When Joy blogged recently about balloons being the next mustache when it comes to trends I was sitting here with my head bobbing up and down in total agreement. Balloons are all I see, think about, I just love them in pretty pastel or metallic silver or gold. Festive, happy, uplifting, balloons mean fun, freedom, and femininity. I’ve noticed them in everything from ads to fashion photography, products, and in lots of artwork lately. Are you seeing them too?
Birds of a feather…In addition to balloons, I am enjoying feathers more than usual… After watching the MTV Europe Awards in Manchester, England last year seeing all of the feathers flying around in Pink’s performance in addition to celebrities donning plumage (real, faux and feather motifs), I felt this whole bird trend changing a little, going from the entire tweeter to its lovely coat. I’m starting to see feathers as earrings, feathers on hair clips, feathers on evening bags, and of course in art, craft, etc. Samantha Hahn uses them in some of her most recent work. Ez posted about the beauty of a single feather placed in a test tube just today. I notice them in more and more music videos thanks to the most intellectual channel I’ve been watching wayyyy to much of lately called MTV.
(Bobbin bunch necklace from Anthropologie,Rug from Anthropologie, Sustenance print by Celebrate Life, Do you believe in fairies photo by i.anton, Just a Fledgeling print by KJS Design, and feather boutonniere via Twigs & Honey.
Aside from balloons and feathers, I’m inspired by Springy colors lately… Apricot and a pale Jade green to be exact. My suspicions that others may also be into these hues were confirmed upon finding this gorgeous artist box over at the Shop House store on Etsy. It is at least the hundredth find using these two colors that has come across my desk this week. Doesn’t Apricot sound better than Peach by the way? So going forward we use Apricot to describe Peachy tones, deal?
Remember my obsession with soft lilac late last year? The love affair is over. Which can only mean that my German apartment is in BIG trouble when I fly back over there in May. Looks like I will need to tone down the lilac and freshen things up with jade and apricot. Another color I think works within this palette is a mid tone aqua. Your thoughts? Not dark, not subtle, I guess I can describe it as ‘there’ but not screaming. A Caribbean sea, the lightest part of the water that you dip your toes into (before the piranhas snack on it).
Pink is still on my list of colors that inspire me, but pale and I’m liking it paired with either a yellow (think pink lemonade) or with apricot. It’s also quite stunning with mustard which sounds so unexpected and potentially wrong but it’s not. Trust me. It makes pink look less Hello Kitty and more Hellooooo! It’s very SF Girl By Bay. And very Springy. As the snow hammers down here in my part of the world, Spring is all I think about.
Another popular, I guess you can say trend, I’m seeing are light blobs on photos (here’s a beautiful example from Flickr photographer i.anton), along with photos out of focus, and ones that merge handwritten text or doodles though that’s nothing new but certainly seems to be growing in popularity. Do you like these things?
A funny trend I laugh at whenever I’m looking at the fashion mags are those big bad circa 1985 earrings that resemble door knockers. It’s the 1980′s all over again. Gotta have at least one statement maker in the jewelry box this season, no matter how large or how much you swore you’d never wear them again except at those throwback parties where everyone is encouraged to show up dressed like Madonna or Boy George. I’m still on the line when it comes to massive earrings so I cannot say they are inspiring me right now, but I think seeing the 1980s reinterpreted is inspiring because I grew up then and wonder if anything is even worth bringing back. After seeing that Kelly Wearstler spread in last year’s Domino magazine with her “new” style being big on 80s resort hotel-chic with a whole lot of bad 70s thrown in for a healthy fight for attention, I think perhaps others are having fun with seeing what potential lies from styles buried long ago. I think I have an answer. Very little. If I see friendship pins, gummy bracelets, and lace gloves paired with the current big earrings heading down the catwalk this Spring I just may seriously start to question those tastemakers out there. But for now, it’s fun and I’m enjoying some of this cheeky 80s. The only thing I have a problem with is when people call the 80s “retro” or “vintage”. I know I should get over it but man my skin crawls. I was watching a commercial the other day, and it wasn’t that annoying ShamWow one (it holds 20 times its weight in liquid!), but some equally annoying 30 second blurb about some RETRO 80s Music CD with bands like Journey! Foreigner! Wham! and I hung my head low and felt really, really vintage.
What are you liking at the moment? Any trends you’d like to call out for the fun of it? Not that we care about trends here because I don’t think I own anything trendy at the moment, but it’s fun to talk about isn’t it? Anything you see that has like been DONE ALREADY and you are so sick of it?
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(images linked to their snazzy sources above)
Tags: 1980s, balloons, decorating, design, domino, feathers, inspiration, kelly wearstler, kwid, retro, trends
January 8th, 2009 at 11:20 pm
One trend I’m noticing more these days… and I love… are old typewriters in popular hang-out places in the homes. The home occupants and/or guests type something out on the paper left in the old typewriters. So cool. It might not be a trend, but a great idea. Either way I like and I will do it even if it plays itself out.
Anns last blog post: Budapest: A Weblink IV
January 9th, 2009 at 12:50 am
Ann: I had crazy vintage typewriter cravings back in ’07. I think this post is a good one so I’ll direct you to it.
ENJOY
http://decor8blog.com/vintage/vintage-typewriter-cravings-country-living-galleries
January 9th, 2009 at 12:51 am
By the way Ann, I never heard of that idea but I LOVE IT.
January 9th, 2009 at 12:51 am
I don’t know if these re trends, but… cherry blossoms, Polaroid photos, hemp fabrics. And tote bags for the store. Those are some that come to mind! Thanks, Holly
Lizas last blog post: Robins Egg Pink
January 9th, 2009 at 1:10 am
you are hitting the nail on the head with feathers and maybe balloons (i will have to keep my eyes open)… but i have been noting my underwater themes. i know fun and weird all at the same time. octopuses are really everywhere now. when did this happen? thoughts?
nicholes last blog post: the question was asked…
January 9th, 2009 at 1:36 am
yes, nichole – I’ve seen the octopuses (octopi?)… but owls also. My personal favorite right now is antlers. Vintage rustic, or painted a glossy bold color, they are giving texture and depth to walls everywhere I look.
Callies last blog post: 8 Reasons to be an interior decorator
January 9th, 2009 at 2:29 am
I think in terms of animals, the next hot one is the fox. In my city (Vancouver, BC) I think owls have almost run their course. I saw quite a few crow things at the indie craft fairs over the Christmas season too. On the animal note, I’ve also seen some great deer heads of carved wood recently, but i don’t know how much longer their run will be.
Light blobs in photos: Irene Suchocki has some really nice ones in her selection at http://www.irenesuchocki.etsy.com
For me, colours are seasonal. I’m still loving all things orange and brown in the winter. I love the idea of apricot and jade green. Nice.
talentedmissripleys last blog post: Let’s call them goals, yeah, goals…
January 9th, 2009 at 3:30 am
Yes–balloons and feathers everywhere. Also, warm poloroid, poloroid transfers, and lomography (?) style photos.
An animal trend I would like to see is rhinos!
January 9th, 2009 at 5:08 am
A big trend in The Netherlands is Pip Studio. And especially their new wallpaper collection shown here: http://www.kleurmijninterieur.nl/webwinkel/index.php?c=336&gclid=CKHVoOaPgZgCFRpnQgodvG2fDg
I must admit and say it is very lovely.but because everybody has it now i’m getting bored and tired of it :( also there are a lot of other wallpaper designs that (i think) looks like it. And the special once like these: http://www.kleurmijninterieur.nl/images/product/fotobehang/pip/brocante-gr.jpg are far more fun if you make one yourself with your own prints, photo’s and creative ideas. Besides that I see that many people who have pip studio wallpaper have the more commen prints with dots and flowers insteed of the more unusual once…
I really want to be more original than this and discover my own style rather than just pick up on this hype/trend. I think its getting boring and it already was when they first came out because EVERYBODY seemed to want it!
January 9th, 2009 at 6:25 am
I don’t think Polaroids are a trend.
You’re probably just seeing a lot of them right now because Polaroid film is no more and all the Polaroid lovers are using up as much as they can before its gone. Before we didn’t have to worry about it. :(
Amandas last blog post: SUMMER DAYS
January 9th, 2009 at 11:08 am
It’s funny that you say your love of lilac is over. I’m beginning to think that purple is really a colour that is hard to live with long term. My brother’s wedding was purple, and after months of painting flower pots purple and growing purple flowers in my mom’s garden for centrepieces, and planning purple decor… We were positively sick of it. I guess you can have an overload of any colour… but I think purple is one especially needed in small doses.
January 9th, 2009 at 11:23 am
Hi Holly!
I’m loving ethereal pictures and feathers as well!
Do you know the photographer Rebecca Thuss? She takes beautiful styled pictures; here are some feathers for you:
http://rebeccathuss.com/portfolio_detail.php?page=recent&ctr=5
http://rebeccathuss.com/portfolio_detail.php?page=recent&ctr=6
Enjoy your weekend!
Constança
Conchas last blog post: The (hand)making of a bag
January 9th, 2009 at 11:48 am
Speaking of balloons, some people at university did a window display with them.
http://flickr.com/photos/sosillee/2930949385/in/set-72157607913888083/
Kims last blog post: Workspace
January 9th, 2009 at 12:03 pm
i didn’t even realize balloons were a trend but when i saw this print by juliane eirich i whipped out my credit card and bought it before i even knew what had hit me! :)
January 9th, 2009 at 12:32 pm
hi hOlly,
i think crop tops are coming back in for summer so thats a trend i’ve done before ( : and won’t again!!!
did you see i just did a post on Kelly’s Fledgling print that you featured here too. i ordered it as its my favourite of hers so far.
i like your new postage stamp background Hol, and its always nice to hear which colours you are into,and what things are popping up, i like Denise Linn’s book Signposts as it tells you what these repeating things can represent/symbolise, maybe i will post on that theme soon.
thanks for the inspiration for that.
Also spots of light on photos(unless put there digitally) can sometimes be called orbs and are the light of Angels. Diana Cooper an english author has a book on them,they appear on photos when developed.there has been an increase in that occuring in recent years.
love Kat x0x
Kathryns last blog post: Beautiful drawings by Kelly
January 9th, 2009 at 1:52 pm
I think it’s funny that you mention feathers (and “vintage” flashbacks) since my mom and I were just talking last night about the albino peacock feather she had in her bridal bouquet in 1979. She’ll be happy to know she’s back in style (though I have been seeing them all over for a while!)
As for the “light blobs” they’re officially called bokeh and they are ALL over Flickr and Explore–especially around Christmas since Christmas lights work so well. The “Happy Bokeh Wednesday” group is no longer accepting members, as they have too many. Funny how these photo trends pop up.
You have a really nice eye and I’m enjoying catching up on some of your posts. It’s funny, because now I’m sure I’ll be seeing EVERYTHING you mentioned here.
Emilys last blog post: Bye bye, 2008
January 9th, 2009 at 3:15 pm
I love your beautiful picks Holly and this fun, playful post! I am with you on the whole “80′s vintage” thing….I think “oh dear god….now I am vintage!” Ack! :)
xo
Melis
January 9th, 2009 at 4:02 pm
You must have also seen this Dior ad? http://www.fashionologie.com/2485904?page=0,0,2 I love the balloons in the washed-out, retro colors…reminds me of that scene with Audrey Hepburn in Funny Face where she lets all of those balloons go in front of the Arc de Triomphe.
Lauras last blog post: New Year’s Resolution Roundup
January 9th, 2009 at 4:38 pm
I’ve recently moved to Cologne Germany where I discovered Gerd Arntz. Since he was also from this fabulous city, I’ve been exploring his works and have fallen head over heels with isotypes:
http://www.gerdarntz.org/isotype
I’ve been working on a fabulous design to decoupage on some wooden boxes. I have no idea if it’s trendy but I’m lovin’ it.
January 9th, 2009 at 6:11 pm
Oh yeah! I meant to comment on the birds thing.
Normally, I must admit that birds freak me out a little (maybe Hitchcock or Debra Winger getting that pigeon stuck to her head in Forget Paris?) but I love Geninne’s little birdies here in her etsy shop: http://www.etsy.com/shop.php?user_id=97033 and on her Flickr stream. I’m debating the homage to Chagall painting…
January 10th, 2009 at 3:32 am
It’s funny that animals become a trend–I am feeling over anything with owls, birds or deer. Also, and I’m not sure what to call this, but cute illustrated girls wearing hats with ears (does anyone know what I mean?)
I’m noticing hearts (rock shaped hearts, hearts that are accidently found in everyday places). I don’t know if I’m late to it but I’m noticing natural materials more: driftwood, felted baskets, big felt rocks, tree trunk stump coffee tables, linen pillows. I’m seeing more blends of natural themes with brighter tropical colors.
January 11th, 2009 at 1:56 am
fun topic!
wow i didn’t realize balloons were a trend- but while browsing online i guess i am seeing them popping up everywhere….
i do love those light-blobs and i love photography with layering and textures- whether its trendy or not i just think its beautiful.
i’m also loving light girly colors…. and yellow. i know pantone announced it to be the color of 2009… but i’ve always loved it… and now its in all the home catalogs… i just hope i dont get sick of it. my living room which im currently decorating is based on a white and chocolate with aqua and mustard color scheme from my favorite thomas paul parasols fabric.
and i know what you mean about it being the 80′s all over again. i’m only 25- but i feel so old when i see this high school kids with skin-tight jeans and neon-colored high tops. its not a trend i’m loving.
and i kind of cant wait for the skinny-jean trend to be over…. if it is a trend. mainly because i cant wear them-although i do like the look on most peopel! just dont have the body-type- im pear shaped. also cant wait for spring/summer because i look goofy with the boots over the jeans look. again… my body just looks funny like that… i need more of a bootcut/flare/trouser cut. so the bottom 6 inches of my jeans get soaked due to snow and these chicago winters since i wont tuck my pants in.
i’ll also always love birds/birdcages (i know he “trend” is over… but i love em) lotus flowers/prints, cherry blossoms and branches.
January 11th, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I know everyone is probably getting sick of birds, but I still love them! They’re going to crop up in my artwork a lot since I have so many little cuties in my backyard all the time for inspiration!
I second Nichole on the underwater theme, and octopi everywhere. I’ve unconsciously got into that. Just because I wanted to draw some “underwater hair” – I think there’s going to be a siamese fighting fish trend in my own artwork – at least they’re not everywhere!!
I’m sick of seeing deer too. Especially Bambi rip-offs! You just can’t do that to poor Bambi ;)
Lexys last blog post: New artwork pics
January 11th, 2009 at 7:55 pm
Actually, to add to that:
Have you seen the rest of Kelly’s artwork? (KJS Design) I think you’ll like it!!
Lexys last blog post: New artwork pics
January 12th, 2009 at 5:45 pm
I’m over the bird thing. Although feathers are perfectly fine. Don’t mind me while I strut around the house with my pretty new feathered headpieces that I got for Christmas!
As for balloons, I’m loving it right now! After seeing MadeByGirl’s latest work… I think I might try and make my own version. I’d buy it… except that I’m on a spending hiatus. Does that not spending count as a trend?
Annadys last blog post: Ooh… loot!
January 12th, 2009 at 9:51 pm
“Woods” wallpaper by Cole and Son! So glad I never bought it. IT’s beautiful, but ubiquitous and so inappropriately used in so many spaces!
Suzanis – love the originals, hate the PB et. al. knockoff prints that are everywhere.
Foo dogs
Those updated parachute looking pants that taper to the bottom. Ugh. The 80s look of being shaped like an upside-down triangle is so unflattering, from the shoulder pads to the pegged ankles!
I use them out of pure carbon footprint guilt, but I hate the light emitted by compact flourscent bulbs. And I can’t spell flouroescent either. I wish they would improve the quality, as I am obsessed with lighting.
I wish Paris Hilton would go away.
Like Forever posters. Ugh. Get an original thought and make your own poster.
Glossy Granite Counters.
The Bachelor
Thanks for letting me vent. that felt really good!
becky from hatchs last blog post: Golden Globes Wrap Up