Sunday, February 22, 2009

Freudian Slip Covers: When “Covering Up” is in Style





Did you have notice that some people like to “cover-up” everything, couches, chairs, tables. You name it and these folks have figured out a way to keep their most familiar objects “covered”! I am sure this topic will remind many of you of parents and grandparents who lived with plastic covers on their couches.
Many of us who visited relatives back in the 50s and 60s with plastic covered upholstered furniture thought these guys were a little bit too neurotic for our tastes. We could accept throwing a tablecloth on a nice dining room table to protect the wood surface, but somehow plastic covered couches went way too far. And besides it was so uncomfortable to be sticking to the couch especially during the summer months.

Well, I am here to tell you that “covering” furniture is back in style and there is nothing crazy about it. But today, home owners are not draping and accenting their furnishings with plastic, but with vintage textiles, needlepoint pillows, ruffled fabrics, antique quilts and throws, unusual textiles etc. Today’s laid back style encourages the use of mixing and matching and even adding nostalgic touches in urban chic homes.

Some call this eclectic decorating style “cottage” and other refer to it as “Bohemian”. I guess what you name this look depends on how off the mainstream decorating path you wander. I personally enjoy meeting and visiting with people who have figured out a way to live boldly and decorate their homes with a sense of whimsy, originality and comfort.
Here are some of my favorite books (older) which showcase individuals who have created their own unique styles:

"Welcome Home : Kaffe Fassett", Edited by Marjo Schafer, Martindale & Company
“House of Beliefs: Creating Your Personal Style”, Kelee Katillac, Gibb Smith Publisher
“More is More: An Antidote to Minimalism”, Mary Schoeser, Conran Publisher

Photo above courtesy of Hot Cottage Collectiles for Vintage Style Homes

C. Dianne Zweig is the author of Hot Kitchen & Home Collectibles of the 30s, 40s, 50s and Hot Cottage Collectibles for Vintage Style Homes. She is also the Editor of Iantiqueonline.com an actively growing internet based resource community for people who buy, sell or collect antiques, collectibles and art. You can find Dianne’s fabulous retro and vintage kitchen, home and cottage collectibles at The Collinsville Antiques Company of New Hartford, CT, a 22,000 feet antique emporium with an in-house retro café.

To read more articles by C. Dianne Zweig click on this link:
C. Dianne Zweig’s Blog Kitsch ‘n Stuff

Email me at dianne@cdiannezweig.com

Visit my website, CDianneZweig.com

Dianne is a member of:
The American Society of Journalists and Authors
The Authors Guild, Inc.

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