Mom’s do matter and influence and mold us in many ways, even our style decisions in fashion, food, and yes how we design our homes-really an extension of our inner selves. My Mom was a rebel in all ways and rejected anything that would cloud up her views of sunlight and the outside and unless there was an ultimate privacy issue, she had uncovered, bare and naked windows wherever possible. I guess today she would be an outlier. So, I delved deeper into the “familia” window covering heritage, and discovered that my grandmother was a window covering maven of the 50’s, dedicated to chintzy curtains, heavy brocaded drapery and lots of layers on windows – the more the better! “Ugh,” said my Mom, but for me, as a dedicated window treatment designer, I have to rationalize that the 50’s, my grandmother’s high decorating era, with its unique and gaudy, daresay, I say tacky style, must have been her design guide; therefore, not her fault! No solar material, no honeycomb cell shades, no slumber shades, no sheers, no fabric verticals, no choices, no blindsgalore. Today, I thought it might be fun to get a blast from the past and take a look at some of the design ideas of the 50’s, so that we can value today’s innovation, selections and limitless, cool ways to make a home your own. Just be glad that we no longer have to put up with uneven, ugly fabrics, cheap , gauzy materials, metal clacking blinds and harsh utilitarian furniture, kitschy flamingos, space hogging console TV’s and loud, brazen colors.
I did find a 50’s room that evokes the decor of the day with an attempt toward style, but the window coverings still leave a lot to be desired and emphasize how important window treatments can be, to either make or break or a room. You decide: Heavy wood valance, white metal blinds, deco inspired curtains. Like or not?
Nostalgic design still has an evocative pull for today as retro kitchens and the 50’s classic living room are re-imagined in glossy bright colors or a warm, modern vintage look that both appeal to our contemporary way of living.
No matter what style you and your mom share or differ, love your mom, love your windows, love that we live in today’s world of change, choice and possibility that your Mom unfolded for you.
Happy Mother’s Day to all.
