A RETURN TO THE 60’s
I suppose there are several things that have prompted me to write on this topic, not the least of which is our Sunday night ritual watching MAD MEN on AMC. A sexy show piled high with decor, props, and clothing (along with all-day cocktails and endless cigarette smoking), this one really encompasses the era in which I grew up. I see household items and brands, furniture styles and fabrics that bring back vivid memories of those MOD 60‘s. My parents singing around the piano and serving canapes and whiskey sours… Remember the simplicity? Well, it’s coming back in big way. Today we are seeing a return to Modern, as people yearn for a more minimalist look with clean lines, bright colors and statement pieces.
MODERN ART
Even in MAD MEN, there is a noticeable shift in style from Season 1 to 4. As the 70‘s approached, the allure of aging modern artists and their colorful, sometimes crazy creations permanently defined the look and feel of Modern. Chrome, texture and geometrics brought us a completely new decor direction, moving us away from Harvest Gold and that stunning Avocado. I am grateful that my parents have passed down some beautiful pieces to me, including lithographs and prints by Vasarely, Calder, Nevelson, Motherwell, and Georges Braque. I never thought I would want to make these pieces again focal points of our own surroundings, but my husband and I have a renewed interest in that style after having been in a somewhat transitional and semi-”Old World” mode over the past 20 years.
MID-LIFE CRISIS?
So why change style now at almost 50 years old? Maybe it’s my daily exposure to a beautifully varied selection of color palettes and individual styles. It could also be a need to “de-clutter”. Whatever the reason, selling real estate dials me in to ideas and trends stimulating my own design personality – maybe one that has been there all along. Not every property in today’s market is distressed and dilapidated, contrary to popular comment. This is what makes the business personally rewarding for me. I see the full spectrum of style, and so much beauty.
INSPIRING
Such a property really struck a chord with me recently, a true architectural marvel in Desert Mountain which sits on over three acres of pristine desert. This home brought together simplicity and elegance in a rare and beautiful way. Sweeping views of Apache Peak, endless walls of glass, polished concrete floors and intermittent pops of bright color allow this home to celebrate its surroundings, right down to the purple mountain majesty. A channel of glass in the polished – and temperature controlled – concrete floor reveals running water and river rock, aligned with the summer solstice sunrise, sending shimmers through the house. Showing this property in the evening was an experience not only for my clients, but for me as well.It was full of impact, uniqueness, and inspiration.
Now I’m certainly not saying we could recreate this where we live now. But there are components of the style which I love, and there are ways we can implement some of these things in our own space. I have enlisted the help of my good friend Kim WWW.KIMHARVEYCREAMERINTERIORS.COM, who is a true professional with really refreshing ideas. She encompasses many decor styles, and has opened my eyes to the possibilities. The message is to not be afraid of migrating from one style to another; we can still maintain our own imprints on whatever we do. It doesn’t have to look like a model home…just a little simpler. Modern.
