Most design clichés start as some new (or newly rediscovered) look - fresh and unique. Of course, great ideas are quickly picked up, copied, reinterpreted and recopied. Think of the now ubiquitous mounted antlers, Rococo mirrors, curiosities, silhouettes and, of course, the starburst mirror. By the time the chain stores are selling cheap knockoffs and Pinterest has thousands upon thousands of examples -- you know the look has become cliché.
I was recently looking through some old photos and rediscovered images from one of the first trade shows I participated in (NY Gift Show 2005). I had designed an acrylic Rococo mirror, clever silhouette dessert plates, curiosities using antlers and sea shells, and brightly colored busts. I was a hit! It looked fresh - but that was nine years ago!
 |
| Jeffrey Harris Booth - NY Gift Show |
What is a design maven to do?
 |
| Great idea for those small Rococo mirrors! |
From my point of view, you have three choices:
#1. If you are very wealthy -- no problem -- simply donate the whole lot to Goodwill and hire a new designer. After all, what is money to you!
#2. If you have a lot of storage space, pack-up the items and wait-out the usual 20-30 years which it takes for most items to come back into style.
#3. If the objects are well made, and beautiful -- realize that they remain so and can still be enjoyed. Simply update their setting or arrangement -- try something new with those antlers. Maybe move that starburst mirror to a less prominent location or group it with the unexpected.
 |
Photo Courtesy: Design Sponge
|
Comments
Post a Comment