. I’m not crazy about geometric designs. But a little touch that can be changed out can work for a season. I did find a set of curtains in a geometric print that I liked for my living room this summer. Very inexpensive for this one season. But then I change out my curtains for the seasons. Im OCD on this one. When I change for the holidays, I’ll pack them up and if I’m not feeling them next spring, I’ll donate them. Thanks.
I love your style and your passion for decorating. I really need to update my home and love your ideas about how to do it.
I have to admit that I’ve got a couple of hostage pieces myself, and a husband who doesn’t understand. Such is life, that’s where creativity comes in. I might have to go on a painting spree lol
Keep up the good work, always love your posts.
So happy to find this site! Ready to open my piggy bank to add some of these treasures to our home!
I think you pretty much hit the mark on the ‘fad’ items that are on the ‘way out.’ Mason jars, for instance. I have read/seen every which way to use a mason jar…sqeezing a lemon for all it’s worth so to speak. Using a mason jar as a dish pedestal…definitely a fad. However, canning fruits, veggies, jams and jellies in mason jars will never loose its basic function.
I so agree with the things you listed♥
summerdaisycottage.blogspot.com
Anita, when you address the comment about white and cream colored cabinets, please also discuss the fad or trend aspect of all white living areas as well. My own taste goes toward lightening things up, but am wondering if the reality of living with white sofas makes this concept possibly more fad than trend?
Okay Nancy, I will. Thank you.
Great post and lots of comments. I tend to agree with them all. I have been known to go a little overboard with some decor that I’m in love with , but thankfully my husband helps me reel it in. Too bad he does not see the beauty that I do in French furniture…..I’d love a little chair with a linen or grain sack seat -maybe one day I’ll find the perfect one that even he will love .
Anita, I am relatively new to your blog, so forgive me if you have answered this question before. But, do you give information on sources for such items as : grain sacks, linen, and the like? I understand the issue of promoting companies or products would be a consideration, and that if you steer your readers to certain items, it would be considered your endorsement, but I feel like there isn’t very much info available about resources. Thank you.
Rosemary, I have some in my shop now! http://shop.cedarhillfarmhouse.com/collections/all/grainsack
This was one of those great blogs that I need to post somewhere! You are right on with your thoughts about classics, as well as the things that are fun for awhile. Keep sharing with us.
I agree with your thoughts on fads and trends. I think its so funny how young women are into the Fixer upper look which is really a more rustic version of Shabby Chic which has been around a long time.
I am super thrilled to find your blog and site. I’ve gone from old world (previous home which i LOVED) to country french, which I’m really falling in love with all the textures and charm. I’m having a really tough time bringing everything “together” and hopeful that your site will help me! THANK YOU!!! Do you have a section where to look for or purchase items? I’ve been searching for counter height stools like the ones in your first picture and to no avail. Also the linen coverlet on your iron bed (BEAUTIFUL). Where might I find these items? Thank you again for your love of farmhouse country french!!!
When, I, too, see the same thing on blogs or in magazines, I am turned off. I don’t want my house to look like everyone else. I love using the inspiration and ideas from blogs…Pinterest is one of my favorite things…too much of anything isn’t good…too much grain sack in rooms takes away from the beauty..
white sofas and chairs are everywhere and I applaud the use of slipcovers because I feel white sofas are a fad and will fade. With slipcovers, it will be no problem…some fads are so fun, you can’t ignore them…:)
I love anything that is simple and natural. Checks, plaids,linen are a few of my favorites. Thank you for all the helpful information on trends and fads.
I think Gray is a trend that is on it’s way out. Color trends seem to last around ten years. So I think we’re heading into a transition period from gray into the next trend. I’m seeing a lot of different things, so I’m not sure what the next color tend will end up being. I just know a lot of my clients are specifically saying they don’t want gray in their houses. They’ve seen it too much.
I think we’ll start to see trends changing a lot faster, because like you said, bloggers are driving them more and more. Unlike magazines which come out monthly, bloggers have to create new content weekly or even daily. If they want to keep their readers interested, they have to keep looking fresh.
Loribeth, yes bloggers have to have new content constantly, but they can’t show unlimited houses like magazines can. They can only show their own home for the most part. I don’t think most bloggers are going to repaint their homes every few years to a new color. They have nothing to gain from that, and it’s a big expense and a lot of trouble. I think gray is around to stay, but I also know some people don’t like it. I know I’m not going to be changing the color of my home any time soon. I think you made some interesting points. And I agree things are going to change more rapidly in the future, but also trends will be more practical because bloggers are driving the trends now, and bloggers don’t have unlimited budgets like big name designers do. That’s my opinion, and I so appreciate you sharing yours.
I enjoyed reading your post. I follow several “Home Decor” IG accounts and I am finding that the homes featured are all beginning to look alike, even to the point that they have the same sofa! I think shiplap and basket walls are a trend. I remember both of these decor ideas from the 1980’s but we used to call shiplap “panelling”! I think the faux farmhouse look is also a trend and is being way overdone! I decorate my home with things I love, not to copy the homes of others (although I do enjoy being inspired!).
Where did you find the striped cushions at the beginning of your post. I could use them right now.
Heidi,
Here’s the listing for the blue boxed pillow. There are other listings for the other colors. https://bespokedecor.store/collections/all/products/blue-ticking-box-pillow