If you read some of my earlier posts (e.g. this one about Amy Butler's home) you know that I grew up in a modern ranch home built in the sixties. Once I struck out on my own, however, my taste manifested itself in colonial design. I wanted all of those Palliadian references - symmetry; decorative molding; high ceilings; and tall, arched windows. Nevertheless, I recently arrived at a new appreciation for modern design in residential dwellings and have a burgeoning respect for my parents design choices back when I was a child. My new appreciation has been fueled in the last year by my visit to New Canaan, Connecticut to participate in the 2009 Modern House Tour where I met Toshiko Mori who spoke about modern design.
With my new near obsession with 1960s residential design, I often find myself thinking about how I would decorate a modern home or even my parents' 1960s ranch if I had the opportunity. I peruse new modern design magazines and blogs that showcase modern interior design. I see many homes faithfully following the 60s design ethic and owners even purchasing accouturements from the 60s on E-bay or Craigslist.
Yet, I find something wanting in those interiors. I find that I am missing a lightness, modern color schemes, and a reference to the past. I crave white interiors to maintain a bright, clean ambience. I find the color schemes of brown, orange, and mustard brought forward from the 60s to todays interiors to be saddening. Rather, I love pops of modern, bright colors against a neutral background. And I continue to have a passion for eclecticism - perhaps a modern interior with an antique or two to mix it up and make it real.
In any event, if you have a modern residence and are presently updating and sprucing it up, my recommendation would be to start with white walls, paper a wall or two with an interesting design, and use bright color in strategic places. Fill your home with modern furniture and light fixtures but mix it up with tasteful antiques. The classic lines of the antiques will provide a savvy guest with contrast that will emphasize your fine modern lines. So, try not to copy the 60s design aesthetic; strike out and create something unique, something of today, something clean and fresh. The results will make you happy!
Images via Sixx Design (1,2,7,8); Brocade Home (3,4); Chic Sensibility (5) Serena & Lily (6); Christina Lundsteen (9); Decorology (10, 12, 13); Anthropologie (11).
Ted Kennedy
I know that this man was not admired at one time and I understand why. Despite this knowledge, I admire him for his commitment, tenacity, professionalism and for his unwavering advocacy. I was privileged to be in his presence twice. The second time, I heard him speak to a small audience in a small room in support of a pending labor bill in Washington D.C. He was impressive. Perhaps this excerpt explains better than me why he is an example to others who struggle to transform their lives:
"Forty-seven years was long enough to transform him in popular vocabulary from Teddy to Ted.
It was long enough for him to bleach and in many eyes redeem the most garish stains on his public image. Twenty years ago Kennedy’s name tended to be invoked first in the context of personal excess and scandal, and only secondarily in the context of public service. In later years this order was emphatically reversed.
"From 1980 to this day, I know of no one who has transformed themselves – not overnight, just steady, year by year, bill by bill, problem by problem – to, what do they say - 'lion of the Senate,'" said former Sen. Harris Wofford (D-Pa.)
After the deaths of his brothers and his own disgrace in the 1969 incident at Chappaquiddick, Wofford said, Kennedy turned his attention to a sustained, deliberate effort to rebuild his reputation." Full article here.
Posted at 06:02 PM in Commentary | Permalink | Comments (0) | TrackBack (0)