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5 Decor Trends That Go Too Far

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Your editor has had enough. First, a recap: On the green path to Woodland Chic, we’ve seen faux bois. And regular old bois. Unless you’re an oblivious sort of fauna you know that 2008 has been having a field day with all things sylvan. At EcoSalon, we’ve covered this nature-inspired trend’s eco offerings (and its urban vertical garden variant) extensively, from beds to floors to coasters and more.

The blogosphere of style has been collecting other great ideas, too. And I do mean collect. Call it bohemian, call it the bright collective, call it not-so-shabby chic - vintage updates and collections in candy splashes of color are everywhere - from walls to tables to teapots.

But perhaps inevitably, the twain have met between the twigs, evident in the form of Bohemian Bambi - the custom papered stags of the Wilderness Project by mixed-media artist Jennifer Khoshbin.

Points for a creative mashup to artist Khoshbin, but I am starting to notice some trends that are simply taking things too far. Or rather, making me writhe in editorial anguish. Normally I am calm, cool, and collected, but I’m also a Virgo (Mike is cringing at my astrological reference right now; ignore) and sometimes we volcanic Virgos have simply. had. enough.

5 Trends That Make Me Want to Subscribe to Dentition Monthly:

Give me your lighting, give me your mobiles, give me your stunning fabrics, and eco-paper my walls - but please, no more of these trends.

1. Tiny! Did you see? It’s a regular old thing, only now it’s tiny!

Oh my gosh, it’s…tiny. And therefore chic and adorable and obviously essential. Tiny elephant, tiny furniture, tiny tiny tiny. I loved this…when I was 9. I’m not aware of any woman who truly wants tiny, are you? This is a trend that will expire faster than my raw macadamia butter, so don’t fall for it (but do try the butter, it’s delicious and low in carbs).

2. The afore-mentioned boho.

I’ve disliked this word since my college roommate reinvented her wardrobe a la those calorically-challenged Olsen twins. "Boho" is one of those words that, like a homely pre-med, is best termed unfortunate. Now, I love the eclectic look, and bright colors are both addictive and fabulous. But there is such a thing as forced - which is the worst possible thing you can do with your "look" - and in my opinion it’s this. When you have a magazine that feels satisfied naming itself Boho (oh yes, friends, it exists), be assured that the trend has jumped the ikat-upholstered shark.

3. The twig whose sanity has snapped.

Twig-inspired jewelry is one thing. An actual twig ring, however? This is ironic, and not in a good way.

4.  Felting gone scary.

Flokati is luscious. Felted wool is both cozy and chic. Until it gets to be too much and you feel like you’ve entered a 14-year-old boy’s Cheetos-infused lair of video games and mouldering gym socks. Do we really want to be reminded of not being allowed to date seniors again?

5. The ubiquitous fleur-de-lis.

To the compost with this decorative symbol!  It was fine on my sofa pillows of yesteryear, but I don’t need to choke myself with it, as well. Is this seriously still around, and clutching at women’s throats, no less? I thought we realized this flower wilted back in 2006. It is most definitely not Next.

Remember, a little goes a long way and you needn’t jump on every trendwagon. There was a time when we all thought this was a must-sport style.

What do you think, dear readers? Am I being too fussy? What trends are you peel-the-paint sick of?

Image: Noel Zia Lee



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8 Comments

  • User Gravatar Liz
    June 24th, 2008 at 10:24 am

    Animal prints all over. Please, stop the madness, we’ve had this inflicted on us for 20 years!

  • User Gravatar Shonna
    June 24th, 2008 at 1:57 pm

    Oh Sara…I know what I’m getting you for your bday!! That Twig ring has your name written all over it! I might have to go out back and collect a few and make it myself! My favorite quote so far this year…” the trend has jumped the ikat-upholstered shark”. Brilliant! Liz - I must agree - enough people with the animal prints!

  • User Gravatar Adriana Velez
    June 28th, 2008 at 8:33 am

    What about antlers — or was that just an East-Coast phenomenon? It started with a little shop in Brooklyn and now I see antlers, antlers everywhere: on stationery, in my favorite bakery’s logo, in kids’ rooms. Bambi, run!

  • User Gravatar Mike S.
    June 28th, 2008 at 12:47 pm

    The teeth on that rug are Awfulness incarnate upon the Earth. The rest is merely ludicrous. That twig ring is particularly ludicrous - and dangerous, too - forget you’re wearing it when you get an eyelash in your eye, and it’s Hello to your local ER. Also, Sara? You write purty. :) For that, I even forgive the astrology reference. (This time).

  • User Gravatar Sara
    July 1st, 2008 at 11:25 am

    Adriana, I’ve got bad news for you: http://www.environmentalgraffi.....world/1360

  • User Gravatar Mike S.
    July 1st, 2008 at 1:37 pm

    Oh dear oh dear. Well-spotted, Sara.

  • User Gravatar Shonna
    July 1st, 2008 at 2:39 pm

    or oh deer!! Sorry Mike I couldn’t resist….

  • User Gravatar Mike S.
    September 12th, 2008 at 9:23 am

    3 months on, I’m still cracking up when I see that photo. :)

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