Classic Design Series, Part 2: What Dates a Room First?

So what dates a room first?  THE PATTERNS!

1942 Living Room: medium scale floral print on couch and chairs, stripped pinch pleat curtains

When my clients tell me that they want a timeless design, or they tell me they don't want to be changing it in 10 years, I have some educating to do.

1970s Living Room: vibrant curtain and couch flower power

The patterns in a room are the most trendy. You can see this the 70s flower power curtains or the dainty floral upholstery of the 40s.  Not to mention the "French country" plaids and florals from the last decade.

2006 Living Room: "French Country" patterns on chair and curtains

So what trendy patterns are we all buying that will date our rooms in 10 years?  They are patterns that we are all in love with: chevrons, ikats, suzanis, paisley. 

2010s Living Room: ikat wallpaper

Damask is hanging in there...

2010s Living Room: damask stools and pillows

People's passion for a new pattern is very, very genuine!  The trendy patterns catch our attention and say, "This room has recently been loved and updated."

2010s Living Room: chevron rug and pillows

This is good!  It's like a new pair of shoes in an outfit, or an exciting ingredient to put in a boring recipe.  Patterns are great!

2010s Living Room: suzani ottoman

BUT because they date the room first, I recommend these 3 things for patterns in a room:

1. Don't put more than 20% patterned objects (pillows/curtains/rugs/wallpaper/upholstery)
2. Don't spend more than 10-20% of your budget

3. Don't waste more than 5 man hours on the patterns in your room.

Deal?  Deal.

So there is a close runner up to what also dates a room...one that is almost as trendy as patterns...And I'll blog about that next time.