Everything Old is New Again

When we speak of trends we are typically referring to a fashion that will be predominant in the world around us, yet fleeting. These trends weigh heavily in design of most forms, but especially in fashion, and interior design. They are influenced by many things- the economy, the world situation, especially cultures that are in the forefront at the time, media hype, and choices celebrities make, as well as the designers who are enjoying celebrity status at the time.

I recall when Rachel Ashwell first became popular, I couldn't believe people were actually using pieces with chipped paint, and old furniture that was not classic, antique, finished wood pieces, but worn. Reminiscent of things I grew up with in my grandmother's homes. It wasn't long before I not only embraced “shabby chic,” but longed for the look in my own home. Shabby chic became a source of comfort for me, and quite near an obsession.

We have emotional attachment to trends in design. The geometric prints of recent years, and the oranges, browns, and turquoise, along with other colors, bring memories, and feelings from my youth. These were the staples of interiors of the 1970's. They were in every kitchen, den, and basement of every 1970's brick ranch that ever existed. When they first began infiltrating our current environment I was appalled. We left these exact designs over thirty years ago. Why return to them? Where is the new stuff? Well, “Everything old is new again.” As with shabby chic, I now love them, and do not want to see the trend leave, but we will have to say good-bye soon, and make way for the new.

As I write this I am watching the pre-Oscar broadcast. Much of the discussion is centered around style, therefore design. What will we see tonight? The fashions will influence what will be in vogue in interior design in our near future. I am anxious to see what it brings.

I will write on my predictions for upcoming interior design trends next time. Right now I have food to fix, and comfy p.j.s to get into so I can immerse myself in research for my next post. Happy Oscar Watching!

Life is Full of Surprises

    It's amazing how things always come full circle in life. Last summer I began Interior Design classes at Randolph Community College after being a wife and stay at home mother since 1986. I had my own craft business in those early years, but had to give it up when we moved for my husband's job, then I became pregnant with my daughter. I had other home based businesses, but then my son came along, and more moves. I was very happy, and fulfilled as a wife, and mother, but life brings surprises. You know the saying, "We make plans, and God laughs." My children are now out of the home, and I am divorced.
     I never expected to be able to work again due to a chronic illness, but found it necessary to find a way. After much prayer, and soul searching, I realized I now had the opportunity to pursue something I had only dreamed of for the past thirty years.
      After researching programs I landed at RCC. The funny thing is, that I had connections from back in the mid 1970's. The Interior Design program at RCC celebrated it's 45th anniversary last fall. It was the first in the state, and set the standard for all other ID programs at institutes of higher learning in North Carolina. One of the founders of the program was Dwight Holland. Mr. Holland was also design curator for the N.C. Zoo when it was first built. He was involved in the painting of the "Randolph Memories" mural in downtown Asheboro in 1976. Now, for the connection I had to all this. I moved to Randleman, N.C. in the middle of my sophomore year of high school. The art program in Randleman was a new one, taught by Louise Culler. I had been in a more advanced program at my school in Tennessee, and in classes at the local college there. In order to accommodate me Mrs. Culler placed me in the art class, but created an individual curriculum for me. Mrs. Culler was just out of college, therefore our ages were not too far apart, and she became like a big sister. She involved me in some of the things she did outside of school. We were weaving in class, so Mrs. Culler thought spinning our own yarn would be a good idea. One Saturday she took me to Dwight Holland's house across from the zoo site to sheer his sheep that was in desperate need of it. Now, you may have seen this process on t.v.- taking seconds. It took us all day. I am sure that sheep was never the same, I know we weren't. We left with our fleece, we were covered in filth, and lanolin. Never to shear again.
     Another connection I had to Mr. Holland was that Mrs. Culler had a couple of us help on the mural work.
     Mrs. Culler's husband taught photography at RCC at the time, it was then known as Randolph Technical Institute.She was a special lady, I would love to reconnect with her.
     What I saw in this teacher that made such a difference in my young life, I also see in the instructors I have had at RCC at mid-life. I see true caring, and concern and time taken with students that they see are giving their best. The atmosphere here is one of warmth and comfort, while remaining professional.
     My fellow students are like family. We are a close knit group without being "clicky."
     I always have faith that while sometimes it may not feel like it in the moment, things always work out as they should, as long as one is doing the right thing. I know it has with my being here at RCC, and I am grateful.