It seems, the old wife that came up with that collection of items for new wives to wear definitely understood the power of eclecticism. It also serves as a decorating technique that blends décor elements from different styles, themes and timelines to create a look that has visual depth, meaning, variety and textural interest.
We live in contemporary times and our homes should reflect that, whether it is with the art, furniture or technology with which we surround ourselves. But rooms will also benefit from something old in them as well. In this way we pay homage for what has gone before and benefit from this reminder that our existence is a mere drop in the ocean of time.
Homes that show some appreciation for history feel more fulfilling. Antique pieces such as furniture, artwork or objects that have lived a previous life offer a fascinating and humbling glimpse of times gone by. Just because it’s old, however, doesn’t mean that it’s always drop-dead pleasing. While it’s important to embrace the past, be discerning when acquiring such pieces.
Including a borrowed item or two in a room can provide a touch of lightness to the decorating process. For a start, if it’s borrowed, it hasn’t cost a cent, which makes it all the more pleasing. And if it’s a valuable painting that Aunt Joan left behind while she’s cruising the world for an indefinite length of time, all the better.
When she returns, you might have saved enough to purchase your own masterpiece or with a bit of luck Aunt Joan might forget you still have hers on the wall.
Borrowed and diverse pieces also allow experimentation with new looks, possibly steering us in an exciting and different direction. The blue contribution to the scheme can be taken literally or interpreted to mean something soulful, something that contributes visual notes that give meaning and uniqueness to a home.
Sharon Dann from the Design Council shows us her personal take on something old, new, borrowed and blue. For the old elements, Sharon found an Egyptian footrest dated circa 1850. She also introduced wallpaper, a traditional decorating element, which in this setting is a contemporary interpretation of the time-honoured flocked pattern design.
The wooden vessels are the new elements. Their organic, curved shapes bring a natural effect which softens the sometimes harsh lines of contemporary schemes. The soft furnishings, also new, are made in natural fabrics, such as linen for the curtains and velvet and embroidered linen for the upholstery.
For something blue, there’s the Picasso Chair, covered in two different fabrics – a petrel blue velvet and the embroidered linen. A flocked satin fabric in a blue/grey has also been draped over the chair. Traces of metallic silver – essential for a touch of glamour – feature in the wallpaper, the silver printed linen cushion and the side table.
Sharon borrowed the black elephant from her mother, because it’s steeped in childhood memories. “Elephants should always be positioned with their back to you to ensure good luck,” she says.
