Learning from the Past
Design by Congoleum-Nairn Inc. - a linoleum and rug company
Learning from the past can often be a good thing. I was leafing through one of my vintage design books, “The Doubleday Book of Interior Decorating” by Albert Kornfeld and found some great photos that back up this point. The book was published in 1965, and it is a great reminder that, just like fashion, if you wait long enough the trend will come right back around.
The den/guest bedroom shown above draws me right in because this color combination is very popular today. The rug provides a large block of color that serves as the perfect backdrop for the striped and floral fabrics. The look is bold and crisp against the white woodwork. The canopy roman shade gives a fresh, beachy look while drawing your eye out the window (a view of the Golden Gate Bridge always helps!). The only items that clue us in on the date are the patio furniture and size of the paper lantern, which I would scale back a bit.
Room by Jerome Manashaw, A.I.D./William Grigsby
While the color palette of this living room is a bit more dated, I chose it because of the quality of the individual elements. A very warm and vibrant room that was the epitome of modern at this time. First of all, I love the Danish modern server in the background with the collection of photos above. They provide visual interest and the colors are well balanced. The rug does not catch my fancy but the coffee table is perfect to show the pattern off. The chairs and sofa work well together with similar back heights and lines. If you tweaked the color palette, the rug and flooring, you’d be surprised at the change. Just check out the black and white version below to see the difference.
The black & white version of this room allows you to appreciate the design without being distracted.
Please feel free to share any past decorating memories you have from the house you grew up in or one you decorated yourself. I would love to hear your thoughts!
“Home is the most popular, and will be the most enduring of all earthly establishments.” ~Channing Pollack
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Tags: My Favorite Things
September 16th, 2008 at 9:29 pm
One of my favorite past times is leafing through old design books. I get the best ideas and am often smiling when I see a look that has been refashioned and put out there again. Wonder if that qualifies as a hobby?
September 17th, 2008 at 8:45 am
I definitely think that qualifies as a hobby. It’s the same as being an art aficianado. It’s so interesting to see how trends come back in new and interesting ways. Thanks for visiting!
~Lorrie