In general, the prevailing view today seems to be that less is not more after all but is instead a bore, and combined with that turnaround has come a renewed emphasis on good taste, which is not necessarily the same thing as good design.
As the beckon, concern continues to grow with privacy, health, beauty and relaxation. A slackening of interest in the open-ended, family-oriented “super kitchen“ is one result of this shift in preferences, as is the attention now being lavished on the “super bathroom.“
Eclecticism and opulence are definitely “in“ these days. White walls, for example, are no longer considered the only appropriate background for paintings and furnishings, while mirrors, murals, faux finishes and clever camouflage are more popular today than at any previous time in my professional career. In short, it’s now quite okay to express a devotion to interior design.
This photo of a “super bath“ captures a few of the changes that have occurred in the 1980s. At one time – not so very long ago – taste makers would have frowned conspicuously at the use of mirrored surfaces, glass brick, marble and wall-to-wall carpeting in a bathroom. But – voila! – those are exactly the elements that make this setting appear so stylish to our eyes.
A lot of these developments are purely stylistic in their origin and purpose, which is to say that they don’t have very much functional import. One exception, however, is the carpeting. Here, DuPont’s “Stainmaster,“ that company’s wonder of the ’80s, provides welcome softness and warmth underfoot in a setting that might otherwise be uncomfortable to the tootsies.
And in case you’re wondering, yes, that is a fireplace perched on top of the tub deck. Looking through my files for recent years, I tend to regard that addition as perhaps the ultimate symbol of design preferences at this, the cusp of a decade. Call it decadent if you want, but such is plainly the direction in which public tastes are headed as we approach the ’90s. Decorating tips
Question: In planning the redecoration of our beach cottage, I’ve been stumped by what to do about the master bedroom. I would like to furnish it with antiques and replace the carpeting with a rug, but the room is fairly small and might seem dark and heavy if I make those alterations.
How do you suggest I proceed in achieving a traditionally cool and summery look?
Answer: Let’s begin by defining our terms. “Traditional,“ for example, can mean lots of different things, depending on an individual’s preferences.
To many people, a traditionally styled beach house includes knotty pine walls and floors, along with black iron beds and yellow-brown pine furniture. That nostalgic look might also involve multicolored scatter rugs, quilts and gingham curtains.
Is that the sort of thing you have in mind? If so, I’m not sure how such a combination can be made to appear cool and spacious, or even aesthetically appealing. Nostalgia is one thing, but an attractive setting is often something entirely different.
I suggest that, with a little paint, wallpaper and imagination, it shouldn’t be too hard to create a fresh and breezy look in the bedroom of a beach cottage. Use small-scaled, painted and refinished vintage furniture of the type that can readily be found in local second-hand shops.
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