Archive for the ‘Interview’ Category

In all deference to those who revel in clothing, jewelry and décor that is, in modern terms, matchy-matchy, we at HomeIQ are excited to report on trend that is refreshingly and deliberately different.

The term shabby chic has existed for quite a while. Perhaps what we’re seeing is a hybrid of this trend, made more affordable and more livable for a younger set. It’s the concept of mixing traditional – modern, even – with antique or refurbished pieces to tell a story or create interest in younger homeowners.

Home IQ met with Jamie Meares, owner of Furbish, a wonderfully eclectic, yet incredible accessible décor boutique in Raleigh, N.C. From our vantage point, it’s an eye-catching mix of refurbished antiques, edgy Southern décor, vintage pieces, gifts and more. In short, we wanted to pitch a tent and live there among the coolness. Meares confirmed a suspicion we’ve had for a while: That people have taste. They may not be able to afford a whole home full of custom pieces, but they’re discerning and savvy enough to know that one or two special décor pieces make a big difference.

“I like that we offer everything from earrings to repainted and restored antiques, but what I enjoy most is my customer experience,” said Meares. “We have people who come in with their family’s pieces. They love the history and heritage of the piece, but they want their own touch on it. We talk through how to modernize or paint it to create a new look. It’s all about giving them something that has history and their thumbprint on it.”

Meares’ concept is driven by her own tastes, which makes it personal and just plain cool to her clients. Is this happening all over the country? Home IQ set out to explore.

To do this, HomeIQ contributor Betty Lyn Eller posed similar questions to some experts in the design and décor world. Eller asked Charlotte Barnard, a New York City-based lifestyle expert who writes about design and retail, and Frances Bailey, editor for the new HGTV Magazine, hitting newsstand Oct. 4, a few questions on the topic:

HIQ: In our hometown of Raleigh, we have seen the emergence of home furnishing boutiques and stores that mix antique decor with eclectic and modern pieces.  Do you see this trend playing out across the country?

CB:  Indeed. It’s moved out of the city and into smaller independent retail environments. Some styles can still be identified by region, but I think the popularity of decorating TV shows has pushed tastes to be more consistent, like fashion. That’s why a mix is so important. It lets a person’s unique point of view come through.

FB:  Absolutely. Top boutiques like ABC Home and John Derian in NYC mix antiques and flea market finds side by side with new merchandise… and it works. And it’s not just NYC. I see this when I travel around the country that the coolest shops pair old with new to great aplomb.

HIQ: How have you observed antique pieces being used in conjunction with the more traditional and modern home styles?

CB: Antiques are being re-purposed for a function other than the one originally intended. A great example is Dewayne Lumpkin, of Home Economics, located in Grants Pass, OR. He takes a wing chair and recovers it in a British transit “route” sign, which is made out of canvas. The silhouette is antique, but the interpretation is completely up to date. It’s very fresh and fun.

HIQ:  Do you see a trend in younger homeowners wanting a mix of old and new in the home?

FB:  Yes! Twenty-somethings are just mad about vintage/antiques. The flea markets in Manhattan, Brooklyn and all up the Eastern Seaboard are full of younger people looking to create cool interiors with their finds. They sit happily beside Ikea and make the mix work.

HIQ:  What are the more popular antique pieces being sought to add interest to the home?  (I.e., chandeliers, sideboards, mirrors, etc)

FB:  Chandeliers and mirrors are hot ticket items with chairs being a close third. From the prestigious antique shows to the neighborhood dealer, chandeliers and mirrors seem to find homes quickly.

CB: I do see groupings of like items to make them appear more artful, like a wall of art pottery or ceramic birds. Alone, one would look odd, but in a group it looks curated.