What Goes Around...

by Victoria L. Cooper

In the world of home design and décor, people are always buzzing about the latest trends and styles. When it all boils down, being in style is about buying the right products and tapping into those wells of knowledge and know-it-all sources (yes, your friends) for suggestions. The ironic part is that, lately, it seems like everything new has actually been recycled from trends of the past. In design, just as in life, what goes around, comes around. Every type of décor follows a life cycle – in, out and in again. Designs are revised, refined and updated. As our generation discovers the pleasures of the past, what’s old becomes new again.

This can be a little confusing. You may find yourself with questions like “is this really new, or just old?” and “how can this old piece of junk ever be called new?” Rest your fashionista mind because with each stagnant situation in which you may find your décor, a solution is ‘round the bend. It’s important to consider the artistic factor in all of your old furnishings, too. Remember that you can be creative, crafty and crazy all at the same time.

Situation: That tattered orange couch in the corner of your living room is your grandfather’s. It was given to him as a wedding present from Aunt Bethany. It was Aunt Bethany’s supreme possession in the Great Depression. So, you can bet your bottom dollar that this couch is old, very old. As luck would have it, it remains the most comfortable place to sit, drink, eat and sleep in your entire house.

Solution: Slipcovers, slipcovers, slipcovers. I can’t say it enough. First, they come in all patterns and shades and you are sure to find something to make Aunt Bethany’s orange and crushed-grape color combination a thing of the past. Whether it’s polka dotted, striped, plaid or plain, you can find good prices on any style. Even discount dollar stores sell slipcovers. Or try making your own slipcover by buying old sheets at thrift stores. Most of the time, they cost less than a dollar.

Situation: You have a great coffee table. Unfortunately, your friends are clumsy and rather than drinking invigorating liquid down, they’ve spilt their fair share on the table, leaving the already light wood with caffeinated freckles. You can’t get rid of the table because it fits perfectly in your living room and, anyways, it’s become nostalgic at this point.

Solution: Invite your friends over. Bring coffee. Bring Bailey’s. Bring markers. You know where this is headed. Welcoming your friends and family to decorate the coffee table with quotes, drawings, designs and sketches is the perfect way to cover up some stains. It is also a really nice bonding experience for your circle of friends. You’ll find that some of them are really talented, too. Just last week, two close friends of mine, Alexandra McGuinness and Kathryn Rasulo, made their coffee table into an open canvas for artwork and it has turned out absolutely beautiful. They used a mixed-media approach, which included sharpie markers, puff-paints and wax. I suggest doing this only if the table is relatively inexpensive and not an antique.

Situation: You left a window open during last week’s windstorm. The one and only mirror in your front foyer unhinged its spiny fingers from the wall and came down to the floor in one big, loud crash. The mirror is large, heavy and square and you needed two people to help you carry it when you brought it into your home a few years back. The problem is that it hasn’t broken into shards. It’s broken into unusually large and odd shapes.

Solution: Make some found art. The term “found art” describes art created, and typically modified from, objects that are not normally considered art because of their mediocre function. Buy some strong glue. I recommend Liquid Nail for mirrors. Create a design or shape with the parts of the mirror that you can still use. You can even try your hand at découpage by gluing some pieces of mirror on dresser drawers or picture frames. Whatever you choose, use caution because the glass on mirrors can be very sharp.

Other ways to make old pieces new are by changing or decorating your picture frames, tye-dying your tablecloths and finally, painting a room or wallpapering allow for dramatic effects on an old space. Be savvy and smart with your personal effects and remember that you don’t have to trash them or take out a loan. All you have to do is think new.