expired: family living trends whose time is up
Quick quiz. List as many things as you can think of with an expiration date. Was any one of those things shiplap? Because unless you live in a farm house in central Texas built at least a hundred years ago, shiplap should have been the first thing to pop into your mind.
Let me back up a minute. The internet clearly has enough haters, and I won’t add to that by ripping on Joanna Gaines. I mean, she is EVERYWHERE, so that must mean people love what she is doing. And as much as I hate to admit it, I do like some of the rooms I see coming out of Magnolia. I really am going to do my part to remain positive. That said, I think we can all agree that some decorating trends need to have an expiration date.
Let’s start with the trends that just aren’t practical. I’m looking at you open shelving next to a stove. I am all for the look of open shelving, especially if you have a weekly maid service to dust the shelves and only own four bowls, but I can’t see how putting open shelves next to a stove makes any sense at all if you ever cook. And I know you cook. You have kids, right? Even when you don't want to, you still cook. This is a tough one. If you must display your dishes, move the open shelving to another part of the kitchen (next to the window is nice). Here is a great example of open shelving done right.
Photo via Our House blog.
Notice how the shelves are not near any possible grease source? These are simple and practical. I could definitely make toast here every morning. You can always go with glass front cabinets. Ok, let's move onto number 2...
Words on everything. And I mean EVERYTHING. If you want a cheeky inspirational quote in your office, I get that. I have one. Maybe a little message in your kids’ room. Fine. But can we agree to just one? Let’s not get carried away. There is a lot of really affordable, great, wordless (and cartoonless) art that is perfect for kids’ rooms.
And while we are in your kids’ room, let's talk number three. The name on the wall as art. I understand the pull here. You just spent all that time picking out the perfect name and want to use it. Everywhere. We southerners like to monogram all the things for the same reason. It's a legit pickle. But, it is also not cute. How about letting your kid craft his initials to add to a gallery wall? Or make a pennant?
Number four is a big one for me. And before you get all up in my face with my own words, yes, I do believe we should decorate with our children rather than for them. I also believe in Disney World. Like to a totally geek level. However, there is absolutely no excuse for licensed character sheets. Period. In all honesty, I feel the same way about any form of matchy-match bedding, but for now, I'm going to let that one slide. We will absolutely revisit this one, don't worry.
Which brings me to number 5. Plastic bins for toys. I'm here to tell you there is a better way.
Image and design by Chelsea Mohrman of Farm Fresh Therapy. And check out her son's adorable room here and here (notice there are two initials, but both are subtle).
Are you ready for a better way? Get inspired here and then let's chat.