Let me start this post off by saying that everyone is entitled to their own opinion. I just happen to find some opinions more “interesting” than others. . .
When I read this Elle Decor online article last week (found via Twitter by a fellow blogger), I have to admit it ruffled my feathers a little.
They asked five design experts their opinions on the “trends” that are over. While I did agree with a couple (designing for form rather than function, for example), there were two comments that I just had to blog about.
Here’s the first via Mary McDonald (who I actually found really amusing on Million Dollar Decorators . . ) :
“It’s time to retire brightly lacquered Hollywood Regency furniture, says decorator Mary McDonald: “I think we all have seen enough garage-sale junk sprayed in high-gloss Skittles colors to last through the next century.”
Oh dear. Can I just tell you how much satisfaction it gives me to actually find a great piece of “garage-sale junk” and paint it a bright color? She might be shocked and appalled, but it makes me totally happy. And, I’m pretty sure there are some other bloggers (who like me, aren’t on million-dollar budgets) that would agree this trend is here to stay. In fact, there are several who have built successful businesses out of painting these finds the colors of the rainbow.
![[DSC_0101%2520high%255B8%255D.jpg]](http://lh4.ggpht.com/-fjZE2UMk7m4/Tjd-20ANt8I/AAAAAAAAB_8/yEvT-ex-Gyc/s1600/DSC_0101%252520high%25255B8%25255D.jpg)
The second comment that got my attention was this one from Sheila Bridges. (I checked out her portfolio, btw, and she’s not decorating for folks on tight budgets, either.)
“The DIY craze has run its course, says decorator Sheila Bridges, who has seen her share of “earthy, handmade concoctions. Just because it can be reclaimed doesn’t mean it should be.”
And I thought being “green” was now trendy. . . If she thinks DIY is over, I’m guessing she doesn’t follow some of my favorite bloggers. Reclaimed, repurposed, recycled—I think it’s pretty exciting to see what some really creative people are coming up with:
Like I said before, everyone is entitled to their opinion, and I get that there are people with all kinds of budgets out there. I just found these specific comments pretty surprising. Maybe I’m just way behind on the “trends.” :)
And, now for the million-dollar question . . . What do you think?
Awesome post! I totally agree with YOU! You also chose great photos to illustrate your point!
Seriously so well said. They clearly do not know what a elegantly collected space entails, right? It includes pieces with character and charm. Could not agree with you more!
I totally agree with YOU! Great post with photos to support.
Yikes! Fortunately, they don’t have the final say on what’s in and out anymore. I love painted furniture and DIY, they’re two of my favorite things about decorating!
I agree with you. Especially about the “DIY craze”. With the way the economy is and with wanting to go green, I LOVE DIY projects with Recycle, Reused and Reclaimed items:)
I completely agree! I am NOT a designer/decorator, but my favorite blog posts for several design blogs are always reclaimed treasures and DIY stuff. I want my home to be beautiful, but comfortable for ME and my family…not necessarily according to someone else’s rules.
I’m in agreement with you, and not just because I do a lot of DIY. I don’t have a million dollar budget to decorate my house. So if I have to DIY it or spray paint something from a thrift store or garage sale “gasp” to get the look I’m after, so be it! And, there are plenty of examples out their that can prove that just because a person spent a million dollars on decor, it doesn’t mean it looks amazing. Oooooo… Now I’m kinda fired up, ha :D
So….basically what they’re saying is we should all go shopping, spend money we don’t have so we can look like everyone else? If every piece in our homes are bought brand new, odds are we’re buying a lot of the same things. What about individuality? Creativity?
i felt the same way when I read that article. I agree with you…very subjective and focused only on a niche group of people!
Right?? On Mary McDonald WHO I LOVE AND ADORE…that is the comment that stuck out to me. For some reason I find her hysterical even when she is wrong. I’ll be painting old furniture bright colors until I die. Or get sick of it. Whichever comes first.
No comment on the ‘DIY’ remark, except to say that the examples you showed are fabulous and I have a feeling that’s not what Sheila meant. She should have been more specific. :-)
I agree with you – I don’t think they are decorating for the average person out there – when you have tons of money you can choose to buy anything you want, my bet is that these designers lack a little creativity and vision.
Well said! We are average Americans trying to make our homes beautiful. Unfortunately, she is only speaking for the 1% of our country. Thanks for speaking out for the other 99%!
I have a sneaking suspicion neither of these designers ever used spray painted furniture or DIY projects in theirthe spaces to begin with even when they were in “style!” DIY is here to stay…. :)
How can DIY be over? Are individuals just going to stop doing anything in their own homes and only have things done by professionals? No offense to Sheila, but that is the dumbest design comment I’ve ever heard.
PS: Love painted furniture, too. So I’m sticking with it even if it’s a don’t.
I so agree with you. True design is never about trends but about inspiration and creativity and a great floorplan! Great design can be achieved in all price categories. I tend to work with high budgets clients and reclaimed pieces is far from over, my $10,000 reclaimed tables armoires and more are going very strong!! Trends are for followers, i never think of trends when designing a space, rather, I look at my client’s lifestyle, their needs and then inspiration and creativity takes over. Great post!
agree, and you know why? Because I haven’t had the chance to do any of these, I live in London, in a rented apartment and to be honest here its not that easy to find “junk” to transform, so Im hoping one day I will be able to!
They are just upset that clients aren’t spending the big bucks with them. Clients can see now that really wonderful pieces and ideas can be created for very little. Sounds to me that they are saying all this just to make it sounds like an “expert” opinion. When actually its because its hurting their own businesses.
Well, in or out, I have furniture that I’ve bought from thrift stores that is destined to be painted. What I’ve bought in thrift stores is better made than anything I could afford in a store today. Oldies but goodies. They just need a little love which they’re going to get. With paint.
I think that the wonderful thing about design is that you can do whatever you want as long as you love it. It’s about confidence. Comments like those just wear people down. I’d much rather lift them up with tips they can use to make their houses feel like homes, no matter if they spray paint everything they find on the side of the road or not!
Thanks for the post, Emily! Great as always!
I think any DIY project that is done well will always be in style.
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, but I have to disagree. I’ve had more than my fair share of awful looks when I mention that I am a DIY blogger – some people just don’t understand. And it tends to be the budget-less ones. Oh well, we do what we enjoy and I think its here to stay. Thanks for posting, liz
I totally agree with you!
I guess I’m late to the party, as usual… but I only recently discovered painted furniture and I love it.
As for the diy craze…. people have been doing it for years and I don’t see that trend ending. In fact… I don’t think it can even be called a trend. It’s a way of life. I get a lot of satisfaction out of doing something myself. Plus… not everyone can run out and buy brand new objects all the time, or hire someone else to do the work.
They comments make for good copy and get attention, I suspect they knew that would be the case. Of course DIY is not going anywhere, it’s always been around and will continue to be. (I mean really, how did people get anything for their homes a hundred years ago…a run to Ikea?!)
Janell
There’s no better expression of who we are than the things we create – and those expressions needn’t have a price tag – or brand – attached!
I completely agree with you! Not everyone has those budgets AND I happen to love DIY projects…(well I am not talented enough to do many of my own – but I love other peoples’ projects! – like the photos you featured!) Sometimes I think some designers are really bothered by blogs because now there is so much information out there for the average person to access on a daily basis.
I wasn’t aware that DIY was a trend. As others have said, people have been DIYing forever and will keep DIYing forever. And I remember painting my first piece of furniture a “bright Skittles color” a decade ago, so can that really be a trend either? I assume this wasn’t what they intended, but it reads like they want people to stop making their own design decisions and start paying someone (i.e., interior designers) to do it.
I love DIY projects because a) I’m on a budget, b) it feeds my personal creativity, and c) I want my home to look like ME and not anyone else. Clearly, those designers possess neither budgets, creativity, nor individualism. How sad for them!
I love this post, and all your other posts as well.
I completely agree with you. The other designers you mentioned are wrong in so many, many ways.
First off, it is common sense by now that avoiding waste, recycling, repurposing is the environmentally sound way to go. If we are not prudent with the resources we have we will not even a planet to live in with homes to design. Repuposing, painting garage sale finds is the way to go for a safer planet.
Second, our homes are to reflect our personalities, lifestyles, life stories. Our home is supposed to be a haven and a sanctuary for us, where we are surrounded by things we love, things that mean something to us, the things we have created with our own hands. If we buy everything from a store then our home will not even be what it is supposed to be for us.
Thirdly, what about each person’s creativity, ingenuity etc. Do we follow some rules made by certain people and end up stifling the God given gifts within each of us?
Finally, a beautiful home is everyone’s right. Not only rich people but people of all income levels should have the freedom to live in an aesthetically pleasing environment. Beauty is God’s gift to us. It is everyone’s right to make our environments/homes beautiful in exactly the way they please. if some people are unable to make things on their own, or prefer to buy from expensive stores, that is perfectly okay but everyone need not follow rules that fly against the basic ideals of freedom.
Emily, I love the pictures you posted to bolster your points. Thanks for speaking your mind.
Anna
I am 100% with YOU. In fact, when searching for beachy/distressed furniture and accessories, I often have a hard time finding that natural look in stores. I can much more easily complete these projects on MY OWN MYSELF!
Those are funny quotes. I completely agree w/you. I’m in awe daily of the genius creative force out in blogland. I’m inspired by all the made over furniture and think recycling and reinvented pieces are priceless.
Completely agree with you – I think painting/upcycling furniture will be around for the long haul. It’s budget friendly and guilt free (if you mess up, who cares!?). It also let’s people be creative and personalize things. I get so many comments on my own pieces that I’ve made, more than I do on things I bought straight off the shelf….
I think when you are operating on a millon dollar budget it might be easy to say DIY and garage sale finds are out but for everyday, on a budget person, these trends will never go out of style. Plus the collected look, with a story is so much more appealing to me then a room filled with $20,000 chairs.
You’re totally right. Just because some celebrity designers might be tired of certain trends doesn’t mean that they are going away anytime soon. I liked Mary McDonald too in the show but I don’t think she’s right on this one.
christina
http://www.christinamarieinteriors.com
DYI and a new coat of paint… I will NEVER grow out of those “trends”. My home is filled with Craig’s List revamps paired with finer pieces. Everything has a story and gives the space a unique feel that just feels like home and expresses who I am.
That article ruffled my feathers as well!! I have always been of the mindset that if you love something, then it can never be out of style. Opinions are great, but they are just that- opinions!
xoxo, Emily
Great post! Love that you featured Kristen F. Davis. She’s one of my friends and has been named the spokesperson for Pantone’s MyColor paint line! So apparently they see the value in her work!
I’m with you 100%… since when does a pop of unexpected color go out of style? Just because it’s garage sale junk and she can’t put $2500 price tag on it, doesn’t mean that it’s not amazing.
I agree with you, and I really don’t care what the trends are. I have shopped garage sales and flea markets all my life because I have like a tiny budget! I love the look of painted furniture and love it when I can take something and reuse it somewhere else. Opinions are like noses… everybody’s got one.
My house would be lame and…probably empty if I didn’t “DIY”. I don’t think Martha Stewart will let diy become a dying trend. (:
The painted furniture? If it’s well done, like in the pictures you posted then it’ll always be good in my opinion.
I agree with you Emily and let’s not forget, people with million dollar budgets don’t want things repainted and/or re-purposed. They are not thinking how they can re-use an old item – much easier to spend the money and I say, go ahead, if it keeps the economy humming along…!! There is a place for every budget!!;-))
I really hope none of these trends are really over! Again like you said the majority of us don’t have million dollar budgets. And we are entitled to our own opinions…on that note I am going to go DIY something…
I agree with you – both are not going away nor should they. The best part of the creative process is making something old look new. Anyone with money could buy expensive perfect furniture but making something look beautiful on a limited budget is usually only pulled off by someone with a true design eye.
I agree with you – both are not going away nor should they. The best part of the creative process is making something old look new. Anyone with money could buy expensive perfect furniture but making something look beautiful on a limited budget is usually only pulled off by someone with a true design eye.
I saw that article! I couldn’t help but get a little burned up about it as well! I think the real trend behind painted furniture and DIY is the fact that we, as design/decor lovers, want to fill our home with items that mean something special to us. And we do that via painted furniture and DIY.
Excellent post! I have to say that I think these decorators who are incredibly talented are not decorating the home of average home owners with average budgets.
It strikes me as odd that in the economic times we find ourselves and at a time when climate change and ” being green” is being shouted from the roof tops that some are of the opinion that perhaps it does not factor into a design process.
Frankly the world of blogging has opened a new world for many, where beautiful ideas, both expensive and inexpensive are now accessible to the masses! I say, decorate your home in the style that suits your life and what you love. In addition, always keep in mind your budget. Which I know is the number one factor in a design process. Don’t ruin your credit or go into massive debt for design.
Have a great day, Elizabeth
i read this article this weekend as well and was totally put off by what was said. i agree that it is just their opinions but i felt like they were rpretty much bashing all the people who diy anything- well, with the economy the way it is, people have found ways to be thriftier and perhaps it is hurting some industries which is why they feel this way. that was what i thought.
i loved this post- hanks for saying something!
i read this article this weekend as well and was totally put off by what was said. i agree that it is just their opinions but i felt like they were rpretty much bashing all the people who diy anything- well, with the economy the way it is, people have found ways to be thriftier and perhaps it is hurting some industries which is why they feel this way. that was what i thought.
i loved this post- hanks for saying something!
i read this article this weekend as well and was totally put off by what was said. i agree that it is just their opinions but i felt like they were rpretty much bashing all the people who diy anything- well, with the economy the way it is, people have found ways to be thriftier and perhaps it is hurting some industries which is why they feel this way. that was what i thought.
i loved this post- hanks for saying something!
i read this article this weekend as well and was totally put off by what was said. i agree that it is just their opinions but i felt like they were rpretty much bashing all the people who diy anything- well, with the economy the way it is, people have found ways to be thriftier and perhaps it is hurting some industries which is why they feel this way. that was what i thought.
i loved this post- hanks for saying something!
i read this article this weekend as well and was totally put off by what was said. i agree that it is just their opinions but i felt like they were rpretty much bashing all the people who diy anything- well, with the economy the way it is, people have found ways to be thriftier and perhaps it is hurting some industries which is why they feel this way. that was what i thought.
i loved this post- hanks for saying something!
Painted furniture is here to stay.
I love Mary McDonald, but I think the article was just silly. There were only two comments and they were cutting!
I’d venture to say that more people read this post today than read that article. xo
Abby
Emily, we couldn’t agree more! Do-it-yourself will always be in style, and reclaiming/refurbishing good furniture is the best way to extend the life of many beautiful pieces. Thank you for pointing these out – we’re going to share on Facebook to keep the conversation going!
I’m completely on your side, Emily. I think that people who design fancypants rooms for the rich and famous have no idea what folks are actually doing.
And quite frankly, I never like the quote-unquote “real” designers that much anyway! I would much rather see what my bloggers are up to.
It seems like a marketing ploy to me, both on the part of Elle Decor and of the designers quoted. DIY has always been and will always be. It isn’t a trend.
Speaking of that word, how many of us can honestly afford to be “trendy” with furniture? I found the article to be funny.
well, how i feel about it is probably obvious since it’s a good chunk of the way i earn money but i still wanna add my 2 cents. the reality is, people have been refinishing furniture for a long, LONG time–this didn’t just start since HGTV. most of the people who are DIY’ing it are not these designers ideal clients, so i’m not sure why it matters to them anyway. i’ve heard a few designers make this statement, and it kind of works my nerves. i think that a home should be a reflection of its owner above all else and so, if you’re a person who loves handmade crafts and takes pride in doing the work, i say rock on! for me, refinishing isn’t just about saving $$ (because in the end it’s not much cheaper), but also about reusing some of the AMAZING pieces from years ago that are already in our environment. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
good to see so many people weighing in–thanks for including me in your round-up! :)
dayka
Of course they are both going to poo poo painted furniture and recycled, reclaimed,etc. They are decorating with million dollar budgets and can have antiques that should be in museums! Of course whatever they say gets acknowledged, so the more obscene the better but if anyone thinks DIY is going anywhere they should go check out pinterest….Both dumb comments in my opinion but great post on your part! Enjoyed it!
I couldn’t agree with you more. While both of the designers quoted are known for beautiful work, the budgets that they work with are certainly for those who are the top income earners in the country. I have often thought, even if I had $50 to $100,000 to spend redecorating a room, would that be the best use for God’s money? I would be much better off hiring Emily Clark!
All I can say is that these ladies must be smoking crack! :-) These trends are not going anywhere especially DIY. Seriously??? If I could afford the things they can, that would be different, but I think as a DIY, we take so much more pride in our home because we have filled it with pieces and things we love and took the time to create.
I think those ladies are *hoping* those trends are going out of style because it is hurting their pocket-books!
I think the DIY trend and the painted garage sale finds has permitted people like me to have some style in their house that didn’t come from a high-end shop with a high-end price tag. Good for me, bad for designers who can’t embrace these trends as part of current design.
The idea that DIY is a “trend” is… interesting. Are people going to stop doing things themselves and start paying designers like her mega-$ just because she decrees that the DIY “trend” is “over”? Methinks no.
I can see why pricey designers don’t LIKE people making over old, inexpensive pieces and creating fabulous things without their high-priced help, but just wishing that these things would go away isn’t going to make it so.
This might be received really poorly since the overwhelming consensus here is against but a small part of me can’t help but agree with the statements made by these designers.
I think good design requires thoughtfulness, ingenuity, and attention to detail; I don’t think any designer would disagree with me there. And in some cases (not all!) I think a trend can become something that is used as a quick fix.
When a DIY project or painted furniture is done well it can be a beautiful addition to a room. However I think we’ve all seen (and even possibly done ourselves-raises hand) examples of sloppy paint jobs, poor color choices, and just plain odd makeovers that likely are only cheered on in the design community for the fact that DIY and revamped thrift store finds are “in” right now.
Of course this doesn’t mean that I think we should all go buy from big box stores or shell out money we don’t have for custom made pieces. I just think we should evaluate if a project really is successful based off of how it works with the space as a whole and the quality of the workmanship.
I don’t necessarily see these as “trends” — it’s more a sign of the times. People are still watching their money and working with what they have vs. buying everything shiny and new. And there’s never anything wrong with customizing a piece to fit your tastes, whether it’s on trend or not!
When I read the title of your post I got butterflies in my stomach worried that what I like has ended before I even got a chance to paint something and put it in my home. What! I love what everyone is doing to furniture. I’ve come to the conclusion I love furniture and even more now that their is so much more to do to it.
I think it all comes down to the money with these designers that have budgets that the rest of Americans who are not in that 1% category. DIY trends are so not over : )
I’m also a decorator, and while I rarely use the repainted and reclaimed in my clients homes (for the most part I’ve found they have very little interest) I do use them in my own home. I love the sense of history and love that they add to my space!
These designers live in an alternate universe. Why are there so many successful DIY, home and design bloggers? Because real people want beautiful spaces created on realistic budgets! Part of that is painting furniture and DIYing to replicate a look that is clearly out of reach for the average person. I also love that people are using their own talents to beautify their own spaces. What could be more rewarding? Great post Emily!
I think those comments are out of touch. DIY is not over. People are trying how to figure out how to do more with less.
I say wishful thinking on their part – they have $ to gain! Although, most REAL people cannot afford them. I found their comments and declarations to be a bit arrogant, don’t ya think?
xo~Jill
Great points made with the pictures you chose.
I think this article is just away to make people dissatisfied with their current collections in an effort to entice new buying!
This made me think of something I read on another blog once (can’t remember which one, though!) I think, for everyone of those “trendy” things, there should be two “normal” things, too.
For example, console table with reclaimed top + two “regular” tables in the living room. Or brightly colored buffet + more subdued, traditional dining set.
So yeah, basically, I agree with you, but those things have to be done with care so that they aren’t just “too much.”
I agree with all of the comments, but I do see how the painted furniture in crazy colors could go out of style. Only, though, because other trends will replace that one.
Remember, it is people like Mary McDonald who START trends. So she’s probably got 10 other trends up her sleeve that are going to start trickling out to the design community this year and those trends will completely contradict the radical-paint-color trend.
I just keep thinking back to furniture and decoration in my mom’s house and often wonder “What WAS she thinking?!!?” only to remember that my kids are probably going to be thinking that too one day! HA!
I just rolled my eyes at the DIY comment. Emily, I loved the term “ruffled feathers”. It really ruffled my feathers too!!
MM makes me laugh with her wisecracks, but I think the comments in this article were self-serving, insensitive, and a bit off-putting considering the state of our economy. I love that the focus of interior design has moved toward ignoring rules and creating rooms in which people are happy and comfortable. And they can still be gorgeous!
Awesome post Emily! I just mentioned it on my blog because I just bought 2 chairs from the goodwill to be refinished! DIY is here to stay-although I will say not every piece of furniture looks good painted! I also think a mix of painted AND wood tones work best in a room!
You can see my chairs here if you’re interested! http://www.swooninteriors.blogspot.com/2012/01/thrifting.html
I’m with you, Emily… with you all the way!
Out of touch springs to my mind. I think these big budget “designers” say these things to keep themselves in a job. Why would someone want a $5000 dresser when the client can recreate it herself? People who dislike DIY usually have a reason… maybe both of them grew up with DIY-ing parents and it left them distrusting of it themselves?
Oh, piffle! As my Dad used to say, “Who died and made them boss??” Trends come and go…DIY is forever! As for painting furniture, when a designer can find me a beautiful and colorful piece that is the perfect style, size, color, and in mint condition yet costs less than a month’s salary, then I MIGHT consider listening to what they say. In the meantime?? Hand me the paintbrush, please!!
I’m with Courtney ( a few comments above). Obviously we have to take realistic budgets into mind (most of us can’t afford Mary McD’s work anyway!) but I’ve definitely seen badly done spray paint projects that detract from the room or make it feel cheap (I’ve also seen them done really well, so there’s no “right” answer here. As for DIY, I think people will always do things for themselves, but I’m betting that she meant the DIY for DIY’s sake (crafty things and whatnot). I DIY when it’s *actually* cost-effective for me to do so. But when I have to go buy a million things (and then store them!) just to have an end product that is never nicer than what I could have purchased for not much more… I know some bloggers get a thrill out of that but I think I’d rather save my time and energy! I think they definitely presented these quotes as twitter fodder, don’t you? Look at all of us talking about them!
I agree. When I read this, I had one. ONE, one. single. solitary thought going through my head:
“holy cow. Elle Decor is TOTALLY threatened by design bloggers.”
call me crazy, but THAT is what I think that article was about. for realsie.
– {darlene}
fieldstone hill design
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I completely agree with you! As a young new homeowner, I definitely don’t have the money for high-end decor to make my house feel like home. But, I do have money for spray paint and other odds and ends! I love the character that each up-cycled item gives my home!
If I had millions of dollars to spend maybe I too would feel a differen’t way. But until I win that million dollars I will continue to hunt garage sales, cl, good will, paint my furniture and claim it as my new beauty!
Love this post!!
XO
Kristin
I could not agree with you more- sometimes these high-profile designers can be completely unrealistic. I mean, sure if we all had millions to spend on our furniture and decor, it would all be fabulous. But I tend to think us DIYers do pretty damn well, for the most part. ;)
I’m glad you responded to this, and your response is very similar to mine.
At first, I was more bothered by this than I should be until I realized a few things.
First of all, it’s my home. I’m going to decorate it in such a way that my family is comfortably. If that isn’t super trendy or approved by a million dollar decorator, then so be it.
Also, I don’t see a time when repurposing something, whether with bright paint or not, is going to go out of style. I think the actual projects will follow certain trends, but it will live for a while. After all, I think part of DIYs appeal and the reason it’s so popular is based on the economy. Not all of us can afford originals or to buy everything brand new.
I could go on, but I’ll leave it at that.
I love that you have addressed this statement. Obviously these decorators don’t have a clue what a real budget means, and how thrilling it is to refurbish and collect unique decor. I love Darlene’s comment: “Holy cow. Elle Decor is TOTALLY threatened by design bloggers.”
I think there will always be an amount of DIY present in design, it brings something unique and unexpected to the table. It is in our natures to reinvent and redefine what is considered normal and make it OURS!
Thanks for posing this!
I think those highbrow snobs just want us to think we have to depend on them for style and go bankrupt paying their fees. Maybe they are jealous that people actually believe they don’t usually need to hire a professional.
I saw that article, and I have to say, I agree with you. I think that DIYs are here to stay. They are not only inexpensive, but more importantly, they are UNIQUE. I love having one of a kind pieces, and having a sense of completion and satisfaction is priceless! I think that interior design is an art…there’s no wrong, there’s no right. It’s just what makes each person happy at the end of the day!
I agree with you 100%. Sounds like Elle Decor and those designers are threatened by DIY bloggers. What you do is awesome and gives average homeowners like myself, passion for decorating and DIY!
Is this the same article that claimed that decorating with books and mid century furniture were both out??? Books, really? Different worlds I guess:)
Wow, I’d venture to say they’ve lost their touch with reality! Great post!!
I think both the DIY movement and painting furniture have come about because of the state of our economy and I think it’s been a great thing, I’ve never seen so many great ideas then recently. It’s so refreshing to see homes with individuality instead of looking like a page from Pottery Barn.
Amen Emily! Some of my least favorite rooms are designer show cases that just look “purchased” not collected and layered with meaningful pieces – some even found at thrift stores and garage sales.
As usual…I’m lucky I can’t afford either of those decorators. I would probably disagree with them. I’m a serial DIY-er!
I for real doubt that either designer has ever lifted a paint roller, a hammer, or a screwdriver (the tool not the drink (= ) in their life. This fact may skew their opinions. Ok- gotta go – running to Home Depot for more spray paint. ;) I might even stop at Goodwill on my home.– I don’t know if I’ll have time – bahahahha!
A high end designer saying DIY is out of style… wonder what could be motivating that?
Hi Emily,
I saw those comments too and I happen to agree with…you! I think just like in fashion, very little goes “out of style” anymore. Beauty is in the eye of the homeowner, and so I think painted furniture and DIY are both here to stay! Of course some looks and colors will fall in and out of favor at any given time, but I think people finding clever ways to give new life to old things is not unlike using antiques in a project. It is ultimately the best way to “go green”. And since sustainability is here to stay, so are these fun ways of re-purposing!!
I could not agree with your side of this more. I was reading the exact same article on my nook color in bed the other night….I was so irritated & couldnt even say a word :)
I think what irks me the most is that while the pages of Elle Decor are gorge..no doubt..we are on a budget & some of us are ACTUALLY conscious of the environment and world we live in & re-purposing furniture and items really lets us embody those values and teach our children as well.
& its always highly amusing to me when they do the high dollar item & find a VERY similar if not almost identical and less expensive version of it…
money DOES NOT buy you happiness or class for that matter. Honestly, just being a high dollar designer does not make you the authority on anything…
I am far more impressed by another like myself. A mom, juggling 5 million things & creating a fun, warm and memorable space for your family to create their memories in…
Thanks for inspiring us with your blog!
All the posts are well said. Thank you Emily for commenting on that article, cause I feel the same way. We can’t afford a lot of those decorators so are left to recreate w/in a budget. That’s where the disconnect comes with high end magazines and Decorators vs. the real world, a.k.a. do-it-yourselfers.
It’s all about taste and style….
Nancy
http://www.powellbrower.com/2012/01/dont-know-much-about-history.html
I get the magazine in the mail and read the same article. I totally agree with you and felt the same way as I was reading it. I had to read it twice. I love DIY and painted great buys. Matter of fact, I’m working on painting a a vanity I bought from a thrift store. Thanks for addressing that article.
I totally disagree with these statements. The fact is whether you have money or not my opinion is that they don’t make furniture like they use to, antique and vintage furniture have unbelievable lines and details that manufactures just don’t do anymore because it takes more time to do and those skills just aren’t taught anymore. Also I find the cost of new furniture to be outrageous espically for what you are getting and if you can take something old and update it with color or fabric then in the end you will get a much better looking piece for a much better price.
Your the best! Obviously these people are out of touch and have never seen Pintrest! Good post bella!
Anything can be done well, or done poorly. I think it’s all about balance. Do a few DIY’s and a few painted pieces. If you house is totally fully of DIY’s than ultimately that will show and it won’t look “designer.” Obviously designer isn’t within everyone’s budgets. I try to mix a few high end pieces into my budgets spaces. Furniture auctions are great for those of us who don’t have million dollar budgets!
I follow your blog and Young House Love WAY more that Elle Decor’s blog! I think that for “regular” people, they are just wrong.
While sometimes it breaks my heart a little when pieces that are awesome as-is (with gorgeous age and patina to them) are painted “skittles colors”, overall this trend still gets a big “thumbs up” from me. As for the reclaimed thing….clearly it’s not a trend for everyone but as long as it’s well done, safely constructed and can stand the test of time…who are any of us to say you shouldn’t make a table from pallets if it makes you happy? Thanks to those two ladies for perpetuating the myth of “snobby designers” whose services are out of reach for most people. Ugh.
I agree with you! I think those of us who dont have million dollar budgets are the majority anyway! I think it is narrow minded and snobbish to claim any trend is “over”.
These “no budget designers” are off their rockers. They are hoping that the DIY trend is on the downslide so that business for them picks up again. I feel that DIY is getting more popular than ever and will continue for a long time. The days of spending frivolously are long gone for many.
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Right on! I love painted and recyled furniture! It adds more character and you’re house doesn’t look like a furniture store.
Decorators’ make a lot of money selling “the next big thing”, and new, “custom” furnishings. A lot of what I see in magazines or online that’s “professionally decorated” is not practical for everyday life.
Maybe for those couple of designers, they are over. But I think for the average person, trying to create a home on a budget, DIY is here to stay. Maybe the way we do DIY- meaning the look we are trying to achieve- will change? But I think the means will continue to be around for quite some time. Thanks for the interesting discussion!
Jenna
I love this post—and I agree with YOU 100%. I am all about recycling, reusing and repurposing furniture. Maybe it is because I cannot afford these ladies price tags for furniture or for design–but even then I don’t think I would want to. There is nothing better than finding a cheap piece of furniture and making it your own. :)
I’m not in the industry (and therefore definitely not an expert!) but I couldn’t disagree more… Homes decorated with collected/altered pieces have so much more character and meaning, in my opinion. Both topics are eco-friendly and I think that “trend” is here to stay for a while.
Trends always come back years after they die out,so even if the majority did listen,it’s just a matter of time before “skittle” colored furniture is in style again. As far as DIY, as long as the unemployment rate is not at 0, it will alwand be around.
Lol!! Obviously there those decorators in the minority as we all agree with you!!!!
Emily, you are so sweet. I have been meaning to email you and say congrats on the twins and what an inspiration you have been to me to step back from your business to make time for your family. We don’t hear enough about that in the blogesphere. It seems like sometimes it’s about who can do the most. And this is such a great post and you are right, not everyone can afford design center furniture and we as designers should not be shaming them for it:) Great post!!
I saw that article and those two items ruffled my feathers a bit, too. Especially since this sits in my living room. http://thehillhangout.com/?p=699 To each his own, though. I choose to decorate with the things I like, not what is trendy anyway, and vibrant, unique pieces make me happy!
I caught this, too… and it reinforced my belief that Elle Decor is not the magazine for me! I get so much more pleasure out of reading DIY blogs like yours than I do looking at designs that are now (and will always be) financially impossible for most of us! Thanks for being such a great inspiration.
I read those comments as well, Emily, and actually felt crestfallen briefly! Then I snapped out of it and got a little mad. So much of “stylish” decor is out of reach for the average family; repurposing, painting “junk,” and DIY is how we make our houses HOMES. I want my spaces to evolve and feel collected. They can keep their high price tags to themselves… I’ll be thrifting. :)
I read those comments as well, Emily, and actually felt crestfallen briefly! Then I snapped out of it and got a little mad. So much of “stylish” decor is out of reach for the average family; repurposing, painting “junk,” and DIY is how we make our houses HOMES. I want my spaces to evolve and feel collected. They can keep their high price tags to themselves… I’ll be thrifting. :)
I read those comments as well, Emily, and actually felt crestfallen briefly! Then I snapped out of it and got a little mad. So much of “stylish” decor is out of reach for the average family; repurposing, painting “junk,” and DIY is how we make our houses HOMES. I want my spaces to evolve and feel collected. They can keep their high price tags to themselves… I’ll be thrifting. :)
I read those comments as well, Emily, and actually felt crestfallen briefly! Then I snapped out of it and got a little mad. So much of “stylish” decor is out of reach for the average family; repurposing, painting “junk,” and DIY is how we make our houses HOMES. I want my spaces to evolve and feel collected. They can keep their high price tags to themselves… I’ll be thrifting. :)
I read those comments as well, Emily, and actually felt crestfallen briefly! Then I snapped out of it and got a little mad. So much of “stylish” decor is out of reach for the average family; repurposing, painting “junk,” and DIY is how we make our houses HOMES. I want my spaces to evolve and feel collected. They can keep their high price tags to themselves… I’ll be thrifting. :)
Looks like we’re not the only ones irked by this article. Look at all of the amazing response! Wow- I can’t believe decorators would say that, no matter the ridiculous budget their clients have! I think they’re a bit out of touch with reality. :)
Take a look at ANTHROPOLOGY and what their window displays are made of. GARBAGE is what and i don’t know about any of you but i find that inspiring.
I totally agree with you on both accounts!
I can’t live without color (and what better way to brighten a piece of furniture) and DIY projects are the most treasured and fascinating in my opinion!!
Great words to set it straight ;)
Amen! I love this post. You’re so right. And we’re so flattered to be among the other gorgeous images here! Wow.
xoxo,
Sherry (& John)
I’m with you, Em, I don’t think DIY or painted furniture (or many other things) are going out of style anytime soon. And I personally think that these things gained popularity not only because of the economy, but also because of the “booming industry” of decor blogs.
Three years ago, I don’t think people even realized that these sorts of options were open to them. And now that they see how well they can turn out, they’re trying it. I’m all for it!
Totally agree! So many of these designers spew out their predictions and opinions about what the next big thing is, and what is fazing out…I used to love reading designer’s quotes in House Beautiful and laugh because so many of them contradicted each other, ie. “paint a small room a dark color”, “never paint a small room a dark color”. Design is subjective, either you like it or you don’t and people with a good taste don’t necessarily follow trends. Long live DIY and painted furniture!!
I totally agree with you. Maybe they’re intimidated by it all and are afraid they’ll be out of a job. Ha. Obviously they aren’t that creative with all the diy projects.
Totally agree with you, and not so much of a fan of the posted article. I think if you want and/or need to decorate and design within a budget, you have to be creative on how to make that happen. If you have the monetary resources to just buy what you want/like at any time, sometimes I wonder if that squelches that creativity?!? Either way it makes me happy that most of us want to design and decorate our homes with what we love, not what others tell us we should.
Great post, thanks for posting! :)
Totally agree with you! I can’t get enough of brightly colored vintage finds or recycled/reclaimed wood. I guess high end design just has to make bold statements every once in awhile to separate itself from decorating? Either way, Elle Decor is cray cray if they think these trends are going anywhere! – Rachel
I knew Mary McDonald was a high end designer, but she’s really showing her snobby colors. Not everyone has an unlimited budget.
agree with you! i have so much more pride when i buy something ugly-with-potential and make it pretty, than when i just buy something from a store, and leave it as-is. DIY forever! hah.
thanks for including me on your article!
Talk about ruffling feathers! I love how you structured your post with supporting images. Painted furniture and DIY will never be a trend. A trend comes and goes and these, clearly, have never been trends. In my opinion a person who can see and make a simple, old and beat up object a master piece is a true visionary of design and innovation. “Long live Painted Furniture and DIY” =)
I was a DIYer LONG before it was “in”! Both my husband and I came from families that had little money. If you didn’t DIY, it probably couldn’t get done. We were “repurpose, reuse, recycle” people long before anyone even coined the phrase. (Does that date me? LOL!)
However with that being said, I must admit, I LOVE the idea of using old garage/thrift store/curb finds but I personally wouldn’t do a bright Skittles color simply because it’s just not me. Nor have any of my clients asked for that. But repainted an old piece to look new? Yup! Two thumbs up on that!
As for all the “reuse, repurpose, recycling” that’s still being done with “stuff”….Well, I must admit I’m a little tired of that as well. Some “things” are just better left where they were found rather than incorporating them into your decor. But still, if one is attracted to that look, one should do it. It is after all, “Your Home” :-)
Additionally, all the chippy, partially painted, distressed look stuff is getting to be a bit much for me too. In “olden days” families would use these pieces of furniture only until they could afford something better. OR they would keep those old, rickety pieces nicely painted. When a new piece could be bought, the old piece was retired to a less used room such as a bedroom or it was removed from the house altogether. This “craze” of worn furniture is OK, but I wouldn’t mind seeing less of it. (I cannot fathom the price some stores charge for a new piece made to look old and chipped! UGH!)
DIY is great for the economy, but let’s not make our furniture look like we can’t afford anything! Sometimes the materials needed to get a piece looking chippy/distressed cost more than simply doing a nice clean paint job.
If that’s what they think then I don’t want the million dollar decor. I love the mix of the past and the present. Those million dollar decorators will find in the years to come that all trends go in circles. The old style is still here and it won’t stay away long even if, and that’s a big if,nit does decide to fade out for a while. I love the character and charm the old furniture has, and when we can restore it or revamp it it creates a feel and a look that no modern piece can.
I also was annoyed by that article when I first read it. Recycling and DIY are NOT over in my book! And even if I COULD spend a ton of money on decor doesn’t mean I wouldn’t still scope out deals and DIY one-of-a-kind items throughout my home.
Great post, Emily! Creativity will never be out of vogue!
I just have to weigh in on this! I first found out about this on Kristi’s blog, Addicted 2 Decorating…and I am compelled to repeat MY thoughts here: THANKS for your post! I believe my desire to make our home aesthetically pleasing with the need (and desire) to do so without breaking the bank, has stretched me to think creatively. There isn’t a cash value on the satisfaction I find when I complete a project myself. My DC Subway art dresser is a one-of-a-kind that gives me as much pleasure as owning a piece by Drexel Heritage.
It’s easy for some one with a million dollar budget to say things like that. Walk in our shoes for even just one day and maybe that AWESOME garage sale find wont be so bad. There is a great deal of satisfaction when I find a pre-loved piece of furniture and make it mine. The history behind it is so much more precious to me than a newly bought piece.
I read the same thing (via Twitter also) and felt exactly the same way as you. DIY over??? Preposterous!!! That is simply a sign of being out of touch with the real world. With most of America living on tight budgets, I’m guessing that DIY-ing will be alive and well for a very long time. And that includes restoring furniture with candy colored paint. ;-)
Great design and designers has/have no price point!! They can make any space look amazing no matter how inexpensive. I love DIY projects it make a house a home.
Whoa…this sparked some interest huh???? I have been in the business for 20 years and can tell you that painting furniture and DYI has been going on for a pretty long time. And please….”going green” is definitely here to stay. Poo Poo to them…:)
I made a pallet coffee table for my family room, and I must say that I never expected to have something so rough and unfinished in my house, but I’m so glad I do now!!
Wow, as someone with a passion for design, I actually find their quotes kind of offensive! I’m on a single mom budget but have pretty fabulous taste thank you very much. I am not going to spend 3 months pay on a dresser, when I can find a vintage one on craigslist that is well made with fabulous shape that I can lacquer a gorgeous color! Am I supposed to live with all Ikea and take 10 years to get the dream space I want? (and I do love some things at Ikea, don’t get me wrong) I think you said it best, and for those of us who believe in GOOD DESIGN NO MATTER WHERE IT COMES FROM, more power to you!
Great design can come from vintage pieces, Target, or Barbara Barry priced pieces. It should be appreciated no matter where it comes from! They sound pretty pretentious to me :(
You are right on! To put it bluntly, those designers have more money than brains! These trends may be “out of style” for millionaires but for the majority of people they are here to stay! :)
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What both designers are basically saying is that they have the monopoly on creative license. And you can only use it when they deem it a trend.
And since the trend is now over, well you just hang up your brains ladies and gentlemen and let us do the thinking for you.
That really angers me.
Great Blog!! That was amazing. Your thought processing is wonderful. The way you tell the thing is awesome. You are really a master.
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Useful information shared..I am very happy to read this article..thanks for giving us nice info.Fantastic walk-through.
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Here’s an example of million dollar budgets……I’ll take DIY, spray painted furniture any day!
As years pass by, painting trends on houses and furniture change. It is but commonplace to redesign homes with the latest trends just like what painting contractors Denver CO can do. Staying up-to-date need not be expensive, and most revamping projects are DIY.
It can’t be over I just started my second DIY project. My husband is amazed that I can turn an ugly chair into a pice of art.
DIY will never go out of style or trend. There are so many fascinating things done by regular people to regular, old, or even deteriorating furniture and fixtures. Is it just too presumptuous of me to say that those who believe DIY (even home builders Missouri) should die have never tried, and succeeded, in doing a DIY project on their own before? The pictures are amazing, I only wish could do that.
With the exception of the Whistler one at the end (that photo is very touching),
I’m more a fan of the originals and don’t think they need to be reinterpreted.
Pictures to paintings
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photo to painting
picture to painting
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I am very glad to read this nice article. I am happy that you made this concept very clear in front of people and to be very frank this is useful information too. Keep it up.
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DIY has continued to be an innovation appreciated by many, especially when beautifully done. Finding furniture and other things that are in great condition in bargain hunts and garage sales are always a “Hallelujah!” moment. We should appreciate the kind of skill and talent, and luck, of skilled Dallas roofing companies and contractors that goes into customizing the old and making them look better than new.
Ok i just saw this post. I am more into design than ever and part of the reason for that is the accessibility of it for middle class people. I grew up reading my mother’s house beautiful mags and whatnot, and while pretty, everything in a very very expensively decorated house looks sterile and boring to me. Painted furniture IS cheaper than finding something that looks beautiful already. When things get too expensive and perfect they lack personality and warmth to me. great for them if thats what their clients can afford, but I think it can get boring!
I found very nice post and awesome furniture stuff to decorate a home. I am agree with you to recycle, reuse of furniture.
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I found very nice post and awesome furniture stuff to decorate a home. I am agree with you to recycle, reuse of furniture.
Interior Design Ideas
I found very nice post and awesome furniture stuff to decorate a home. I am agree with you to recycle, reuse of furniture.
Interior Design Ideas
I found very nice post and awesome furniture stuff to decorate a home. I am agree with you to recycle, reuse of furniture.
Interior Design Ideas
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Great response, Emily! I’m sorry, are we or are we not in the midst of a Great Recession? We are among those you mentioned that are running a successful business doing beautiful old world and distressed painted. furniture pieces for appreciate customers and our own retail store.
When people are broke (and most are right now) they don’t want to stop living. We still want new stuff…even if only new to us. We want to be happy, too, and few things brighten up each day better than a shot of color in the room as we brew our morning coffee. As artists,we too hope and believe the reclaimed / green (inexpensive) trend is just beginning.
In fact, we are aiming to help our average Joe (or Jane) neighbors to help themselves by designing a new DIY site to catalog how we made all our cool Etsy furniture pieces one step at a time. The upcycle trend is for all of us who can’t afford new retail furniture (much less a decorator lol).
Best wishes,
Maestriadecor.com
Great post Emily, I hunt weekly for old beat up furniture that I can paint BRIGHT colors. DIY and recycling is not a trend. It’s here to stay. The painted furniture pieces you featured are by bloggers I admire and follow daily. Awesome makeovers. Kathy, Petticoat Junktion
I love this post! I think people love the idea that diy and one of a kind pieces are what make your space….your space.
Interesting question. We need to remember that ‘trends’ are over when people stop following them. Just because a couple of people in the design profession are tired of a certain look, does not mean everyone agrees.
For my taste, the saturated colors on traditional pieces are a bit jarring to the eye. I would rather see those colors on modern, minimal wooden pieces with straight lines, similar to those in the 60’s.
The beautiful details and moldings on more traditional or antique pieces are enhanced by softer colors and perhaps shading or soft accents.
One does need to use caution when adding strong colors and bold pieces to a space. It can easily overpower and without careful editing and accessorizing, it can just be a mess.
I do find myself cringing at some paint finishes on pieces with beautiful woodgrain or veneer. It almost seems sacrilegious to cover such beautiful pieces. Especially some of the beautiful mid century modern wood pieces.
As far as recycled diy, I think it is here to stay. Especially with the economic conditions what they are. Reminds me of the old saying, “necessity is the mother of invention”.
I say – follow your own design trends and ignore the experts. They expect you to redecorate every other year so they can all make money changing the ‘trends’.
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It really a good idea supported with photos, it can also make the person to be happy with their different innovative ideas to design better & in new ways which will satisty themselves who are interested in making “best out of waste”.
Well, everyone is really entitled to his or her opinion. Whether or not a thing is in trend or not when this appeals to you and makes you smile everytime you look at it, I think this certainly should stay. What is really important is that you get the satisfaction for keeping such a thing. May it be opting for epoxy flooring Louisiana or decorating your floors. Anyway, the samples you have are really awesome. I absolutely love the green furniture.
In this blog of yours, I found so many interesting themes and even if I did not yet responded to none, you to know that I read them with great interest. Success.
Hollywood Regency, as manifested today, shouts for attention. Celebrity nouveaux riche, glam up to mask insecurities.
More resplendent, yet more understated, is the moderne style pioneered by the French, the 1930s interiors of the Normandie. And the chic, simplified Classical rooms in villas along the French Riviera.
A modern, quiet interpretation of this is Darryl Carter’s. Magnificence in contemplation, not cacophony.
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Hello. I have concentrated especially on the photos. In my work I am arranging and painting old furniture and for it the photo that I like more is the one that it is called “image” . The bench of the photo brings me memories of the villages that I have known
People that use these designers are probably not going to DIY their own painted furniture so I don’t see how DIY could be taking business away from them.
I think painted furniture will continue to be used in design, but perhaps the popularity of bright colors is waning.
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I’m 100% with Suzanne. While DIY furniture is timeless, the current craze to put paint (and “distress”) on everything just means 10 years from now we’ll all be stripping the crap off (or maybe just I will). I don’t mind people doing it to their own furniture, but….
The most annoying thing about the fad is how boutiques and home businesses have centered their income around taking fine furniture (not pressboard or furniture worthy of the dumpster) and not really “upcycling” it, just making it a different color, and then upping the price 200%, claiming to improve an older piece. You just made it a different color. The only furniture in the photos above that look like cheap pieces that needed a coat of paint are the cane-seat chairs.
And don’t get me started on books as props. Yikes!
Katy has a point. I remember when painting furniture was “in” back in the 70’s, then it went out, and everyone stripped their furniture. I kept painting anyway….because I like painted furniture!
But not everything should be covered in paint, and I like to keep the beautiful patina on some of my wood furniture, something that cannot be reclaimed when a piece is totally stripped, it’s just gone…..you have to use some judgement about what to paint.
As for DIY, that’s something that will stay with us for awhile, especially with the move toward more self-sufficient and economical lives. If the trend is toward becoming less materialistic and using what we have (repurposing!), then good for all of us!
Books as props….”yikes” indeed! Books sorted by color or size instead of subject, books turned with their spines facing inward; those are not for readers. And books are best read and shared.
Yep, this one makes me sad because I love Mary! But I agree- I think the painted furniture is so fun and is here to stay!!
Funny but I just saw a commercial for I think it it was Ethan Allen and they had this what looked like to me a reclaimed chest painted all red, even the drawer pulls. I loved it, but don’t think this is going out of style that is for sure. Maybe they want to start manufacturing it instead of us buying it at a bargain price and painting it ourselves.
Oh and their was also a bed, very old style like something from a thrift store or garage sale painted turquoise, it was beautiful and I bet it has a hefty price tag as well.
I love painted furniture but do not want to paint all furniture. My favorite is a mix of both painted and stained wood. I think the 1970-80 dresser (had a complete set when I was 10) is modernized by the paint color and if a piece of furniture can continue to be useful and beautiful then that’s greats. I used to worry about what would stay in style the longest but life is too short and if I like it it’s good…at least for me (and I believe thousands of others). Thanks for the post.
If you paint it, they will come….
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I refinish mid century midern furniture and I find it very sad that you think solid walnut and maple and mahogany furniture should be covered with cheap latex paint. Take some time and kearn the craft of refinishing furniture. That gives me amazing joy. Some of the pieces you are describing as garage sale junk are intrinsically beautiful and constructed of trees that may have been one hundred years old. They have dovetailed drawer construction. Paint is just a skin, it is a shame you dont have a beyter appreciation. Maybe an occassional bright accent might be nice but from the view point of a skilled craftswoman, skittle painting is a bit tacky. I do like some rusti reclaimed looks, finding that organic quality attractive and somehow warming when there are so many plastics etc in our environment. Put down the paint brush and learn how to appreciate wood!!
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I totally realize that this blog post is on the older side, but I just wanted to give a little slice of my opinion. Emily, I think you are totally right on point with this. When I was going to school for interior design, I had an instructor tell us, “The good news is — you’re the designer. YOU get to decide what’s in and what’s not!” I think she’s really right. There are so many price points to work with, and it really is up to us to decide what’s great and what’s not-so-great. That’s what makes us all unique designers, and that’s what makes us produce such a diverse spectrum of work!
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I agree with you – both are not going away nor should they. The best part of the creative process is making something old look new.Quality Beds and Mattresses.Anyone with money could buy expensive perfect furniture but making something look beautiful on a limited budget is usually only pulled off by someone with a true design eye.
It was nice to see another blog of you to answer those two comments, and I agree that the trends are still on for painting your furniture yourself.
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Everything looks so girly and cute! Totally inspired.
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Love your article Emily!
My thoughts are simple ~ whatever fits your budget and warms your heart! You should fill your home with pieces that feel warm and welcoming to you… not what “trends” dictate.
~Denise
I am sitting here giggling like a crazy woman. This article was published in 2012 and I am reading it in August of 2015. Painted furniture OUT? NO WAY…it is still a trend that is growing more than three years later.
DIY done? Hahahahahahaha! Now I’m just laughing, big loud belly laughing. DIY will never go away darlings. The designer that thought DIY is a done deal is just delusional. Maybe she had been to the dentist and had a sedative that day. Perhaps she had a 6 glass wine lunch with friends. Regardless, she was so incredibly WRONG. But the laughing was great! I love a good laugh. :)