Monday, November 8, 2010

He Said, She Said: Eclectic Design

It's been way too long since Ben and I sat down for a He Said, She Said post. Just letting you know, we were drinking and blogging...

If I had to classify my taste these days, I'd probably put myself in the "eclectic" column. More and more, I appreciate reconditioned or repurposed, quality over quantity, collected, with a touch of the unexpected. Easier said than done, for sure.

I tried to pull together a few images of rooms shunning the "matchy-matchy" look to see what Ben had to offer...

Me:
First room. What d'ya think?

Eclectic Bungalow Living Room eclectic living room
Ben: Well, the layout of the room reminds me of our first house in The Heights in Houston. Fireplace saddled by built-ins and windows.
Me: Yeah, this is probably a Craftsman.
Ben:
Is that a dog bowl?

Me: No. It's a Chinese Garden Stool.
Ben: I don't understand those round mirrors. A mirror is of no use in that placement. You certainly can't see yourself in it, it doesn't reflect light or make the room seem larger. Don't get it, and don't like it.
Me: So, I guess a round mirror in a fireplace doesn't float your boat?
mirrors-as-windows via manolohome
Ben: That's just dumb.
Me: Maybe, but the tall, mullioned ones make me tingle.
Ben: I thought this was a G-rated post?
Me: OK, wrap up the first room. Like it?
Ben: Yes, but I think a lot of people will hit their shins on that low bench thing, probably spill their red wine on that white rug.

modern-eclectic-living
Me: I like the room, but I don't like the art arrangement - reads too "crafty" to me.
Ben: Is the theme of this post white, shaggy things? There was a white shaggy rug in the first pic, too. There's a lot of dead animal references in this room. Furry throw, deer skull, hide rug.... I agree with you on the art. One, great piece of art would've been better.
Me: This is more of a "real" home - it's not one that's been professionally styled for a magazine, so I like the attainability.
Ben: It's cozy. I could make it work.

preston living via LDV blog
Me: I'm not sure why I included this picture. It's not eclectic - it's high glam.
Ben:
Probably because it has another animal with white fur in it. We don't have any white fur in our house. We're such losers.

Me:
OK, so forget the "eclectic" theme - what about this space - Yea or Nay?

Ben:
Naaaay....just like the horse. Gray chair is hideous. Black chair looks like it puts you in a "seeing the dentist" position. And what is it with dead animal stuff these days? Horn leg and ram horn tables. Too many hard edges.
Me: These people do not have kids. Most likely, they are Todd and Margot (I don't knoooow, Margot!)

italian interior design
Me: This room is by an Italian designer, but I can't recall who.
Ben:
This just doesn't look like much to me.

Me: Chandy is pretty amazing.
Ben:
Too much brown, with too much black. And what's up with the chaise lounge in the mix? Everyone's sitting around talking, and lounger person says, "Hey, I'm just gonna take a little snooze." Why would you need two lamps that close together, too?

Me:
I think they were trying not to overdo it with furniture, because the space itself is so badass.

Ben: No dead animals. I'm not inspired.

...and after that, the wine won out.

16 comments:

Unknown said...

I'm in love with the series! My husband would have said the exact same things about the deer antlers and fur everywhere- too funny. Great post!!

SusieR said...

I love most of these looks - very hip! And the black-and-white tones throughout most of them... seems to be a common element throughout many of the eclectic rooms I've seen... is it that common a theme for this look, or is it just me?

jandjhome said...

So perfect! Love this post.

Aspiring Kennedy said...

i'm laughing at the "i don't knoooow, margot" line in this. it's a phrased that is passed between my husband and myself all. the. time.

we are from dallas, living in england. definitely less of a language barrier than brazil... but still a new scene. and it's freaking freezing here!

Krista said...

Too funny! This could be how I get my husband to actually talk about decor with me......lots of wine!

jenn from midlife modern said...

You had me at the Todd and Margo reference. My boyfriend and I quote that movie relentlessly. What a cute idea to record the banter between you and your better half!

Erin Deegan said...

thank you for the christmas vacation reference. it made my day!

giggle.

Kristen said...

oh my goodness, this made me laugh!! hilarious.

Chedva @Rooms and Words said...

I'm in love with these posts!

blue chickadee said...

Hilarious! My husband would have made similar remarks!

Bailey@ peppermintbliss said...

Can I just say that I love you two. AND am beyond impressed that your hubs will give you this much feedback?? Pete will humor me with conversations about design but he mostly is just like "yeah thats cool" "I like that" "nah..." and when I ask him for follow up he gets all flustered and is like I DON"T KNOW YOU ASKED ME I DONT KNOW ABOUT THIS STUFF. Poor lil guy.
I love these, I want more.

Aesthetic Oiseau said...

I love these posts, and I especially enjoyed the Todd and Margot reference!

D Dierks said...

Too fun!!!
jewelscapes.blogspot.com

ClosetConfections said...

those exchanges were too funny! that first pic gave me a lot of ideas because my living room walls are already painted that color. i also really loved the 4th photo.

kendra
http://closetconfections.com

nmaha said...

What a fun concept. This is my first time here and i am addicted. Do you share the wine with your readers?

Jessie said...

The conversations between you two are so funny and your hubby has a point most of the time! :) I like it when he said, " And what's up with the chaise lounge in the mix? Everyone's sitting around talking, and lounger person says, "Hey, I'm just gonna take a little snooze." Hahaha...So funny. I love your 'He said, She said' series and I am wondering if you have an archive where I can view your old posts?

Jessie
www.mixandchic.com