Design Trends { Skip It? }

Recently I came across an article from MSN Lifestyle section say ' 9 Decor Trends to Skip ' I read the article and have my own opinion and my home according to MSN - has some items I should have skipped or put away! Here's the article along with my thoughts.

Trend #1: Antlers
Why Skip It: When the antlers craze hit, it hit hard. Mounted horns earned countless shelter mag centerfolds. Eventually, the trend spread to include objects fashioned out of antlers, from chandeliers to toilet paper holders. These days, they feel almost cliche. In short: Anything this hot was destined to become so not.

CLH: I think the right faux antlers can look so whimsical in the right space! I'd love some faux antlers in our new bookcase. Plus, I think if MSN Lifestyle saw how Janell of Isabella & Max Rooms has antlers in her  home, they would re-think their stance.


{ via here }
Trend #2: Taxidermy
Why Skip It: A few seasons ago, hipsters inexplicably embraced mummified mammals and petrified peacocks as part of the Gilded Age revival. This was not a look that worked for most people -- even (cough) the hipsters. Other components of this shudder-inducing trend: decorative monkey skeletons and those somber ancestral portraits where the eyes seem to follow you around the room. Rule of thumb: Anything that looks like the set of the last Tim Burton movie is a no.

CLH: Personally taxidermy is a no-no for me and creeps me out, BUT Jamie of Furbish makes it look so cool

{ via Furbish }
Trend #3: Inspirational Sayings
Why Skip It: "Keep Calm and Carry On" is an admirable sentiment, but it's become the '00s equivalent of those "Hang In There, Baby" cat posters from the '70s. In other words, it's time to let it go. Also included in the "do not want" category? Lettered wall decals with homespun homilies about friendship, clouds, or dreams. Put it this way: Not everyone wants to learn a lesson every time they drop by.

CLH: I love my bright yellow "Keep Calm and Carry On" poster in our living room, its a timeless saying that's been around since World War II. I know its been popping up everywhere, however I love it and it makes my smile and I get many compliments on the poster all the time.


Trend #4: Decorative Buddha Sculptures
Why Skip It: Sure, they're jolly, and their little bellies are hard to resist. But Buddha decor, part of the "Zen Retreat" trend that made family rooms all over America resemble the inside of Gwyneth Paltrow's yoga studio, is now pretty passe. In short: Buddha statues are religious symbols, not kitschy garden gnomes.

CLH: I don't have in Buddha's in my home, if I came across a cool one and had a spot for it, I'm sure it would be in my house. If they make you happy, why not?



Trend #5: Ghost Chairs
Why Skip It: We know. We love them too. But they've lost their novelty, their ability to surprise. Plus they scratch easily. Out of all the trends on this list, we're most hoping these make a quick comeback. Until then, let them vanish into the night -- or at least the attic.

CLH:  For my household there not practical and always look so tiny, but they are cool in the right space. I like them paired in lofts with desk.

{ via decorpad }
Trend #6: Poufs
Why Skip It: Poufs came on the scene as niftier, hipper replacements for cubed leather ottomans, but they too have seen their day, thanks in part to an influx of homemade versions. We're usually in favor of DIY decorating, but we'd be happy if we never saw another lumpy, newspaper-stuffed pouf. Besides -- most adults prefer to sit higher than a foot off the floor.

CHL:  You all know I want to knit a pouf for my living room! I see poufs as a great spot for shelters magazines to land.

Trend #7: Accent Walls
Why Skip It: When all-white rooms were in fashion, one brightly painted or wallpapered wall was a great way to break up the monotony. But now, with bolder paint colors the norm, accent walls have less purpose and can break up the flow of a room. Plus, what was once an unpredictable pop of color is now, well...predictable.

CHL: We have an accent wall in our living room, I like the pop of color on the wall, its not for everyone - but its works for us.


Trend #8: Boutique Hotel Chic
Why Skip It: The stiff minimalism, the dull neutrals, the oppressive uniformity. Where's the personality? Do we all really want to look like we live in a W hotel suite circa 2002? Conclusion: Modern luxury is all about ultra-unique pieces, so ditch the cookie cutter.

CHL: I agree cookie cutter can look boring. Hotel chic for me makes me think about a nice escape/retreat in your bedroom { which is what your bedroom should be an escape } as long as its personalized to you that's what matters.

{ via here }
Trend #9: Black Chalkboard Paint
Why Skip It: In theory, rooms painted to resemble blackboards have an old-timey, one-room schoolhouse- style awesomeness. In reality, they're dusty repositories of half-erased stick figures and long-forgotten shopping lists. Plus, everyone you know already jumped on this trend, so stick a fork in it. Exception: We think chalkboard paint in unexpected colors still has legs.

CHL: We have a dark grey chalkboard frame in our dining room and its so much fun to write notes on from grocery lists, to tonight's menu. I love them. Again, if you haven't seen how Janell used chalkboard paint in her Max's Big Boy Room, you will disagree with MSN Lifestyle.


Bottom line: I think homes should be a reflection of the individuals who live there, what works best them, how they use the space. Plus I think home also looks a little more fun, when a but whimsy is thrown into the design mix. Design is supposed to be fun!

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the 9 Design Trends to Skip. Are you guilty of having a design No-No in your house according to MSN Lifestyle { like I am }, if yes which ones? Why do you love it?
Also which design trends above have you skipped?

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Do the Dim Thang

Now that our chandelier is hung all it needed was to add a dimmer to our switch. Dimmer are the perfect way to upgrade the lighting in your house. I like that dimmers allow you to set the mood of your any room in your house.

" Why are dimmers important throughout the house? A few reasons, one is great lighting is really important throughout your whole house. There are times you want to use your living room for an evening event where you wanted to be soft, and inviting, and sexy, and you wanted to have a mood, you wanted to have an atmosphere. .

But, there are times where you are in those spaces where you want to bring the light level up, because you are reading, you are entertaining in a different way. So dimmers are really important. Lighting is a very important element to a space. Even distribution of lighting is very important " - Thom Filicia

Our Chandelier pre dimmer cast a bright but soft glow that lit up our entire bedroom. Which is great but there's something cool about being able to dim a light { and choose your mood }.

Light pre-dimmer - trust me our whole bedroom was bright!


Since we only have one light in the room to control, we used a one way dimmer switch { make sure you buy the right dimmer switch for your room}.  We picked one up at Lowes for mere          seven bucks. Lowes had a huge selection of dimmers to choose from, each with different ways on turning on the light { some come with remotes! }

Before installing a new light fixture or a switch, make sure you turn off the power to that room via your circuit breaker. Next read the instructions.

First Mr. CLH removed the switch plate cover and looked at our really old wires ( over 50 years old) everything seemed to be OK. Next he removed the old switch from the box.




There will be three wires to install: one black, one white, and a separate ground wire. Identify the three different colored wires and attach the dimmer with the match wires { connect black wire with black } .  Carefully twist the ends of the wires together and then secure them together with a wire nut until it is tight and won't turn anymore.


Next: Carefully push the wires back into the electrical box. Then screw the dimmer switch to the electrical box and replace the cover plate { we were able to sue our old cover plate with the style dimmer we bought }



Lastly turn the power back on to your room and begin playing with the dimmer. My son loved playing with our new switch and requested a dimmer switch for his room. Which is a wonderful idea to have in kids! They would be great for bedtime reading, sleepovers and kids how need a extra few minutes in the morning to wake up. I have to admit, my son and I took turns playing with the dimmer!

Our chandelier dimmed


The chandelier super dimmed in the early morning, love the almost pinkish glow the light gives off.


Design Tip: If you unable to add dimmer to your home, think about using three way bulbs on lamps to control the light distribution in your home. You can also add dimmers to most lamps!

Over time we'll be update most of the lights in our house with dimmer switches. Do you have dimmers in your home? Or are you planning on adding them to your house soon?

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