Reader Question

I received an email last week from a reader who's beginning to question what influences inform her taste and design preferences.*

"I think all the crazy colors featured in every catalog lately have permeated my subconscious. Who would have thought I would even consider a bright yellow, orange or apple green wall?" she asks.

This begs the question; how much sway do the latest trends have on your design mind? Are your likes and dislikes innate? Or are they programmed into us by all the influences around us? And by that token, aren't people who buck trends just acting against the wider culture? Are they just as programmed as the rest of us?

And to take it a step deeper, what does that say about free will?

I'll stop now . . . need coffee . . .

What do you think?

* And why is this font so big?

So Cool? Not So Cool? So Not Cool?

I found this lamp at a vintage store for under $50. I'm into comic books and comic book art, so I like stylized representations of people. I also like the general kitsch factor and the awesome metal red chain, which collapses flat.

But now I find myself wondering if it's a bit much, even a bit . . . racist? Are these types of lamps offensive? Are they just uncool? Or are they very cool? What do you think?

Ask the Audience . . . Glass Seat Chair from Joseph Abboud Ad

Google has made it much easier to source products I come across, whether they be in the background of an ad, part of a TV set or used in a magazine shoot. I'd wager that 90% of the time, I can find the product-in-question within five minutes on Google, and that's with a glass of wine in one hand. The ease of obtaining information also makes it incredibly frustrating when that information eludes me, as it has for this chair.

So I turn to you; please, help me find this chair. I LOVE it. I've always loved the ones that I can't have; I know my feelings aren't real, it's just a crush that can't possible survive the reality. And they probably took that picture from the best angle . . . like ten years ago. I googled it, emailed Joseph Abboud (no answer) and am at my wits end. It may be hopeless, but I have to see it in person. I have to try.

Are there products you're desperately seeking? Send them in, and I'll feature them in an upcoming post.