Design: Past, Present and Future

Past — Before the 1990s

A traditional sense of English style has been entrenched in the culture of New England since our early colonial days. English furniture was brought to the colonies in early centuries and then crafted by fine American furniture makers from Boston to Philadelphia. These pieces were finely veneered from mahogany, maple, and walnut and hand rubbed to a rich patina. French furniture also gained popularity. French pieces were curvaceous with raised carving and cabriolet legs.

Fine hand-knotted Oriental rugs from the East, and silk fabrics from Thailand and india were brought to our shores. Opulent window treatments with valances and decorative trims dressed windows, and floral, flame-stitched, plaid, and patterned fabrics co-existed in a single room. The New England style was one of old world elegance with ample accessorization.

Present — 21st Century

"The times they are a-changing..."

As New Englanders entered the 21st century, a new freedom in design took hold. The relaxed uncluttered look that Crate & Barrel and Restoration Hardware formulated so well gained popularity with all generations. People who had lived with traditional pieces wanted to replace their existing furniture or to incorporate some of their existing pieces with more "transitional pieces" — pieces with straight legs and clean right angles.

The English formality and opulence of the French style gave way to a more relaxed look with neutral fabrics and an absence of pattern. Popular wood choices showed little or no graining; windows were treated with a simple pole and side panels of light weight or sheer fabric; florals and geometrics were taboo, valances were discarded, and trims were eliminated. The desired overall look was one of calmness and serenity; I see this as a reaction to the stressful intensity of the world around us.

Future — 2011 Forward

The evolution of design style is similar to a slow-moving Ferris wheel; what was will come around again. Floral fabrics are slowly appearing again after a 10-year absence, blue is highly visible, and stripes, flame stitches, and plaids are resurfacing. Graceful curves are back on furniture, but the look is definitely 21st century, absent carving, inlays, and veneering.

For the consumer, the next several decades can be a time of experimentation. If you like looks from different periods and different styles, a trained professional can help you create a design plan that incorporates pieces you like into a workable design plan.

Please read "Are You Ready to Transition?" in its entirety for more information on the transitional style. (By Susan Dearborn, published in Metro West Magazine)