Guest Blogger: The Zhush
Hi, I’m Sue from the Zhush and when Ally e-mailed me and asked if I would do a guest post for her about design trends, I knew exactly what I would write about. A term that I have been hearing for some time in the design world is “collected”. Spaces that look lived in and have evolved over time (even if it’s not the case) are so appealing to me. This ties in perfectly with the Transitional style that I am trying to achieve in my own home.
Some really great examples of this can be seen over at the Gunkelman Flesher site’s portfolio. I love the way this design firm achieves such an effortless feel to the rooms, using pieces from many different time periods and styles. Those creative wire spheres above the mantle, the basket and chrome magazine holder, the antler chandelier which drops from an ornate ceiling medallion and the high gloss white ceiling are just a few of the creative touches that give this Transitional style room a very collected feel. Perusing this site, I found so many inspirational images.
Right now, my home is at the end of a two year renovation project. Trying to merge our new style with our old tastes, has been at times challenging. However, as these images illustrate, when a Transitional style room is pulled together right, the results can be amazing.
When my husband and I purchased our home about 10 years ago, we decorated it with mostly Traditional pieces. At the time I was very into French Provincial (think Pierre Deux) and all things toile, luckily knowing how mercurial my taste can be when it comes to trends and styles, the “full on” Toile de Jouy fabric went into my young daughter’s room and only small touches of Toile was used on throw pillows in our family room. Then there was the coral craze, but again, just some prints, some decoupage plates and throw pillows, easy in and easy out. Now my tastes have changed yet again, this time moving towards a more modern look, with some mid century pieces and some quirky “found” items to add a bit of whimsy.
Its the ease of these new “collected transitional” rooms, where the only “rules” seem to be that you love each piece, that inspires me to make the whole “mix” work in my own home.
Sue – It's great to see your style in a different format. Having seen your gorgeous home, I think you nailed Transitional beautifully!
xxoo
Carolyn
.-= The Buzz – Diane James Home´s last post ..Off To The Races! =-.
I just love rooms that have a slightly eclectic mix of items. It really adds depth to the room and reflects someone's distinct personality.
.-= Jessica´s last post ..Tuesday Treats Under $20 =-.
Well said and I have to agree, it's best to let your look evolve over time so that it is uniquely you! These are beautiful spaces. I'm especially smitten with the contrast of light and dark and the slight masculine edge of the second to last one.
.-= nkp´s last post ..Daily Pretty and a Recipe =-.
great piece and I love those images. you know, I am trying to achieve this look…thanks for the help and inspiration..
.-= A Perfect Gray´s last post ..mac daddy of mix…? =-.
love this look. so many good points. I am always sure to be careful with my trends too. I am into an easy change. my collected pieces are my favorite though.
.-= paula´s last post ..Lovely Prints =-.
great look! I love a home with personality!!
.-= Blue Hydrangea´s last post ..Tina Fey, Oprah and Anthropologie =-.
Nicely done! I've enjoyed! We all go through decorating transition, however having great basics is the key! Changes in minor things often creates an overall different feel and appeal, and your candid approach is wonderful. Always a good thing to consider both sexes in decorating, everyone needs their sanctuary. Again, loved your post and beautiful images.
.-= Tina ´s last post .. =-.
Great post. It is so true what you have stated. As I have aged(oy!), I have learned to purchase my trends in small objects that I can feel okay passing on as my tastes change. I buy tried and true larger items, things I know I will love no matter where my head s at the time, things that evolve as I do.
.-= g.´s last post ..….pricks =-.
what a great roundup of images. i'm with you on the taste changes. i used to be all about modern spaces, but now i prefer a more rustic/contemporary mix. it's interesting to see how we evolve in our decor
.-= Erika@BluLabel Bungalow´s last post ..INTERIOR/EXTERIOR DECORATING. =-.
great subject here. i love to mix especially if i can add family pieces. a few years ago i started to actually advise clients on buying antiques. I know very little about it but if you find a dealer you can trust and if they provide the necessary certificates, it's a fantastic investment too. being portuguese we have a very heavy tradition on antiques and i do love to bear that in my clients mind. since i'm in london it's been a bit more difficult and i have to say i haven't found a dealer i can trust 100% There are many people selling replicas for real things.
anyway, my comment is getting too long.
once again, loved to read this one.
.-= Space by Eliana Tomas´s last post ..Style With Bonacina. =-.
Sue this is indeed the best way to pull a space together – use what you love with a bit of restraint and without a doubt it will work together! I have no doubt that your house will be amazing! Toile and all
xoxo
Marija
.-= Marija´s last post ..Lonny Bag =-.
Love all those photos especially that bathroom. The Collected and Unexpected!
Sue,
Love all the images you pulled together. A collected space is always going to be the one you enjoy most and the one you will tire of last!
Nice collection of images…and great concept. Good luck on your abode!
.-= linda@LimeintheCoconut´s last post ..Growth… =-.
Love the all white room, where the painting and desk seem to float in space.
.-= erin@designcrisis´s last post ..What Have I Done?! =-.
Loved rooms that look lived in and "collected."
.-= Sogni e Sorrisi´s last post ..Beautiful Room: 04.13.10 =-.
I love those interiors… great choice of guest blogger… have a great day!
.-= Punctuation Mark´s last post ..Images Giveaway =-.
In the past few years, "Transitional" has been thrown around to describe everything from Guido Contemporary to a vaguely Tuscan look.
Your beautiful photos are the Merriam-Webster definition of the word.
.-= Raina´s last post ..Kelly Wearstler lists Malibu beach house =-.
Great guest post Sue. Love the images you chose to illustrate your point. You get it!!!
.-= Therese Long´s last post ..Antiques & Revivals =-.
Sue, I love that you made this post so personal–I have been in exactly the same dilemma with hand-me down traditional furniture and modern taste + eclectic finds–how to make them all work? It's so reassuring to see examples of how it can all make sense. Thanks!
xo
.-= mary jo´s last post ..arm candy! =-.
Yeah, sweet Sue! Wonderful post and how fun to learn more about your style (and the style changes in your life!).
I LOVE the room in first image. That wingback leather chair has my name on it. The color makes it more current. The second image is also gorgeous.
Cyber hug,
Mon
.-= Splendid Willow´s last post ..Ignore My Latest Feeds About A Giveaway! =-.
This is really so well put. I love this look as well but have really struggled to put it into words as well as you have. Thanks for such a nice post and great images.
.-= Lesley @ TheDesignFile´s last post ..Second Hand Chic: A new book from Curbly =-.
Honestly Sue, I generally dislike the idea of "transitional" design — but these images absolutely have me rethinking that bias!
.-= Averill´s last post ..{6} I'm craving this Spring. =-.
Transitional design is a new one for me, it seems that living in an L.A. apartment, and being in my 20s, I come by transitional design quite "naturally"…lol
I am loving discovering all of guest blogs this week!
.-= Hilary´s last post ..Indian blogs to love =-.
I love the mix of styles! You have such a great eye. Your bathroom is lovely too.
xo,
cristin
.-= cristin @ simplified bee´s last post ..Spring Cleaning – Washing the Windows Naturally & DIY Cleaning Solution =-.
Great post! I want a collected home.
Excellent post Susie! Thanks for introducing me to this blog.
Great post Sue! I love the mix too and find myself scouring antique stores, flea markets, etc. for vintage and maybe even "quirky" finds.
.-= Vanessa´s last post ..Mismatched Art =-.
Wow I love this post and so agree with your thoughts. Mix and let things grow over time – so me and something my nomadic life has allowed me to do. Actually the only way my home could grow as I have had to shed so many things over the years. I have only kept what is truly important and have many items that symbolize a time spent in corners of the world.
x Charlotta
.-= Charlotta´s last post ..Fish on my mind.. =-.
Zhush, so happy to see you over here! I positively love the term “collected transitional.” It exemplifies how I want my own home to feel! I’ve moved from modern to eclectic… now I’m feeling more of a traditional vibe. Collected Transitional works perfectly!
.-= The Rural Socialite´s last post ..I Just Love Brooklyn. =-.