my office and a question about personal style

When I did my post about my office, I mentioned my plan to use a the Regal French Chandelier  that I found in the Wisteria catalogue for $249.00. 

 

I got a few e-mails telling me that they thought I could do better.  I took these comments to heart. Was I really settling? Was this lantern not pretty enough? cheap looking?  too kitschy? As an interior designer, should I be above finding items in a catalogue? 

I started looking for other alternatives.  I found this great looking lantern from Authentic Provence, but at $3,500 it was a bit too authentic for my budget.

 

Suzanne Kasler's Honore Lantern is beautiful. It is one of the only lanterns that I found that had a glass bottom. This is a very important feature when looking for a lantern to put above a dining table, desk, or other work space.  At $1,050.00 it wasn't completely out of my budget, but I kept wondering if it was that much better than the Wisteria lantern. Plus I was also thinking of doing a matching lantern above my farmhouse table. Two Wisteria lanterns would be $500. Two Honore lanterns would be $2,100. I could think of a lot of other ways to spend that extra $1,600!

I decided to wait until my lantern arrived before I made my final decision. Well, it came last week, and I really liked it!

The finish is just the right color for the room, and the scale of the lantern is perfect. 

The question that I kept asking myself about the lantern has now been on my mind quite a bit. As a designer (or anyone who follows design) do I have to abandon the things I love once they hit the mainstream? Are my beloved treasures junk once they hit a catalogue?

I think many of us asked ourselves that question when we received our most recent Restoration Hardware Catalogue. Not only has Restoration Hardware discovered Belgian style, but apparently they are following us to our favorite antique shops!

Steve found these vintage eye glass molds at an antique shop in Maine...

Only to see them a month later in the Restoration Hardware catalogue!

If Aidan Gray starts ruffling the edges of books and selling them in bundles....

 

and Wisteria starts making storage boxes like these...

Does that cheapen my beautifully aged  books?

  Do I now have to pack up my books and move on?

 

My old faded sea shells, displayed in my shelves with my collection of antique books. 

What about my hotel silver? I'm sure it is only a matter of time (minutes or seconds) until I start seeing copies in catalogues. Will it be time for a garage sale?

It's an interesting time for design. I don't think there has ever been another time where beautiful design has been so accessible. In this situation, is it still ok to love the original things that are copied. What about loving the copies?

I would argue that we should do as we always have done: buy and surround ourselves with the things we love. It's the way in which we combine and edit our treasures that creates our personal style. 

I'd love to hear your thoughts on this. Do you agree with me, or do you think that mass design means it's time to move on?

If you subscribe to my e-mail feed click here to go to this post and leave a comment.

xo

Brooke

Comments

[ALVN of WhisperWood Cottage & Junkologie]

Brooke,

I agree that we should surround ourselves with the things we love and that resonate with us in some special way. If it speaks to you, it is what works. I think most of us have a mix of original and mass-produced pieces. My preference is for authentic and unusual pieces, but should you give up the original when the copies come out? Definitely not. Instead of reducing the value, having an original makes it more special and valuable in my eyes. A copy is just a copy. You, your ideas, your creations, and your finds are the real deal!

Amy

[Deena Warner]

I love your style.
Buy what you love

[Tami from: www.SouthStreetShabby.blogspot.com]

I believe in using what I love, whether it's $20, $200 or $2000, if I love it, it's mine and it will work. Good for you for sticking to your initial concept. I think following the trend or settling for something else that isn't what you invisioned, is wrong. In the end you'll have the "what if's" and life is way too short for that!
Tami E.

[Devon]

I think you are spot on. Buy what you love. It will never go out of style to you. And, like any other form of art, having meaning to you is all that matters.

I will say, however, that as a non-"to the trade" person, I am often grateful that trends are hitting mainstream stores so quickly. I say this because I love my House Beautiful, my Martha Stewart, my Domino/Cottage Living magazines. These magazines often feature links to "to the trade" items that I can't purchase without a designer. As a result, I am grateful when I see similar items at Calico Corners, West Elm, Wisteria, Ballard Designs, etc.

That said, I laughed at the recent Pottery Barn and Restoration catalogs because they clearly evidenced that these companies are reading blogs like yours and following trends that you have created. Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery, eh? ;)

[Carol Ludwig]

I think the lantern not only looks better than the catalog photo it also just happens to be perfect for your office area. The graceful taper at the bottom looks much better with the soft lines of your desk and it does not compete with the other furnishings but compliments them. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a copy if it is well made and meets your design needs and you love it ! All homes need a mix of old and new to be interesting.

[velvet and linen]

Hi Devon.

I think you make some very interesting points.
I was talking to another designer who mentioned that she is starting to design different lines that will be available to
the public. I have a feeling that this going to be a big trend. I'm not sure why it didn't happen sooner!

I also think your are correct in your observation about blogs. I do believe that design bloggers are trend spotters.
We have the ability to post things immediately unlike magazines that take months to edit and publish.

Thank you for your insightful comment!

xo
Brooke

[B]

It's admittedly a tough balance in this day and age.

Whether or not we like to own up to it, or whether or not it is deliberate, there is a certain pleasure in possessing the unique, the original, that which sets us apart from the perceived "hoi polloi."

Personally, I find the balance in the mix - my grandmother's antique shagreen boxes next to the faux coral from Z Gallerie. (Whatever! It was the right price and goes perfectly.) As long as my room does not look straight out of Pottery Barn, I can live with myself.

At the end of the day, all that really matters is the creation of a space that you and your family feel good when they enter and enjoy being surrounded by. If it grates on you too much to have something mass market, then you are not meeting that criterion. But if you can giggle to yourself at the bargain you got and the fact that you still love your room ... go for it.

[DesignTies]

If you love something, don't stop loving it just because it's mainstream. Chances are you'll still love your originals (and maybe some of the copies) long after they've disappeared from catalogues and store shelves.

Copper has been my favourite metal for almost 20 years. If it goes mainstream one day, I'll still love it.

Stay true to what you love and you can't go wrong :-)

Kelly

P.S. I think you'll like the house in our latest blog post :-)

[my notting hill]

Agree with you - because eventually mass design will move onto something different and you'll still be surrounded by the things you love.

[Robin]

Interesting. I love that you stuck with what moved you in the first place. I love the high and the low in every room. Burlap and tapestry. Makes both more interesting.

Your style is there in all the photos you show. It makes me feel good to hear you question yourself, and come up with your own answer. It helps me know that someone with a depth of talent and reach such as yours comes from a humble, human, place...

Glorious.

[paris]

This is a very interesting subject! I always feel a bit sad when a look that i have loved becomes mainstream and available in every shopping centre. I must admit that I think this is the "trigger" point where I think it's time then for me to move on from that look and seek out something different. For example, I had a fabulous huge slightly battered old clock in my kitchen which I loved for years, but once I saw similiar clocks appearing simply everywhere I knew it was time to look around for a new clock.If you are not careful your own loved items will start to look rather ordinary and "done to death". Sadly, yes, I think the shells and old books, the coral, anything shabby chic, anything tribal or animal print etc - all over done.Love your new lantern light fitting though - it's beautiful.

[velvet and linen]

Thank you Paris for your point of view.
So then the question is..... If all of the things that I love : old books, old shells, coral, old silver are "all over done" then is there anything that is "classic"? If so, what are they?

xo
Brooke

[Ellen]

I believe that blogs are changing the process of trends...I see things online and months later find them in catalogs, like you say...
"The times, they are a changin'"...smiles.

[Susan Daniel]

I think the Wisteria lantern is perfect for your office. I don't always love the Wisteria things--and have seen them in person at their outlet. But this lantern looks great.

I think everyone should decorate with things that they love. Not everyone can afford (or wants to ) change their decor every time the trends change. Is anything timeless? Or is the idea of timeless passe?

[Laura]

We should buy what we love and what we can afford...some people recognize and appreciate great design but cannot afford the original...I think your blue books and silver are classic...and if you still love them...then keep them close. Should a day come that you tire of them or you no longer want those treasures around...I would be more than willing to take your cast offs anytime! The Wisteria lamp is beautiful!

[paris]

I love old books, I love old shells and coral, and old silver is so beautiful...both my city and my beach house feature all of these items and I feel they look just perfect. I can't escape that nagging feeling though - once these items are in lots of shops and catologues I feel these lovely things are somehow cheapened. I live in Australia and a recent Coco Republic catalogue featured the lovely tarnished old silver trophies and other silver items they have for sale. Lots of people will love them, walk into the shop and buy a nice little collection very similiar to the one I have collected piece by piece over the years.We don't have Restoration Hardware here, but when I saw their catalogue I thought the stock was absolutely fantastic! They have really successfully captured a look which many of us love.

[TanyaLea]

Hi Brooke~

You raise an interesting point..."It's an interesting time for design. I don't think there has ever been another time where beautiful design has been so accessible."

BUT, I would have to aree with you: "that we should do as we always have done: buy and surround ourselves with the things we love. It's the way in which we combine and edit our treasures that creates our personal style."

Like Paris said, it can be frustrating when a more original design style that you love becomes main stream. But with all of the media attention to design these days, it is bound to happen eventually. As a designer myself, I often begin to wonder what MY STYLE really is anymore?! I realize that I enjoy creating so many different looks, but I'm not sure which one really captures who I AM these days...or if I even know myself what that is?! I'm having a bit of an identity crisis when it comes to design in my own home right now. I think I need to hire another designer to do my home, to give me a fresh perspective on things!

On another note... I REALLY like the lantern you chose. Everything doesn't have to be a 'one of a kind' and cost thousands to create a look. Sometimes it is more satisfying when you can create that perfect look and a more affordable budget. The room looks great and the scale of that particular lanter is PERFECT!! :) Great choice!

Have a nice weekend!!
~Tanya

[Raised In Cotton~Carol]

Dear Brooke,

For years I have decorated my home with antiques mainly because it was very hard to find anything in stores or catalogs that I felt had the vintage character I was looking for. What a suprise when I ventured into my local Restoration Hardware and found the perfect weathered wood table for the 1865 farmhouse that my husband and I are renovating. Not to mention the beautiful 19th century french inspired dining chairs with lovely linen fabric. Finally after all these years, a mainstream store that uses words like "salvage", "reclaimed" and "weathered" to describe a style that echos my own. Keep buying what you love Brooke no matter where it comes from! I know I will:)

[LuluD]

I've been decorating with linen slip covered sofas mixed with antique wood pieces, neutral palettes, antique books, and architectural elements for over five years (with a chandelier thrown in for sparkle). I call the look French European, but see the similarities to Belgian design. I had a similar conversation with my good friends at Bungalow Classic in Atlanta when I went in to get yet another linen slip covered sofa from them last month ~ now that one of their suppliers is producing for Restoration Hardware. You know who I mean. I tend to avoid the obvious trends ~ grain sack pillows and fabrics, but would never abandon my collected items because something similar is temporarily mainstream. Since trends come and go, I'm pleased that I was ahead of the trend, and am looking forward to when it passes so that I can continue to build on my unique look with prized finds that reflect my style. I considered the Wisteria lantern for the den that I'm redoing a la Bungalow ~ but finally settled on an Aidan Gray Italian chandelier (another trend, but...) Restoration's dress form can't compare to my authentic antique dress form. I would never give it up because there is a repica out there. I vote that you hold onto all the unique things you have collected.

[for the love of a house]

Brooke,
Such an interesting post! Having been an antiques dealer for many years I can not tell you how p.o.'d I have been, after living some antique for 7 to 10 years, to then find them copied in the mainstream...[for example, all antique: starburst mirror, gilt Italian candlesticks, mercury glass, antique mirrors, vellum books, hotel silver (I too have a huge collection, and PB has had copies of it out for several years, so no worries;), coral, and even my "driftwood" and "fishing float" collections.] P.O.'d I tell you! Does it make me love them any less... No. The difference is that I live with original antiques, not imitations of them. Fads/ trends come and go, but a true antique is a thing of beauty (and value) forever. I, whole heartedly agree that you should buy what you love, but if you expect to love it forever buy the real thing and not a faux version. Because what happens with mass design is that they too will "move on" and you are happily left with the original! I think spending mega bucks on a 'copy' of anything silly. I guess my point is, if someone is buying a 'look' or a 'trend' then buy it, love it, but don't pay a lot of money for it.

In regards to your lantern...I love antique lighting; having sold many, many lamps and chandeliers over the years... so, in all honesty, while I think your Wisteria fixture is nice, I also know you pride yourself with living with antique things that you 'find', and have stated that you want to be a designer who goes shopping to find the perfect piece for a client's space, and wait to find the perfect piece no matter how long it takes. Well, You are your most important client! So, my personal take on your lantern is that at that price, you have a wonderful looking lantern until you find a fabulous "antique" piece that you will love and be proud of forever.
joan

[MaryBeth]

I am so glad you stuck with the Wisteria light. While the others are beautiful I was glad you were not swayed by the price or pedigree. I also think you will still love your books or eye glass molds because of the story behind them.

[Ms. Jenn]

If it looks beautiful and you love it, then who cares. It's your space, your style, your choice.

[Drew]

It's an interesting dilemma that you pose. Clearly one shouldn't disregard the value of a treasure once it's mass produced. But one shouldn't buy mass produced or catalog items either, not only from an environmental perspective but as a designer, there has to be a baseline level of artistic originality. When I look back on all my furniture editing, the things that I keep invariably are one of a kind items (original paintings, 1750s Gustavian chair, 1820s French mahogany breakfast table, custom zebra wood pedestal dining table, custom glass blown chandelier), and the things I tire of are items that were mass produced new (which I never buy anymore of). I tell people to take their time collecting items instead of rushing to stock up their homes from catalogs. I'd rather live in a house with one antique Oushak rug and a period Georgian chair and nothing else, than in a house that looks like a catalog. And for those who say that they can't afford only originals or unique items, I say live with with less.

[velvet and linen]

Hi Joan (for the love of a house).

I understand what you are saying about my Wisteria lantern, but what if it is the "one"? I'm not sure that I will find the antique that is any better.
The interesting thing about catalogues these days is that they tire of the trends quicker than I do. The Wisteria lantern will be out of stock next season making it impossible to find. The same thing happened with the outdoor industrial lights I bought for my home in Oxnard from the Pottery Barn Catalogue. They were great and no longer exist.

xo
Brooke

[Julia]

I agree with buy what you love. I think the best part of design is mixing the unique with mainstream, you've done it beautifully in your office.

That said, is does drive me insane when I have envisioned something, hunt for it for months, maybe years before I find it and I swear - 6 months later it's in either RH or PB catalog. For a fraction of the cost as well.

The lamp is beautiful. You got a great deal on it. Best of both worlds!

[Zoe]

Hi, Brooke! I was reading all the comments and this is what I was going to say but this reader has said it for me! "The difference is that I live with original antiques, not imitations of them. Fads/ trends come and go, but a true antique is a thing of beauty (and value) forever. " And it has a history and sentimental value and is ecofriendly because it is recycled! There are places to buy antique and vintage pieces that do not cost thousands I think you know it better than me being a designer. Your lantern is definitely nice and looks good in the office. But the rest of the pieces shown by you -I compare with a fake Chanel bag, they are not at all like what you have - I believe your Chanel is real -it only costs around 2200$ So although things that you love are massproduced you still have the originals that mean something to you! I hope you understand what I mean. Thank you for an interesting post.

[Laura]

This was an intersting question-one that I have thought about over the years. I have always collected many different things - mainly because my mom steered me to them (with an eye for design and an antique shop) and then we would see them show up in magazines. Sometimes it took a little fun out of it but I felt that regardless of it becoming a "fad," I loved it and that was that. Antiques usually go around every 7 years or so anyway, so someone is bound to start over with the things we love and show them off in a new way. Ideas are like that too I guess - constantly being re-worked. And then it continues...we just live with what we love and build on it. Thanks for the post and beautiful blog! This was my first time here, love it!

[Jenny]

Brooke,

First of all, I love your office. It is perfect. And, regarding your current topic...I have loved antiques for years but could only afford to buy a few in the last few years. The antiques I've purchased have been those "great finds" that mainstream retailers have yet to mass produce...because my antiques have a patina and a certain aged quality that can't be mass produced. I also have some expensive reproduction pieces that still aren't able to replicate that certain something that is in my antiques. That being said, I also have a lot of reproduction accessories that, to me, are beautiful enough. I have several Aidan Gray lamps and candlesticks and they are just fine by me. I can't afford the $3500 it would cost to get authentic italian candlesticks (well, I guess I could if I decided to forego a sofa!) and I think the look of Aidan Gray is lovely. So, I guess what I am saying in a roundabout way is...finding the perfect "something" is great a lot of the time. But I don't think you have to shop for the "perfect find" EVERY TIME when sometimes the "great find" is good enough. And I think your Wisteria lantern is a great find.

[CC]

Brooke, I LOVE your style. What does it matter if you have a few things that are mainstream? If you love it I think you should incorporate it into your surroundings. You do such a beautiful job....please don't question your sense of style...you are SPOT ON my friend!!!!!

PS....I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE your new lantern!!!!! I love mixing the highs and lows of things....make a beautiful "marriage" don't you think?????

[for the love of a house]

Hi Brooke!
Love this discussion!!
After I wrote my comment I realized that I forgot to say that, while I admit to being somewhat of a purest regarding antiques, I do have a Circa light (that I adore) above my sink in the kitchen.... it was a great price and is a copy of an antique, so it IS the one until, or if, I come across an true antique that I would rather have. In all honestly, I'm not even looking for a replacement as this one is so perfect, so I too would say it's "the one"!

I think your lantern is beautiful, and I think it was a wonderful price, so if it's "the one" then it's "the one!" Regardless if it is new or old you must be happy with it. And I think you are, so that's a good thing!
I totally agree about the catalogs, and once it's gone they too are on to something else, so now you have a unique item once again!
joan

[kel mcnichol]

I think what we have now that we have not had before is accessible design. I can find things I love that are dime store novelties, to pictures of things I love, to originals, to replicated items. I really think it is all a matter of what/how you design your life/look with these items. It would be ideal(maybe?) if we all could only afford originals of everything and probably out of reach. What we have to watch out for is trendy - not aquiring what is the flavor of the month. I will say that I have seen plenty of homes that incorporate items copied, replicated, mainstream...because it suited their taste and was able to be acquired. Now is a great time for style...it is all around us, in magazines, tv shows, websites, travel, neighbors, museums, restaurants. Everything starts out as an idea anyway...so be open to the idea and who cares about dictated acceptance. You can also personalize it if you want to make it your own: tweak the finish, paint or distress it, change bulb type, insert frosted panes or bubbled glass to age it. Or just enjoy it. Hee

[shelly]

Loved this post Brooke...and the lantern looks great in the space.
Regarding trends, I remember the old days when I would go to market and friends would ask what was new in the big city. That doesn't happen any more, with blogs...internet catalogs...we're used to an instant trend update! The majors can e-mail an idea to the factory offshore and the wheels are turning instantly.
A few years ago I bought a couple of unique light fixtures in Venice...now I see them everywhere. I'm disappointed that they've become mainstream, but that won't take away my memories of shopping with my friend Emilio on a beautiful sunny afternoon and choosing the perfect light fixtures to ship back home.

[Artie]

I'll say this to start: if you decided to have a garage sale, I'd fly to California JUST FOR IT! :) Now, not being a "designer" persay, I'm not aware of many of these fabulous items before they hit shelves in stores like Wisteria, or Restoration Hardware - but no matter, my belief that is that if you decorate your space with things you love - it won't ever tire, nor will it fade in and out of fashion or fads. I think you have a wonderful style, and a great home that you should be all to happy to enjoy. Don't spend valuable time wondering whether you're keeping on or should be moving on, YOU will always be an inspiration!

[Linda]

Your esthetic is inspiring to someone on their design team, and it's pretty flattering that main stream retailers are copying it. But you may find comfort in the fact that they will likely never get it exactly as you do. So, just keep doing your thing and stop looking over your shoulder. Then move on when you're ready...

[kathysue]

Brooke, what I love about your design is its honesty and staying true to yourself.I know being in an industry surrounded by beautiful pieces and by other designers that are impressed by pedigree it is hard to not get caught up in the moment. I am so glad you went with your heart and bought the Wisteria lantern. I am sorry that some in the industry made you question yourself and your taste.The longer you live the more you will see design trends come and go and then come back around again. As long as you stay true to Brooke you will always have a home(not a showroom) that you love and isn't that all we are all trying to achieve, a home that we love. Love yours dear Brooke it is beautifully and wonderfully YOU!

[Anci]

Hi,
That's a important question that you're asking. I think that everyboby should stay with their own personal style and love the things that you always done. It's in some way sad to see old lovely things in so many copies but i think that it will always (and fast) come new things and styles. Keep to your own and love them always !

xo
Anci

[Linda (Heartfire At Home)]

Hi Brooke,

Great discussion here.

I came across one quote years ago, and it's been the mainstay of my own style and my work for others. It's even on the back of my business cards...

'Let yourself be silently drawn by the strange pull of what you really love. It will not lead you astray'. Rumi

I also like this quote by Billy Baldwin...

'Stick to the things you really love. An honest room is always up to date'. Billy Baldwin

Words to live by in my world!!

Linda. :)

[shannon fricke]

Go with what you love - it's the only thing that we can be sure of in this mass produced, ever changing world...
Sx

[Kathy Wommack]

Brooke,

I vote "yes" on the lantern, and would not be looking to replace it with an original. the scale is perfect, and unlike the antiques you post that are boxy, yours has the nice lines to contrast with your cabinet.

I come from a different perspective because I am not a designer. I was not at all impressed with the Restoration Hardware catalog. after I went through it, my thoughts were: "this won't work". they are going to take a loss on this inventory, and lots of this will be on sale after Christmas. (It's already marked down, so perhaps I am on to something)

I think in an economic recession, consumers are even more mindful of quality, and originality. while I might buy, and have bought, items from catalogs when they fit my needs, the copies made from recycled wood have always turned me off. They just don't give me the same satisfaction.

In your situation with the lantern, it was exactly what you needed! Why waste money and time looking for something else? You needed a lantern in your OFFICE, and your time is at a premium. If your customers notice it is from the Wisteria catalog, you might just reply that your style is so beautiful that people have started to copy it! You could go on to talk about the books, coral, etc. But, point out that you are the trend setter!

Imitation IS the most sincere form of flattery.....Embrace it!

take care all,
Kathy

[Townmouse - Kristine]

Mmmm, I think it's one thing to see items available to the masses in catalogues at affordable prices, but it's another thing altogether to put it in place and have it look like the $3000 item that inspired it. Only very clever people such as yourself can do that. I think the lantern looks so much prettier in situ than the catalogue photo you showed at the start of your post. I'd never guess it was a bargain purchase.
I know I haven't really answered the question you posed, but I was struck by how pretty it looked in your home.