By now, most of you design afficionados know I am only learning your finer points. Observation: I'm detecting a real divide between true pared-down-to-the-essential design and 70's over-the-top-kitsch. (Y'all are probably laughing your head off right now at me stating the obvious). But, some of that 70's stuff (I think) is really cool and "cocktail party conversation" pieces.
Here's my question. If I stick with the clean lines that I am drawn towards in neutral tones, is it OK, in your world, to throw in a teal or citron or orange crazy accent piece like something I saw today (but didn't buy) which was a lamp consisting of two oriental guys in a boat with a half-cylinder fiberglass shade that was fabulously cool and hilarious?
Feedback, please!
Sure, why not.
I know that type of lamp you're talking about. I like them. (I think they're often made of chalkware when they're not ceramic.)
There are levels of kitsch, I think. Some of it is ok in small doses. Other kitsch is just kinda trashy, and many kitschy pieces in one place is just....kitschy.
Small doses
Got it. That's what I was thinking as well. Even in the "traditional" world, we pay attention to what we call negative space, open spaces between furniture groupings that call attention to the architectual detail of the room which includes the ceiling and floor materials, woodwork, moldings, window details, etc. But into this negative space we add symetrical furniture placings, strategically placed artwork and taadaa!...something really fun with an unexpected punch.
Funny how an eye for design transcends our respective genres, eh?
Thanks for the input--Riki
P.S. Spanky
That lamp was chalkware and now I'm kicking myself that I didn't buy it. There's always a next time, right?
What's the coolest thing you didn't buy that you wish you had? Mine is a 6 foot long oval wicker basket with a wooden bottom that was used in the hot, humid US southern states at the turn of the century to store BODIES in on ICE during a funereal viewing. I saw one in Hendersonville, NC last year and didn't buy it. I've never seen another one before or since and regret it every day.
Biggest regret?
Adler, ugh.
This is probably going to get me into trouble. I think Jonathan Adler has begun pandering to the masses in an upscale sort of way. He seems to me to be sort of plebian in his approach lately. The general concensus recently is that Jonathan Adler finds an older original item and adapts that design into something that can be mass produced for the new money crowd that only buys by brand, i.e. the Dora Maas vase.
When he went into shower curtains, I lost faith. Why do I feel like I am preaching to the choir, here?
I'm tentatively trying to step up to the next level. Can mid-century modern incorporate a neutral clean look with a few "punches" of color and fun without being kitsch?
Yes!
You are on the right path.
And you have opinions...very important.
My palate is neutral with items of value.
'smalls', easily purchased, color with some fun,
low in initial purchase price, (i prefer vintage-recycled)
can be bought, enjoyed, but easily given away or sold.
'smalls' are the odd lamp, the accessories.
My personal approach anyway...
(i bought a lamp,a crazy one, at a yard-sale thinking a friend would
love it...i still have it! and not ready to part with it)
Riki
I would trust your instincts. You obviously have a smart eye, you just aren't very familiar with the objects as of yet. Your genuine interest will make that an easy education.
It is important to buy what you like. Your eye is telling you a neutral palette (serious) with punches (fun). Many people, including myself, like this general aesthetic.
You can do this with styles too, I think. Use your fondness of both traditional and modern in your favor. I actually love this when done right. I don't decorate this way because I don't know enough about traditional furniture. If you hang out here long enough you will know the best of the best of both worlds. That's a fun and impactful knowledge to have.
It's actually quite in style these days; many people cannot pull it off. Marcel Wanders is a current modern furniture designer whose latest works are in this vein. He makes some traditional styled furniture in a high gloss, black plastic. It's actually pretty stunning.
ADLERS OBJECTS
in most if not all cases are weak vesions/so so knock offs of quality vintage items.Some of his higher end interior work is interesting and uses few of "his own"work...I am a gender neutral chicken:)My background is in "conventional" antiques ...started mid century collecting pre 19...76
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