BRIANA: Concrete and faux concrete finishes have steadily been gaining popularity over the past year – Stylus recognized concrete as a High Point Trend, and Liz and I spotted these pieces at ICFF. But what do you think of the trend? Is the concrete look cool or does it leave you cold? Is it industrial chic or way too bleak?
BRIAN PATRICK FLYNN: I seldom use concrete due to its lead time and also the finish costs associated with getting it just right; however, when I opt for concrete, I think its success is all about juxtaposition. Usually, I’ll pair a concrete table with super textural seating, like boucle upholstery. Concrete also warms up a lot when it’s paired with wooden pieces, either with rustic or refined finishes. Dammit, all this talk of concrete now has me wanting to use it again.
MARIANNE: Brrrr. Way too cold for me. Concrete counters in a kitchen can work in a lot of spaces, but even that is not my style. Plus I would break all of my wine glasses.
…and my thoughts on this sofa are essentially the same: I don’t know why I like it! My design style leans toward the classic, mid-century modern, the austere-with-a soft-edge. These patchwork pieces are the polar opposite. I can’t help myself from liking them, though. I think a crazy side chair like this Rug Collective one would make a perfect complimentary piece to my solid gray sofa:
I have to admit, the real, live (or formerly, I should say) mounted “trophies” kind of freak me out. (Can you imagine rounding the corner and confronting this?) But the best sculptural pieces nod to the classic lodge look and lend a bit of whimsy to an otherwise serious space. Browse the inspirational spaces below, then weigh in: Is this trend overplayed, still on the way up or is it just plain wrong?
Rachel's High-Contrast Moose Head
The piece that started the chatter: Rachel’s high-contrast moose head. She brought it on the show as a fun way to nod to her Minnesota roots and nature-inspired design aesthetic.
BRIANA: Because they’re REAL.* Dun-dun-duuuuuunnnnnnnn.
LILI: And also blessed by JT.
BRIANA: Do we like the decorative skull thing, or no? Opening this thread wiiiiide so weigh in, pls.
LILI: I keep waiting for the trend to die.
MARIANNE: I’m torn on the skull thing. It’s just hitting mainstream which means it will feel played out in about three minutes. On the other hand, SHINY. Also, those are for-real skulls?** Meep.
BRIANA: Yeah, see, I’m torn. Because on one hand it’s like cool and glam and John Derian and Paxton Gate-y and I dig it, and on the other hand it’s all ALAS POOR YORICK.
CAMILLE: I’m tired of skulls. Gilded or otherwise.
That said, Grant and I couldn’t walk around High Point without bumping into a pile of bones.
LILI: Agree on that skull, for sure, but I might have to put a shroud on it. This is how unedgy I think skulls have become:
LIZ: Why is only one available? Is Justin killing off less-successful boy band alums and passing the remains off as decor?*** If so, I support this. (Ahem…BLACKstreet)
MARIE: Skulls are dead to me. Seriously, I thought they were going out when they were on rings about 10 years ago.
FARIMA: I like the skull, maybe because it’s shiny…? It’s very pricey though, so maybe people wouldn’t be interested because skulls are everywhere.
KAYLA: I dig the HomeMint skulls. I don’t get why they’re $300-something, but I’d put one on my bookshelf, maybe.
GRANT: I like the skulls, but I can spray paint Halloween decorations and get that look for a lot less.
We sounded off, now tell us what you think…
* I’m kidding. Pretty sure the skulls are not real and serve a purely decorative function.
** I mean, it’s a joke. You guys know that, right?
*** Wild speculation for humor purposes only! Mr. Timberlake is a talented artist that we very much admire and respect, so if you are his legal counsel, please do not contact us!
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