I was watching a design show on one of the cable channels the other day. It’s the one where designers compete for the title of “DESIGN STAR”. It was the episode where the designers task was to re-do country singer Sara Evans hotel suite in a “Shabby Chic” or “Country Cottage ” style. I was very intrigued and excited because I really love both of those design styles. Well, I won’t recount the whole show and all its events, but I will say that the “Professional” designers aka “Judges” pretty much let it be known, that these two design styles are not really even styles at all. I was kinda shocked and stunned!! I must say that it did offend me a bit!! ( Don’t worry I’ll get over it!) I don’t really understand why on these design shows you must either be contemporary, modern, or traditional. There seems to be no room for anything else. I mean what about English or French Country style? What about a Romantic or Garden style? I guess that they wouldn’t be crazy about those either. I was delighted that Sara Evans liked the soft lovely “Shabby” kind of style. I bet if you asked successful designer Rachel Ashwell she’d say that “Shabby Chic” was a very wonderful style.
Just a thought… What do you think?
Tags: Cable Home Shows, Country Cottage, decorating, Design Star, English Country, French Country, Interior Decorating, Interior Designers, Rachel Ashwell, Sara Evans, Shabby Chic
July 15th, 2008 at 3:36 am
Excellent thoughts!! As for “style” — it’s personal. I’ve never been one who liked to be “told” what style is, what is fasionable…says who? Style is a state of mind and a state of being and it’s whatever you choose to make it. Anyone who says otherwise is a pretentious nerk in my opinion!! I never like it when someone says “eclectic” isn’t a “style” — it’s a word and it covers a vast array of options. Telling someone that something they love isn’t a “style” or isn’t “in style” is tantamount to saying someone’s personal taste doesn’t “rate”.
July 15th, 2008 at 12:30 pm
I am totally with you. I couldn’t have said it better. I learned that the key to design is form, function, color and shape. What you do with these design elements in your own home is whats right for you. Thanks for your input.
July 15th, 2008 at 9:22 pm
I totally agree!! Thanks for visiting me through etsy!! Any good places to go in your area?? I’m coming down next week. Please email me. lm.sm@comcast.net Lauriecharmingdesigns
July 16th, 2008 at 9:12 am
Thanks for your comment. We etsy gals gotta stay together! I will email you with a few fun places to see.
July 16th, 2008 at 4:23 pm
I love this show and look forward to it every week, but do think designers can be a little snotty in their “style speech”. I myself was sooo happy to see something cozy and warm ! I sometimes get tired of seeing all the modern clean lines, so yeah for shabby chic!!
July 16th, 2008 at 6:14 pm
I look forward to design shows also. I love their fresh ideas and creativity. But I do really think that Shabby Chic and Country Cottage styles get a “bad rap”. We “shabby gals” will keep it going. Thanks for your input.
July 16th, 2008 at 9:34 pm
I also watched the show and was exited to finally see a “Shabby Challenge”. Unfortunatly, I was a little dissapointed because the rooms were missing what I like most about the cottage style: the unexpected and the warmth. In the last 10 years I’ve heard a million times that shabby and cottage are going out, but I can’t imagine us, the shabby girls, shopping for dark woods-clean lines-cookie cutter-furniture.!!!
July 16th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
I know I have heard those same comments for years also. And yet I feel that is it still going pretty strong!! Like I said in my original post it still seems to be working for Rachel Ashwell and others. Bottom line is…I really like it and it makes me happy! And to me that’s what decorating is all about! How it makes you and your family feel.
July 28th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Some people just don’t like change. I think these are the same people that still insist that your bag has to match your shoes and your belt. Blahh!! For years I kept looking for just the right look for my cottage. I just couldn’t quite put my finger on it. I was that close and then, one day…TADA! My style is Romantic-Shabby-Cottage, and I assure you that it IS indeed a STYLE!
July 30th, 2008 at 10:32 am
Wonderful comment Marcia!! I agree and I give your comments 2 thumbs up!! You are SO right! Glad you found what STYLE works for you. Doesn’t it feel great!