Americana . . . Can it ever be interpreted as anything but cozy?

Happy July 4th. Do I risk being labeled unpatriotic if I pose a question related to our stars and stripes? Our old red, white and blue?

Beats me, so pose I will; can Americana ever be interpreted in a chic and sophisticated way? Or, can it only be relegated to traditional, rustic or homey spaces - lovely perhaps, cozy, no doubt but certainly never anything but staid and traditional?

If you think Americana or representations of the flag generally can be chic, why? How would it be done? Do you have examples?

If you think it's the providence of cabins and cozy country, what is it about the flag that doesn't allow it to transcend from cozy to elegant? Who knows? Maybe we'll learn something.

And enjoy your weekend, a full day longer than the last weekend (unless you took a day off or were sick or something on last weekend's Friday or Monday.)




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Trend Report . . . WTF is Up With Letters?

Zella Brown

It seems like you can't open a design magazine without seeing letters (although I guess that's true of any magazine). To be specific, you can't open a design magazine without finding big, often vintage letters being used in decor ((I'm being almost literal - we're talking about letters after all).

While it's certainly a trend, and I turn up my nose at trends without fail, sign me up for this one (maybe?). Letters are cool; you can, like, make words with them and stuff.

What do you think of this trend? Never mind. It's far more important that I tell you what I think.

Continued after photos . . .


Chicago Antique Market


Chicago Antique Market

If I do buy a letter for my house decor, which one do I pick. There are like, hundreds, right? It would be logical to buy the first letter of my name, T, but putting a giant metal T on my desk seems a bit . . . narcissistic?

While it's true that I often wonder if I'm the only real person and everything and everyone around me is a construct of my mind, I wouldn't call myself narcissistic.

Is this a trend you like? Do you have a letter in your space? If so, how did you pick it (you egomaniac). Or does decorating with letters make you feel like you have design dyslexia?


Chicago Antique Market


TwoSided in Chicago's Lakeview neighborhood


FourSided in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood.


West Elm Catalog


FourSided again.

Trend Report . . . Antlers and Taxidermy

From Jayson Home & Garden. I'm pretty sure Caroline killed these herself.


British House and Garden. It appears that someone in the UK has been to Jayson.

I grew up in a small town surrounded by soybean fields and wooded areas, so one was just about as likely to hit a deer while driving as get lucky on a Saturday night (and far more likely if you're me).

Having the carcass mounted as a decorative accessory didn't occur to most of the survivors; it just wasn't that stylish (although many people made a quite delicious deer sausage).

But a couple years ago, taxidermy and antlers started showing up everywhere and surprisingly, as a trend, mounted deer heads have legs.


I so adore this little New Yorker illustration piece that accompanied their review of Liv Tyler's new film, "The Strangers."

For example, Time Out recently ran a piece about Ted Nazarowski, the owner of Chicago's Arctic Circle Taxidermy. He'd better be socking away the dough, because we all saw what happened to the stock market and housing bubbles. Taxidermy is shaping up to be even bigger, and it can't last forever.


I want the one in the middle with the white hair. Time Out Chicago

But it's not just Time Out - magazines from both sides of the pond are showcasing the felled furry fellas. Check out this ultra-sleek home from a recent issue of Belle Magazine. I've been saying for nearly a year that Jesus is the new Buddha (in home decor, of course), but pairing it with taxidermy? Interesting . . .


Belle Magazine


Belle Magazine

Taxidermy is, when you get down to it, stuffed animals for adults. And I love the effect when done right. As much as I love the authenticity of real, vintage taxidermy, in truth, I prefer my stuffed animals a bit more cartoon-y (i.e. fake).

There are many ways to bring a little nature into your home without getting the proverbial blood on your hands. For example, I so love the antique print, shown below and currently available at Jayson Home and Garden.


Jayson, how I love thee.

And what's not to love about a"green" platter from eco-chic boutique, Grasshopper 510.


Run! Don't you see what happened to your peeps? From Grasshopper 510. This is made from a street sign - I guess it didn't work.

And I'm dying (but no deer did) for this sconce from Porta Romana, a terrific UK company and the subject of a future Strange Closets spotlight.


UK company, Porta Romana. I only wear the gloves when hand modeling.

It seems like every time I turn around there's another representation of the deer. Below, I included a few photos from (the always interesting) Mecox Gardens and my favorite chain, Z Gallerie.


Mecox Gardens gets it.


No animal was hurt in the making of these products - Z Gallerie.

Finally, when visiting the excellent Chicago artist and master craftsman, Ted Harris, earlier this week, I spotted this in the hallway (how apropos). (Look for an interview with Ted soon).



While I love those stylized representations, when done right, authentic taxidermy is stunning. I'm sure you remember Beth, from a past "Open House" home tour. Beth incorporated these elements into her decor because she liked them, pure and simple. Long after this trend is six feet under, she'll likely still display her gorgeous artifacts (and that's why they are so beautiful in her space).


Beth's gorgeous fireplace mantel.

And finally, one of my beloved readers, Paula, recently e-mailed me a few photos of her husband's study. He enjoys African safaris and his travels have resulted in quite a taxidermy collection. Yowza!

All in all, my dears, it appears that this trend isn't going anywhere.





Eat. Pray. Subscribe.

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Trend Report . . . Esquire Magazine's on Top of the Latest

Esquire gives a little shout out to a couple recent trends, including birds and skulls, which Esquire calls a momento mori (echoing one of S.C.'s readers?). Esquire also says Damien's Hirst's diamond-encrusted platinum skull, which sold for $100 million, is worth the cost and "instantly unforgettable," which certainly doesn't echo the general consensus of my friends or readers.


Damien Hirst's, "For the Love of God," which sold for $100 million

What do you think?



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Chicago Antique Market Report . . . What Goes Around Comes Around

Continuing my series of reports about the first Chicago Antique Market of the season, there were countless opportunities to adorn your home with the latest design (ok decorating - who are we kidding) accessories without spending a lot of money. I'm hesitant to write about this because it turns you, my faithful readers, into future adversaries, competing for the same unbelievable deals. But my altruistic nature trumps my greed (this time). This isn't a threat, but the more subscribers I have, the more likely I am to defeat the greedy devil who sits on my shoulder.

While I'm not a big fan of the (admittedly classic) Greek Key motif, this occasional chair has nice lines. You can either buy them vintage or spend a lot more and buy them new (they were available until recently at Williams Sonoma Home).

Check out the Chicago Antique Market on Randolph Street on the last Saturday and Sunday of every month this summer (the next one is June 28th and 29th). For hours and additional information, click here.



Ask yourself an important question - if you missed a post, could you forgive yourself?

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(Anti-)Trend Report . . . Decoratus Absurdum

From Boston Home Magazine - Spring 2008

I'm noticing that the images that most attract me in design magazines are those where literally anything goes. I call it Decoratus Absurdum, but it's sort of like the famous quote about the definition of porn - I can't explain it, but I know it when I see it.

Despite my dawning awareness that I'm just like everybody else when it comes to falling for decorating trends (but worse, because I constantly and hypocritically mock people for doing the same thing), I think Decoratus Absurdum (please capitalize when you write your friends) appeals to me because it's so unabashedly not about the newest trends. I think we'd all have a little of this in our house if we'd let our true selves come out and play (decorate, play - what's the difference?)


Displaying this in the living room was the first step, and now I'm letting myself go crazy.

I decided a long time ago that while people who decorate with Star Wars toys (or any toy, really) are complete dorks, my Superman and Batman sculptures are fine examples of Decoratus Absurdum.

My grandmother was a savant in this field, much to the chagrin of my more conservative family. As a kid, I was sure they'd make her eclectic eccentric house a museum. I'd imagine the tourists, studying their guide book, listening to my commentary on their headphones as they admired the shelf of Madonna's and other Jesus statues, which ran the entire perimeter of her bedroom ceiling.


Grandma's Art Hallway.


Grandma's Jesus Shelf.


Grandma after being instructed to be glamorous.

Do you like this style? Can it really be called a style? How do you incorporate Decoratus Absurdum into your home?

Tomorrow for our Open House home tour, we're going to take a look at Beth's Lincoln Square apartment, which embodies the finest elements of Decoratus Absurdum and illustrates how the style can be used in an extremely elegant and glamorous home.


"Grannie Butch" from Boston Home Magazine - Spring 2008


Boston Home Magazine - Spring 2008


"The Death of Whimsey" by Joe Cassan from Chicago Home & Garden - Sept./Oct. 2007

Amy Sedaris apartment - House and Garden


From Elle Decor. This one's just crazy (we must be honest with ourselves), but I love it.


From Space Magazine UK


Amy Sedaris Apartment - House and Garden


Marianne Cotterill's dining room from Living Etc. - April 2008

Trend Report . . . Moroccan-style Furniture

From Elle Decor

Why all at once? I'm curious about the mechanism that enables an obscure style, such as this Moroccan-style furniture characterized by an intricate bone inlay, to jump into the mainstream and pop up in so many places simultaneously. Who decides that this is the next big thing? What power do we have in the process? Are we helpless to resist? How long before it's picked up by American mass retailers?

And what do you think of the style? Is it long overdue for this kind of exposure?


From Elle Decor


Pink Mother of Pearl Inlay Chest of Drawers - Graham and Green - 1395 BPS


White Bone Inlay Chest of Drawers - Graham and Green - 1250 BPS


From House & Garden


From House Beautiful


Studies suggest that Strange Closets subscribers are happier, more creative and 64% more likely to have swell spaces.

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Trend Report . . . Birds Not Migrating Anywhere

Jody channeling Tippi for a Vanity Fair photo shoot.


Antique Bird Print - Jayson Home & Garden - $250

Now this is a trend with some staying power. Every time I think it begins to ebb, it flows again, gushes even. I can't say that I mind, because I I like this trend.

What do you think?


Woodlands Floral Pillow - the Hidden Art Shop - 34.95 BPS


From Elle Decor


From Elle Decoration - May 2008


Osborne & Little Ad


Kohler Ad


Elle Decoration, April 2008

Trend Report . . . Chandeliers

This is just my opinion, but when a trend (this light fixture for example) shows up in your local grocery chain, it's likely in decline.

What's your opinion?

Trend Report . . . Patterned Carpet is Back

Metropolitan Home




Patterned carpets are everywhere. It's breezy and cool now, but there's a 40% chance that it'll turn nasty before the end of the season.

Trend Report . . . Colored Glass

From Metropolitan Home, June 2008

I love this image from Metropolitan Home; the addition of jewel-toned glass vessels adds a touch of color and glamor to what would ordinarily be wasted space.

Colored glass is beginning to show up more commonly in design magazines and when done right, it's beautiful (when not, it looks gaudy and dated, so tread carefully). But if you think this is the look for you, check out Chicago's Ravenswood Antique Mall or the Broadway Antique Market, both of which offer a very large selection.

And check in later this week for full reviews and photos of Chicago's top purveyors of vintage goods.






Above: Images from the Ravenswood Antique Mall in Chicago, Illinois.

Trend Report . . . Tortoise Shells

From Domino

An image in the latest Domino caught my eye - large tortoise shells used as wall decor. It surprised me, and while I love their use in that setting, I'm less certain that shells will appeal to me when they start popping up on every davenport (remember those) in America.

But I guess I'll find out, because shells are beginning to show up at mass merchants (like Z Gallerie) and from there, they'll filter out and reproduce in homes across America.

Surprise is often the element that makes us love a particular room and it's probably just chemical; studies show that novelty releases endorphins in our brains. So why are we all so quick to give up that critical element and take the easy road when decorating? It makes me want to withdraw into my shell until this craze is ancient history.




Turtles available at Z Gallerie.

Attack of the Butterflies

Pottery Barn butterfly prints - on sale $12.99 - $249

They're either coming or going, but I can't figure out which, because I'm seeing them everywhere, but almost always on sale.

My trendar is off. Please help.

Do I need to buy something with butterflies on it? Or do I need to laugh at you for having something?


Pottery Barn butterfly trays - square charger available for $6.99


Jayson moth tray - $125 (this one's not on sale)


West Elm butterflies - On sale for $1.99

Trend Transcendent? . . . Garden Benches

Mecox Gardens


Z Gallerie


Urbanest in Chicago


Gump's


Gump's

The new Gump's catalog came today. I love the San Francisco retailer's Asian-inspired furniture and accessories. While flipping through, I was intrigued with their selection of garden benches (which are also showing up at Williams Sonoma Home and my favorite, Mecox Gardens).

I like this trend, and here's why you should too:

1.) Garden benches are versatile; simultaneously serving as an end table, decorative accessory and extra seating (perfect for smaller city homes).

2.) Garden benches come in a variety of ceramic shapes, colors and patterns, enabling you to bring your personality into the room while still participating in what is admittedly a trend.

3.) Every home should have some type of Asian accessory. Asian furniture and accessories work well with everything from Arts and Crafts to Mid-century modern.

What do you think of garden benches? Will they soon be cast out of the living room and back into the back yard?


Gump's


Gump's


Gump's


Gump's

Skulls? This trend went over my head

This past winter, I stopped at Nordstrom's to buy a scarf. I found a lovely one, chocolate cashmere with a tiny cream repeating pattern of some sort. When I squinted and looked closer, I was surprised to see little cream skulls; cute, right? Or no? I wasn't sure, so I passed on the scarf.



I'd seen skulls used a bit in the high-end design magazines, but typically in the apartments of eccentric (and rich) rockers and artists. I was completely unaware that the macabre image had jumped the fence and escaped into the mainstream until I saw all the skull-related products (and many in the clearance bin) at Z Gallerie. And you know what that means? 10-4 skull trend. Over and out.

My friend, Janis, who's not a design buff, looked at me like I was crazy. "Where have you been?," she asked incredulously. "Skulls are everywhere."

What trends have passed you by completely? And did you notice skulls? Or is Janis a bit crazy maybe?

What Happened to Subtlety?

Like a surfer after a bad wipe-out, I feel battered and bloody after opening the latest Williams Sonoma Home e-mail, which touts their new red coral collection. Don't worry, my mug is fine, but the call was close.

Do I hate it? No (although I hate that obvious room). But I do hate that something that might have been cool is getting mass-transmitted into homes across America.



Did you like red coral before? Is it personal to you in any way whatsoever? Will you still like it next year? If the answer to these questions is no, then don't buy this stuff. It looks like something you'd find in an oceanside tourist trap. You might as well buy a Red Lobster bib.

You already like something that is unique to you. You already own something (maybe it's in your own strange closet). So do something personal in your space. There are many benefits:

1. You'll be less likely to get tired of it
2. You'll save money
3. Your house won't look like everybody elses

I used to really like WS Home, but lately it seems so . . . boring and manufactured. I'm having a bad day at work, so maybe I'm just grouchy. What do you guys think?

Enough is enough . . . Picture Walls

From Elle Decor


From House Beautiful - May 2008


Elle Decor - May 2008

Ok, this is one trend that I'm ready to put behind us. Yes, creating a wall of frames images was eclectic and different when you thought that you were the only one but then saw it in a magazine and felt validated. But now, you're so not the only one. You can't open a magazine (or even an article practically) without seeing a wall mixing family photos with limited edition prints and whatever else one can frame (the four leaf clover, that treasured 93 Sinbad ticket stub). Now stop. If you have this type of wall, even if you like it, dismantle it - the sooner the better.

I'm keeping mine though.

Going Green

I just received an email from Domino with green product recommendations. While this image was intended to showcase CaesarStone Twilight Countertops (from the Concrete collection), the first thing I noticed was how often this shade of green seems to be popping up (notably in all of today's Strange Closets posts). It's so happy and provides a fun, fresh pop of color - perfect for spring.

While my thoughts (rants really) may betray my trend intolerance, my actions betray my hypocrisy. Thus, I want this green on something in my house, and I want it now. I'm willing to repaint, change rugs or even to buy new furniture. A vow; just what I needed. Stay tuned for pix.

Am I crazy or is this color one great green trend?

Today at 1st Dibs . . . Love It or Hate It?

Top: Pieces from 1st Dibs and Antiques on Old Plank Road.

The use of plants and animals in design is moving beyond cowhide and leather coverings and increasingly toward a strikingly literal interpretation.

While I can appreciate this resurgent trend, I'm not sure it's for me (although I can tolerate the rare antique pieces from 1st Dibs much more than the mass-produced Z Gallerie items.)

What do you think? Do you love these pieces, hate them or even worse, are you utterly indifferent?




New pieces from Z Gallerie.

This Trend is for the Birds?

Bird blocks - $42 each at Jayson Home & Garden.

Birds are the new 40. Birds are the new black. Insert random cliche here. Whatever they are, they're that in abundance. I must confess to riding this trend, owning 2 of the items in the following list. But it doesn't mean I like it that you may own them too.

What do you think of birds in design? Which animal would you wager will win the trend horse race in 2008? My bet is on horses. I own one, a small statue in the dining room that I bought from an independent shop well over a year ago. But they're popping up more and more and if that trend continues, I'm cashing in my chips.


Parrot lamp. On-sale for $450 at Williams Sonoma Home.


Top/Left: Stone-carved bird - $25 - $40 at Urbanest
Bottom/Right: Bird plate - $55 at Jayson Home & Garden.


Bird art - White Attic in Chicago's Andersonville neighborhood.


Mechanical birds (they sing) from National Geographic.