where do you think cottage is going?

[greenoak]

:) what do you think are the strongest cottage trends right now...?
do you still say shabby ? is pink good for you? how about primitives?
whats it like in your area?

here its good and i sell lots of white, some pink, and some granny apple green....but also do black,especially rehabbed buffets,.
ann

www.greenoakantiques.com

[zuzus_garden]

Hi Ann,

Primitive country is big here in the Colorado mountains, but that's not what I'm doing.

I love the garden-style cottage look, and I'm seeing it everywhere on the web and in high-end Denver boutiques...shabby whites, pink accents, euro floral design, vintage china, silver, beautiful linens, and mixed fabrics on upholstered pieces.

I was talking with Jo-Anne from Vintage Rose Collection, and we both like touches of dark wood w/ shabby whites. CL's March edition features that look on pgs 40-41. Love it!

I've read some posts here and in other forums that people are getting a little tired of Shabby white. But add a little apple green, bird's egg blue, or faded red accents and that look pops!

I'm seeing more vintage 50's-60's looks (not my fav because I grew up then, but popular with younger people). I'm seeing more color, more personality in collections, and mixing 2005 pieces with old.

The beauty of cottage style is that there isn't just one look, and the pieces that reflect our personalities are what make a cottage home.

:)
Zuzu

[Kathy Ann]

That's a great question. This is just one opinion, but I think as people get tired of shabby/cottage total-immersion, they are going to start decorating with just one whiz-bang item, either something really old with sentimental value, or something they have made or finished themselves.

[greenoak]

zuzu,i agree cottage is big and wide with room for all kinds of stuff...

to me cottage is a huge long trend...kind of like dark country was in the 80s..even country living is embracing it...once youve painted your wallls and woodwork light and gotten light applliances youve comitted to the color scheme anyway.... when you look back you can see cottagey gardeny layouts in 1992 mags.... and its so appealing to young creative women with homes who are wanting to look fabulous but cant go to ethan allen....and dont want to look like hallmark.....and want to be creative and fun and eclectic...

i think the word shabby might be getting on peoples nerves so im selling the same stuff and using cottage more and i love the word rehabbed....we do that a lot...fix paint and sell... great white vanities and bufffets ...

the trends that scare me are simplicity and minimalism....we sell stuff and lots of it...

i think about what people are wanting and what trends all the time when ordering for the store or deciding what to build or paint....and it looks like a huge thing to me...

we paint about 15 pieces a week....and go about half white...then black then a tiny amount of lodge ,brown with green on top, and ralph lauren red...then we sell about half that and half real antiques in their natural woods...


weve done a couple of our big cupboards bright pink but that is a little much...waiting for the right storekeeper!!!..




ann


www.greenoakantiques.com

[zuzus_garden]

Hi Ann,

I’m not concerned about the simplicity and minimalism trends. I honestly believe those trends were created to push the sales of larger pieces of furniture and organization products. In a couple more years, the trend will be to sell items that fill your home with personality – what they called ‘clutter’ today.

I had to laugh when I went to a web site and read that in Victorian parlors, it was unpopular to have any space uncovered – the more stuff they had, the better. They read and did a lot of sewing, because there was hardly any room to walk, and they’d knock everything over with their swishy dresses if they moved about to much.

Trends are interesting!

:)
Zuzu

[Lynzee]

I try not to pay much attention to trends but I have noticed that around here, minimalism seems to be popular. I also see a lot of nautical/beach/tropical themes, crisp whites with dark woods and blue, green and yellow accents, textured rugs over hardwood floors, textured upholstery, armoires, tailored slipcovers and nautical/brass accessories.

Personally, I love a more casual cottage. Shabby whites (sometimes mixed with crisp whites, sometimes mixed with dark wood pieces), white wicker furniture, thick cushions with faded floral fabrics, vintage pieces (I have all of my mother's and her mother's old linens, china and silver), florals (dried, silk or fresh), seashells, white candles, old picture frames, garden trellises, architectural salvage...

Like Zuzu, I have heard many people say they are tired of shabby, but put me in a room with an all white shabby decor and lots of "stuff" and instantly, all is right in my world.

:)
Lynz

[greenoak]

appreciate the feedback....
.. i am so interested in others opinions and the realilty nationally because we do wholesale cash and carrys on the road in ohio and penn and wisconsin.....and im considering a kind of big project.. ..that i think would work if shabby roses are still good........

we have a line of shabby pictures that we sell on our site and at the shows and it would be very doabe to run ads in cottage living and romantic homes and make a specific website for them and maybe try and get on mmp.....but half the shabby places on ebay arent active anymore...stores especially...and i dont really know very many shabby sellers..what i like about the idea is that they are a bout 70$ retail...and thats enough to mess with...i couldnt face a bunch of 20$ orders...i see some great websites but i would like to know for sure that they are selling xxx a month...

so i have the product and i could do the work
and dont mind the cost of the ads
and we could do the site in house

so the question is is the trend strong enough to warrant all that...???

and is the trend strong enough to face another year on the road with the pictures?

i do think roses are above trends a lot....but our frames are big and shabby...


so do you know any shabby internet vendors who are selling 3000 a month? i dont care about the names...id like to know tho...lol

thanks ann of greenoak


www.greenoakantiques.com

[Karinbob]

I just got back from San Franciso and went into Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel and the stores were fabulous. The colors were all so bright and clear mostly because they were showing all their summer wares. But I did notice some pastel colors as well. Everything was clean lines and simple. I liked the look but some of it was a little too stark for me. I like the idea of combining the two looks. I like some clutter but not a ton. I want to feel like when you walk into any of my rooms that you can spot a few of my favorite things and not feel overwhelmed. I want people to feel very comfortable in my home and relaxed. I don't want anyone to feel like there is too much to look at or that they might knock something over. I have a ton of little nephews that visit often and so I can't have too much around or it will get destroyed.
I also just re-read a book by Rachel Ashwell (shabby chic) and her philosophy is great. Only buy what you like.

I like the homes highlighted in Cottage living because it gives different persepectives on Cottage living and not just one way is right.

There is my two cents. ;)

[greenoak]

boy crate and barrel is so major and such an influence..... even country home and country living are starting to look like them and that seems right because their style is definitely rooted in country , not fancy antiques...like the big harvest tables...i love their big archetectural display pieces too...

customers here mention it..so i know many many people are aware of their style...and i like it because its kind of country in a cottage way..im not ready for for their bright colors tho...love the dusty pinks and greens still.... im trying one section in what i call bright pastels....but most of my sales are in the softer colors or black and red ...or alll shades of white...


did you see anything else out there...like anthropoligea?

i love hearing about road trips...

ann of greenoak

www.greenoakantiques.com

[Alicia]

Hi Ann,
You can't imagine how many rooster marble murals we sell- and fruit crate labels on tiles-

Cottage, French Country is the way to go. . I think it has a very long future-- people love to coordinate all the shabby chic, cottage and French country looks they find at flea markets. it's so much fun.I think, products have to be a little more creative in order to compete. Not necessarily lowering your price but trying to embellish differently than someone else.Watch DIYNET.com -- they have a lot of interesting and creative ways to design finds

I'm going to Wemberley, Texas, this Sat-- once a month , they have the best flea market, prices are amazing.

Alicia,
http://www.AliciaTappDesigns.com

[greenoak]

i like french country too.i sell a lot of it....it has room for some antiques and unique things...i like the colors too but keep it in its own room...
we have a room that is french country, we call it the ralph room or tuscan...in it i sell lots of rehabbed black furniture ....especially buffets and lots of iron.in there..... they like the rehabbed stuff because it is really one of a kind....i think its for the girls who have black granite counters etc...i use a lot of signs in that room too...and your tiles would look right at home....i just called a friend about them...

and i have sold so many black and white buffets to turn into sinks... they never ask me but i think it would be hard to do right...

glad to se you on here..

have fun in texas and please report!!
i have a customer going to texas this week...warrenton i think....he buys big gaudy shabby stuff from me..


we get wonderful sugar molds from texas...great for candleholders...





ann of greenoak


www.greenoakantiques.com

[Cottage Collections]

appreciate the feedback....
..
we have a line of shabby pictures that we sell on our site and at the shows and it would be very doabe to run ads in cottage living and romantic homes and make a specific website for them and maybe try and get on mmp.....but half the shabby places on ebay arent active anymore...stores especially...and i dont really know very many shabby sellers..what i like about the idea is that they are a bout 70$ retail...and thats enough to mess with...i couldnt face a bunch of 20$ orders...i see some great websites but i would like to know for sure that they are selling xxx a month...

so i have the product and i could do the work
and dont mind the cost of the ads
and we could do the site in house

so the question is is the trend strong enough to warrant all that...???

and is the trend strong enough to face another year on the road with the pictures?

i do think roses are above trends a lot....but our frames are big and shabby...


so do you know any shabby internet vendors who are selling 3000 a month? i dont care about the names...id like to know tho...lol

thanks ann of greenoak


www.greenoakantiques.com

Hi Ann... I was looking at your website last night and was very interested in your framed prints for my web Boutique. I have to tell you what stopped me from ordering was that there weren't any offered with rose appliques. I KNOW.. I seem so picky.. but they are SO very popular. I haven't seen the trend of roses heading south! Speaking of heading south. Many talk about the Shabby Chic/Cottage Trend Changing. I just don't see that, at least not yet. It is just starting to take root in the South. I mean JUST. That's about 6 years behind California. (The trendsetter) I live in Virginia and still run accross people that haven't even heard the terminology. I KNOW.. hard to believe but it's true. The antique shops are just now starting to show a vendor or two that are selling Shabby Chic/Cottage Style. I think we still have a tremendous amt of mileage out of this trend. (Just my 2 cents!)

[greenoak]

thanks joyce....i cant add rose appliques!!! its out of my hands...lol


i feel great with shabby.... we sell it all and white shabby, or cottage, or country light whatever the name is easily half of our sales...
men really dont seem to like painted furniture but women love it and they love flowers... i see lots who do one room or a sun room or a new cottage or a kids room....its just a light friendly pretty thing...


and now i see a whole new thing at the wholesale shows...a girly pink thing with bright pastels and we shouild fit right into that too...like our pink princess signs... so i think its a huge trend and taking deep root.....

also if youve got wonderful light coming in lots of places are going to want a light pallet...

its so interesting and i never get tired of it... i can paint any color .lol but i love to rehabb and thats so part of shabby and cottage...


annnn of greenoak


www.greenoakantiques.com

[Karinbob]

Ann, Anthropologie is one amazing store. Very hip, chic, romantic, european, unusual and cottagy. It is a cross between Shabby chic and funk... sort of... The way they decorate their store is really funky and yet soft. The prices on their clothing are sky high! An A-line skirt that is so popular now runs about $75.00 or more. They have a lot detail in all their clothing that you just don't see anywhere that makes them stand out. Very feminine clothing. They also carry beautful bedding, homeware, old glass knobs for dressers or whatever and tons of really unique items that are very fun.

Most of the items in their store are priced really high. I just went to their web site and it has a lot more items than our particular store has. My teenage daughters love the store. My 18 yr old is really into the Audrey Hepburn look and anything French. In fact she just finished making her prom dress and got the idea from My Fair Lady (The scene where she is at the races, it is an updated look of that dress). White mermaid dress with Black satin ribbon on it. It is very striking. This store has that really fun appeal for her. I love it too! I just can't afford it.

www.anthropologie.com

[Kathy Ann]

I'd pay those prices if the stuff was made in the USA.....

[greenoak]

i saw one lin columbus o...it was georgeous ...and the antiques were so high.....
i liked the whole style of it...big and kind of shabby rustic and cottagy at the same time.... you knew you werent in hallmark!!!it was so creative and different...
...but then i saw a flower pin for 30$ and knew i want going to buy much there...


i want to find out where they get their giant pictures...any hints...


ann of greenoak

[zuzus_garden]

I bookmarked Anthropologie on my computer, and visit it to follow trends. They do offer hip products - great stuff.

But...

Kathy Ann saidI'd pay those prices if the stuff was made in the USA..... Please excuse me while I pull my soap box out...

LET'S PUT AMERICANS BACK TO WORK! BUY AMERICAN MADE PRODUCTS!

Zuzu

[Kathy Ann]

One exception I make is for a company called Marketplace. They are a woman-owned importer from India. The women who make the clothing & home dec items get to keep the money. The corporation gets some for administration but I believe it is non-profit. Their stuff isn't cheap, but it is beautiful and the clothes are well made. Not one loose thread or missing button and no fading after many washings. https://www.marketplaceindia.org/mp30/

[Barberry Field]

Hi Alicia, I love your idea for the murals on the tile! Do you paint these yourself? I am also an artist, and truly appreiate your talent!

[Alicia]

Hi Barberry,
Our tiles are not hand painted , we bake the image into the tile so cost is much lower than handpainted and turn around time is lower.

Spent the day at Wemberley market place in texas, All you saw were incredible finds in shabby chic, junk to treasure, and cottage items. Prices were amazing, very low.
Bought some neat stuff,
If we are wondering if cottge or country has burnt out-- absolutely not-- People were buying in droves, brought shopping carts with them and filled them up

Too bad its only once a month.

Alicia
http://www.AliciaTappDesigns.com

[Barberry Field]

I am so glad to hear you say that you think that the trend is here to stay! I was talking to someone recently, from a store out in California, and she said that that was all over with! What a shock and scare for me, as that is the premise for my entire new livelyhood! I read the other postings about cottage and shabby, and am very encouraged to hear that others definetly feel the same way that I do! I believe that it is a "new" classic trend, just as it was thought that country would never stay, it has, and the French Country also. I know that there are many different tastes, but I am determined to reach out into the cottage, shabby, Paris chic end of it, as that is what I enjoy! It is so nice to share all of this with everyone else here in this forum!

[zuzus_garden]

Interesting read...

TREND 101: THE LIFE OF A TREND (http://www.trendcurve.com/generic9.html)

Zuzu

[zuzus_garden]

Did you all read that article?

Sales finally start to lose steam as the trend rounds the top of the bell curve and enters the Post-peak phase. Now the market has reached a point of over-exposure as the color, look or product has saturated the eye-waves of the public.

Some trends then become visible in grocery and drug stores as they are Outgoing. Generally, both price and quality have taken a steep drop by then. Finally, the trend is in Decline and has no meaningful role as a fashion statement.


Taget - Simply Shabby Chic (http://www.target.com/gp/browse.html/602-3958745-5345448?_encoding=UTF8&node=11075051)

???????????????????????????????????? ???????????????????????????????????? ??

[greenoak]

wow i didnt know ra "s things were in target... its really reaching mainstream... next we will have tracy porter in walmart.... i wonder if its the same quality....on another forum im on a waverley fabric seller said that targets version of wwaverley fabric was way inferior to the original...but still it was hurting her sales...making her waverley look too high....


ann

[Alicia]

Hi,
Before moving to San Antonio-- 6 months ago , I was a slipper designer for kids-
I designed all the Hello Kitty slippers and we were not allowed to sell to Walmart Or any store on their retail tier like drug stores etc) - any other store was fine -
Because their prices are so low compared to everone else no other store would buy the product and Hello Kitty would lose their value.They are really smart.

Waverly probably doesn't even make the fabric-- they give it to a manufacturer that only sells to mass marketers . They wouldn't have the connections to sell their product.
Alicia
http://www.AliciaTappDesigns.com (http://www.aliciatappdesigns.com/)

[greenoak]

im sure you are right alicia....my friend said there was no comparison....but it wasnt good for her...it suprised me because waverley is a pretty upscale brand..to me target is something i try and stay aware of....................
.. but their shabby colors werent quite as good as they could have been..still it shows how great and popular shabby and cottage is................... they cant make my stuff in china for the masses...like a giant cupboard with an antique bed top for the crown....so far anyway!!!

btw i think your website is wonderfully focussed and simple and great....i sent a friend there...she needs something big and flat for a small dining room...

ann


www.greenoakantiques.com

[Alicia]

Hi,
It's all about dollars and cents-- Waverley couldn't resist selling an enormous amount of yardage by selling to the masses-- As they say-- they made them an offer-- Calvin Klein did it first and found it to be extremely lucrative.
Martha Stewart could have had an exclusive at Nordstroms-- She could make more money and spread all her categories at Kmart. Unfortuneately the customer doesn't realize its not the same product.

All the outlets you see are not really the manufacturers brands ( Anne Klein etc) .its farmed out to manufacturers that mass market. The company I designed Hello Kitty for did all private label for all the outlets. The same shoes were sold to Walmart as well as the outlets-- just different logos.

When I designed for Target , It was still the same product as Walmart but it had to be more fashion forward, more cutting edge.

BTW-- Thanks for the referral

Alicia
http://www.AliciaTappDesigns.com

[greenoak]

im in retail and its such a big problem.... the companies love the small stores at first and then go to the big places or even worse they have their website all over the product and try and get our customers directly...we sell mc call candles and they do that...even a candle of the month club...and we have 2 big hutches of their candles...

and then there is china.... so i try and have some things totally unique..and i figure anything small is impossible to compete with the big boxes....i really want to know whats in target or lowes and what the price is....if they have fern prints in shabby frames for 8 i sure dont want them at 20..... and im very sure that good customers with lots of money to spend go everywhere....they are smart and aware.....and pretty price conscious...and lots of the china stuff doesnt look that bad...lots of high priced stuff is made in china too..

and then there are the artists , in the country world anyway, .... they get picked up by big comapnies and its still their designs with their name but its all made in china....they do it willingly and get paid....but they dont make it anymore...

we go over this all the time on the retail board im on....the small retail is really in a crunch....and store closings are so common....but there are tons of webstores not functioning either....

but a store is a prtetty huge financial comittment...i would love to be selling more on the web.... sounds like a lot nicer overhead...if you can accomplish it!!!....

ann

www.greenoakantiques.com

[Alicia]

Hi,
You can have good business on the web-- it takes a lot of time to accomplish-- Linking is the key-- also finding of ways to make yourself visible.Some spend it on Google adwords but that is very costly

There's a website called architecturals.net --they have a weekly contest-- submit a vintage piece as a giveaway- ( I did a wine label tile)- also a small article re the product you're giving away-- very simple-- They add your product to their newsletter Sat eve with your web address- instant hits-- next week someone wins and you send it to them. Your website is mentioned again.



Alicia
http://www.AliciaTappDesigns.com

[greenoak]

im all for great marketing but i think what is the main thing is to have something people want and cant get easilly... and thats hard.....i hope have it at our store...and maybe our shabby pictures but then the manufactured stuff is everywhere...so i would want a product first...


i see a lot of effort expended for very unlikely inventories...in my retail world.....like stores trying hard to sell what lowes has racked up on their aisles.....or the thought ...if i love it and work for a neat store or site it willl work...


i think kathyanns custom quilts and your tile walls are great examples of very unique products....both are really different and interesting...... and ive been to the chicago gift show....!!....where you can see everything !!!1....i try not to underestimate the customer....they have seen a lot....


ann

[zuzus_garden]

Hi Alicia,

With your background in design, what do you think of the article I posted 'TREND 101: THE LIFE OF A TREND'? Do you agree with them?

B.T.W. - Glad you post here. :)

Thanks,
Zuzu

[greenoak]

thanks alicia for the arch---.net....very neat site...you really get around...tonight i am going to go thru and write down all the sites you all mentioned....i went to that dreamy one you mentioned too....

. had some wholesale customers in today and they are wanting to swap with me.... one is selling great on the net ...she has real primitive dolls and the other said she got lots of customers to her store thru her site.... and thats what i really want.... they loaded up with me and are posting their picture of full truck and us on a chat room they are on.... kind of neat...


i have been designing furniture for about 8 yrs and if shabby or cottage stores see it they usually like it a lot.....i just need to get them here...

someone on the other chat room im on said most mature stores and sites like ours are pretty picky about adding a bunch of links...she is a web hoster....and so over my head.... so as usual there are a lot of ideas...

the country girls have great webrings etc,,,,, do you know of any shabby or cottage ones....i know mmp of course....

im tryingn to absorb all this....lol

ann

www.greenoakantiques.com

[theshabbyattic]

Ann I just have to say that the people that live close to your shop are so **** lucky! I have to figure out how I'm gonna make the 11 hour drive in a big momma truck! LOL :)

[Alicia]

Hi,
The way you get around it when people don't want to link with you-- is you go to all their links and try to link with them.Go to all your competitors links and link to them
Believe me it works.

Thanks ZuZu for the heads up.

Ann , I think you really get around---- you have parlayed your talents into a potentially lucrative business-- The furniture sounds great. Just really get visible on the web.
I certainly agree with the Trend report-- You have to keep re inventing yourself to stay on top and away from the downward spiral-- No one said it was easy.

Alicia
http://www.AliciaTappDesigns.com

[zuzus_garden]

Note to Rex: The room is spinning from multiple topics in the Trend topic. Can we get a dizzy smilie?


Hi Alicia,

I'm not quite sure what you meant by 'the heads up'. I just think it's great that you have an insider design background and can give us your viewpoint on trends.

I think when the big names mass-produce lesser-quality items overseas, and fill the big-box stores to the rafters, they are expanding their bank accounts. But the trend report talked about over-saturating the public with a specific style. Do you view the shabby chic style as a trend that is peaking and/or loosing momentum?

Thanks,
Zu

[chinagril]

Hi,I am come from china.Sorry,my english is poor,my name is fault,and is chinagirl.
I like cottage life.And I know it by GOOGLE.
Though I read your messages difficultyly, I love this community very much!
It is too late that I go to bed . :p
See you later.

[greenoak]

china girl....hi ....we get a lot of antique items from china at our store....then we sell them and they look great in american cottages..... buckets.....grain measures...pretty wedding boxes...little benches..


at big shows , sometimes, there will be huge booth of just antiques from china....
welcome


ann

[CottageDreamin']

about 3 years ago, I fell in love with black painted furniture so I've painted my dining room suite black, my old dining room cabinet black, my bedroom armoire (huge old piece from England that I spent hours stripping to its original finish) black, and my dresser/mirror black...now, I'm kind of tired of it...it looks good because I decorate with old browns, creams, old reds, soft yellows, and light olives...I'm just ready for some saucy, happy colors! So, when we move I plan on having soft periwinkle walls in the bedroom, maybe even the dining room, soft bottle greens in the kitchen, and maybe a really great apricot in the living room with tons of big blown florals...I haven't decided if my black will look good in that setting (probably will)...even if it does, I may either be breaking out the stripper or buying lots of cream-colored paint :D.

I think there will be a market for what is called the shabby look right now, but I think more of the British Cottage look is headed back in with some refinement in furniture shapes (cleaner lines) and maybe not quite as much "stuff"...and with a little more ethnic bent to it...Just my two cents worth :)

[ponygirl]

I like the beach cottage look. Lots of white with soothing colors for accents.
I like the relaxed laid back look. Also in the wintertime the look makes you think of warm summers. :)

[primrosecottage]

I also like the beach cottage look. I collect vintage shell boxes that I display on an old bamboo piece. I love old English white ironstone, I have a platter full of beach glass I've collected over the years. Shells in an old white bowl. An old fish bowl full of the old Japanese fish floats. I mix all that with the old silver mercury glass vases and candlesticks. I don't think anything screams 'beachy' then lots of old white wicker, starting on the front porch and in every room in your home!

[CottageDreamin']

I love beach glass! The best part of going to Anguilla/St. Maartens a couple of years ago was picking up beach glass (St. Maartens, not Anguilla) :) ~my friend couldn't believe that was the highlight of my trip, but it was.

[Lisa43076]

Good afternoon all!! I am an avid reader of Cottage and Coastal Living magazines but am landllocked in Ohio. :( Thank goodness for Lake Erie!!!!! :D Just a three hour drive. I love all the beach cottage ideas with vintage maps, shells, sea glass, etc. Anyway, I work at a wonderful little shop in Thornville, Ohio that I wanted to share with you. It is called White Cottage and is full of vintage and new cottage style items. Linens, furniture, and garnish for your home. This weekend (June 17 & 18, 2005) we are gaving a HUGE Barn Sale just down the road from the shop. Lots of vintage garden goodies the owner (Cyndi Neal) has been gathering will be available for sale. If you are in the area this is a sale not to miss!!! Lunch is available in the barn at the Rabbit Creek Cafe and the shop will also be open. Check out Cyndi's website for more info: www.whitecottage.cn (http://www.whitecottage.cn/)
Or you can e-mail me for more info: CEO-mom@columbus.rr.com
So glad to finally get in the forum area!!! Love seeing everyone's pictures of their collections. Hopefully I will get some of mine up here too. Great way to share ideas!!!
Lisa43076

[Lisa43076]

Does anyone know when the next issue comes out? I am anxiously waiting by my mailbox.

Lisa43076

[zuzus_garden]

Hi Lisa43076,

Welcome! Thanks for sharing The White Cottage website. Everything is so pretty - wish I lived close by so I could make it to the sale!!!

Best,
Zuzu

[Lynzee]

Welcome, Lisa! Loved browsing the White Cottage website! If I lived closer I'd definitely be a regular!

:D
Lynzee

[CottageDreamin']

Hi, Lisa 43 :) ...If only I lived closer! Anyway, I hope you have a great turn-out for your Barn Sale this weekend :) .

[Teacats]

Very interesting thread -- as a shopping junkie -- I love to visit such wonderful and innvoative shops! Thanks to all for posting such great websites!

As for the shabby "trend" -- yes -- I have read and heard that once a trend or fashion has hit stores like Target (now promoting its own lines of Pottery Barn and Crate and Barrel ideas) that it has worn out its welcome. Nonsense! I think that offering lower cost items can also breathe new life into some trends!

But I can remember when folks thought that "country" would simply disappear -- and it certainly has not -- it has evolved into many stages and ideas -- through Shabby/Cottage/Victorian/Lodge to Modern County to European/Olde World Country. In English magazines -- the HOT look is what they call "New England" or "Shaker" -- sort of a Modern Country look.

And yes -- the newest trend is back to the 70s -- with dark brown, olive, orange etc. and even the slick plastic furniture (NOT my personal fav! LOL!) is back!

So where is cottage going?? I think that most stores would be wise to offer several visual versions in their displays -- from a more pared-down Modern Country to a Cottage -- and to a more Olde World display.

Even if a shop owner shows off pictures or photos from well-read magazines illustrating how to "put together" your own look -- that would be helpful to a hesitant home designer or collector.

How about taking photos of your own homes -- or your friends -- or clients -- and posting those nearby your displays? Offer your items with tags that outline several possible uses for an item?

Cross-marketing is the hottest trend in retail ((check out the latest TV ads that offer dish soap and the dishes!!)) So maybe combine items for a dual sale?

Just some thoughts over coffee and some ginger snaps.

[greenoak]

neat obserrvations teacats.....im liking the words old world....it kind of fits into our ideas.... the elegant carvings etc that are still a bit shabby...its kind of victorian but not quite... i love all the visuals of it all....
i think having a bulliten board of mag pictures in each of my style rooms is a great idea...that i might get to one of these days....we do shabby cottage white......dark ralph and old world....and good antiques.....
if you see a great store in your wanderings i would like to hear your report....ann


www.greenoakantiques.com

[crabbylou]

I also love the beach cottage style. Clean, blues, greens, blue-greens. I just think it is a style that will never go away.

My interpretation of cottage, is comfort and color. I love the bold colors, and the cottage look to me is to combine the comfortable things you love and it will work out.

I also believe ski chalet is a style that is emerging. It goes somewhat hand in hand with some of the retro stuff. Not so much the textiles and graphics, but the furniture designs.

I definitely am over shabby as a complete style, but I also think shabby, repurposed and recycled stuff will be an enduring thing. I am hoping the all white is all over!

[Teacats]

Checking out current magazines is always a great place to watch for emerging trends -- and checking current ideas -- and evolving styles.

For example -- the current issues of Veranda and Southern Accents both feature cover homes in soft clear beachy-green -- not quite aqua -- but paired with crisp white accents. Actually close to a Tiffany Blue -- it is paired with classic black toile in Southern Accents for a very fresh look.

Another designer who is getting lots of "page/picture time" is Los Angeles' Lynn Von Kersting -- owner of the famous restaurant The Ivy -- and her own shop. She mixes wild bright colors and patterns -- along with many exotic world-wide touches throughout the rooms -- not minimal decorating! Which bring out another hot decorating trend -- global -- which adds exotic elements in a room. Think of adding a dash of Indonesian art to a white wall -- over a shabby white simple-lined table. Baskets underneath the table too.

Thirties touches like mirrored furniture is big now too. Mirrors seem to be a very hot collectible -- and adding an old mirror to a country table -- and then an arrangement of deep colored roses in a silver bowl would be wonderful!

Just some more observations over tea and toast with marmalade!

[Belle']

My interpretation of cottage, is comfort and color. I love the bold colors, and the cottage look to me is to combine the comfortable things you love and it will work out. ...


I definitely am over shabby as a complete style, but I also think shabby, repurposed and recycled stuff will be an enduring thing. I am hoping the all white is all over!
I love color as well. Though, many homes look lovely with the all white look, my personal style loves color, color, color. I agree that combining what you love will result in a personal environment that works for you. To me, that is what cottage is about....a very personal look.

[Teacats]

Currently I've used orange as an accent color in my very traditional bedroom -- dark walnut furniture and Restoration Hardware's Silver Sage (silvery green-blue) on the walls -- white trim and blinds -- so I added a soft peachy-orange matelasse spread to the sleigh bed -- topped with Ralph Lauren's Sussex Gardens (which has a peachy-orange background) comforter and shams.

Then topped it with a very old soft orange satin comforter -- and another one on the chaise. Plus an orange votive on the bedside table.

Fresh for the hot hot summer months!

Has anyone else tried a trendy color?? Maybe bright aqua? Or really bright orange? :)