Barbara Coupe Pillows
I spotted these gorgeous pillows today from Barbara Coupe, a textile designer in London who specializes in hand-embroidered goods that are made in England, and had to share them. The typography-as-decor continues to be a strong trend here on this side of the pond — in fact, it has enjoyed quite a long run both in parts of Europe and in the US. Certain trends definitely have staying power and end up running a lot longer than others, which is of course largely due to supply and demand so if consumers are drawn to a certain trend and don’t tire of it easily, it can endure for some time — and rarely, though it has happened, even becomes a classic style, a must-have in every home.
Other trends disappear forever once they’ve had their run, but then others circle back — like the revival of wallpaper. After it’s popularity waned in the 1990s, it made a huge come back about five years ago and today it’s a staple in some of the most drool-inducing rooms in the world. With growing options from hand-blocked to hand-painted, eco, and beyond wallpaper seems to have staying power so if it is does start to lose its mass appeal in a few years, no doubt it will circle back again for the next generation of young designers to embrace as a hot new trend all over again.
I find trend watching quite fascinating, especially now that I live abroad, because lots of what we see over here makes it to the states a year later but also vice versa as the US starts many trends on its own — like the whole blogging trend and handmade market trend — I credit them mostly as being largely promoted in the states before the rest of the world caught on so it’s not always Europe dictating movements in fashion, art and design like so many assume, America plays a huge role in up-and-coming trend movements as well.
But back to lovely Barbara Coupe, who made these stunning cushions that definitely have anglo-appeal. Many people, even those who have no English ancestry, love the Union Jack as a motif and of course this has been a trend in decor as well hasn’t it? I’ve seen Union Jacks popping up in design for some time now. I don’t think we have a US-equivalent using the flag, if we put a US flag on anything it is usually attributed to either the Fourth of July, being a fan of the New England Patriots or associated with the Ralph Lauren/Polo brand. To me anyway. It would be cool if a designer could modernize the US flag somehow, if that is even respectful to say, and make it more interesting to show in the home because currently it just doesn’t seem to find it’s way to sofas in our favorite magazines as cushions or wall hangings like the Union Jack, does it?
Lovely work, Barbara!
I’d like to thank new blogger, Emily Peck, for writing about Barbara Coupe and pointing me to her blog today – it was nice to hear from you! Thank you for the tip!
(images: barbara coupe)
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November 15th, 2010 at 1:49pm
I love the pillows and the pics!
karina´s last [type] ..Love wedding Photographers
November 15th, 2010 at 1:57pm
I don’t usually like typography in decor- but these are beautiful and look so inviting! Thanks for sharing your thoughts about trend-cycling, Holly. I find it fascinating. Here in Israel home decor trends are very different from those in the States, but of course they cycle too, at their own pace. Home typography is very big here at the moment, by the way.
Chedva (Belly’s Button)´s last [type] ..bellys button gift guide week
November 15th, 2010 at 2:25pm
Great pillows but really fantastic photos! The newspaper-clad couch made me laugh.
-J
Jordana´s last [type] ..Fashion in Motion is Two!
November 15th, 2010 at 3:52pm
Fun idea!!
Purple Area´s last [type] ..Dämpat och rustikt
November 15th, 2010 at 4:29pm
These are great…..so original I love them!
November 15th, 2010 at 4:40pm
They are very nice. I know typography on home accessories has been around for a while but when you love typo like most creative people do, then you dont really get bored of it, regardless of them being in or out of fashion. It works for me so I will still have letters in my home because visually it pleases me.
I made these handmade cards over the weekend with my daughter…and I quite like how simple they are are, plus it was very relaxing to do
http://bodieandfou.blogspot.com/2010/11/homemade-really-cards.html
November 15th, 2010 at 4:48pm
I would love to see a trend forecast from you – have you done this before and I’ve forgotten? I find them hit-or-miss at times, but you have a good eye and I think it would be fun to read (selfishly, ha!).
juliette´s last [type] ..Felt candle holder DIY
November 15th, 2010 at 5:00pm
Great pics! and love that newpaper-covered coach. Interesting that newspaper used to be used by poor people to cover their wall but is now trendy and chic..
stitch and tickle´s last [type] ..Karen Nicol Fantastical Animal World
November 15th, 2010 at 5:01pm
Love the vintage feel. The pillows are wonderful!
Ashleigh Clark´s last [type] ..In Living ColorHPFM-3
November 15th, 2010 at 5:47pm
Wonderful pillows!! They can change the look of a room in an instant!!
I hope you will come see the fabulous pillows and enter my giveaway from Empress of the Eye!
xoxo
Karena
Art by Karena
Karena´s last [type] ..Empress of the Eye Giveaway!
November 15th, 2010 at 6:30pm
LOVE IT !!!!, great pillows.
Mariela´s last [type] ..Entradas
November 15th, 2010 at 7:07pm
Love these! I pretty much go nutty over any Britain-inspired home decor! I lived in England for a while, and have such fond memories of the country. If it was in my budget, my house would be overrun with lovely pillows like these! (So maybe it’s a good thing that it’s not in my budget, because less is more, right?!)
Stacey´s last [type] ..Tea parties and Nerf wars
November 15th, 2010 at 8:46pm
LOVE the newsprint on the sofa, the lamp, the walls! GREAT pillows. Thanks!
Tracy Kunzler´s last [type] ..Retriever 8 x 10 Personalized Art Print
November 15th, 2010 at 11:22pm
I think with the Summer Olympics coming to London in 2012, the Union Jack and other things ‘English’ will become even more popular over the next few years.
XO L
Laura´s last [type] ..As An Expatriate
November 16th, 2010 at 12:36am
Beautiful pillows! I loved also the newspaper used on lamp and on the wall. Amazing!
November 16th, 2010 at 1:52am
They are fabulous. Blogland is a wonderful place where we all share what we have found
Alison
November 16th, 2010 at 3:24am
As a Londoner, I feel the need to point out that those cushions are tapping into a particular form of nostalgia as they are reproductions of the rolls of destinations on the front of London buses.
Like these:
http://www.freefoto.com/images/31/10/31_10_83—Route-23–Red-Routemaster-double-decker-bus–London–England_web.jpg
http://www.artofthestate.co.uk/photos/routemaster_bus_route_159_laste_route_in_London.jpg
November 16th, 2010 at 11:09am
Great tip from Emily. Union Jack really looks great in lot of different decor pieces.
I love Barbara work, the photography work is fabulous. I’m inlove for this newspaper covered sofa & the idea of covering the walls. Beautifull.
I agree with you decor trends come in circle, a bit like fashion, don’t you think. The same ideas with twist or repurposed.
ana´s last [type] ..ORANGE Vintage Style Button Bobby Pins Trio
November 16th, 2010 at 11:46am
@Mackenzi – Yes, those were her inspirations as she states on her website so it’s all good — I already noticed that myself and checked into things. :)
November 16th, 2010 at 3:13pm
Glad to see so many people love London! :) Thanks Holly – great to hear you found something of inspiration on my blog.
If you like Barbara Coupe’s nostalgic designs, I have a feeling you’ll like Jan Constantine’s hand-embroidered London cushions too… You can take a look here: http://www.achicaliving.com/2010/10/get-your-mitts-on-jan-constantines-stunning-knits/
November 16th, 2010 at 4:55pm
Typography has always been a favorite of mine. Those picts have me inspired…
The only modern version of the American flag I’ve seen that makes me drooool is a throw blanket over at Urban Outfitters. It’s so perfect, it’s on my Christmas list! http://www.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=17934480&itemdescription=true&navAction=jump&search=true&isProduct=true&parentid=SEARCH+RESULTS#BVRRWidgetID
Jessica´s last [type] ..The one where things didnt go quite as planned
November 16th, 2010 at 5:49pm
Does anyone know who makes the sofa? I love the shape of it and the legs!
November 16th, 2010 at 9:07pm
love the typographic pillows, those are so great!
Ashley • Fine Day Press´s last [type] ..Stamp-a-thon