Timeless Beauty

Through the ages, there are trends that come and go and then there is timeless beauty.  During our summer vacation to Amelia Island, I was impressed by the items that we saw in Fort Clinch that would be in style today.  Why was that surprising?  Well, Fort Clinch was recreated to appear as it would in the 19th century.  If you are like me and can’t for the life of you figure out the centuries, that is the EIGHTEEN HUNDREDS.  That is over 200 years ago.  And the funny thing is…some of these styles could totally appear in the most recent Pottery Barn catalog.  

Here are some of the items that got me oohing and awwing…

Black painted window sashes.  These are just as chic today as they were in 1850…and why?  Well, I’ve read that they bring the attention to the stuff on the outside of the window…as in they make the window disappear.  I don’t really know if I agree with that 100%…because if something is invisible then how come I can see that it is so darn classy?! 

Striped ticking fabric.  Seriously…have you seen any of the bedding at Pottery Barn lately…or Garnet Hill bed skirts….or Ballard designs throw pillows?  All striped ticking fabric.  And this is exactly what those Civil War officers used as their own pillow cases. 

Candle lanterns.  I swooned when I saw an entire shelf of candle lanterns in this storage room.  They are all the rage for lakeside retreats but also as simple mantel decor and table centerpieces.  I also like the semi-creepy-semi-awesome portrait that you can see in the corner over the fireplace.  Although I would use it with a teal blue frame and in a more modern space. 

Ladderback chairs.  This old woven seat chair was in the corner of the kitchen and perfectly fit into the 19th century decor.  But it would also fit into today’s kitchen space quite easily.  Granted…it would need a good dusting. 

Chalkboards in kitchens.  Opposite the ladderback chair was a little ledge with this chalkboard.  I love the cheeky saying, don’t you?  And seeing as how everybody and their brother is painting chalkboard walls in their kitchens these days (a wall, a door, a giant ornate framed piece o’ wood), I think this definitely qualifies this as a oldie trick turned new again. 

Row of hooks.  I have a row of hooks near our front door…and they work perfectly as a mini coat closet.  The concept is the same here…a board attached to the wall with a bunch of hooks in a row ready for jackets and hats. 

Wooden kitchen wares.  Remember when Pottery Barn had those giant wooden spoons and forks?  And then they came out with the giant wooden pizza spatula?  Bada boom bada bing.  Apparently the south won’t rise again due to pizza pies. 

Architectural exposure.  I love it when I can walk into a home and see the exposed beams and the brickwork walls.  Well, nothing is new under the sun…including this classic architecture.  Oh and that planked wooden table?  Yeah.  still hot.  

Maps.  Everyone loves a good map.  Especially when they are lost.  And even more when it talks to you and gives you alternate routes.  But also when it can be used for a wall hanging.  I know lots of peeps out there that sport giant maps in their own homes as wall decor.  Well, guess what?  That concept has apparently been around for quite some time.  

Flags, cubbies and signage.  All three of these things are still making appearances today in the homes of people all over.  I mean, how many times does a girl have to see a “BEACH” sign to know that it’s in style.  And how bout them penant flags that decorate every single child’s party ever thrown in 2010.  Or those desks and consoles that have on average a cubbie for each chotchkie that ever existed?  Apparently they weren’t our ideas…they were Robert E. Lee’s.     

Lastly we have this photo.  It has like a TON of things that I would recommend incorporating into your home.  No.  I do not think it’s a good idea to have a wall of axes in your home.  Slightly scary.  Unless it’s Halloween.  Then you may hang a Grim Reaper tool from your wall (WITH LOTS OF HOOKS AND SOME DUCT TAPE).  Seriously though…how bout that door with the yellow insets?  And the wrought iron candle chandelier?  And the painted brick?  Painted bricks are like everywhere from suburban homes to downtown lofts.  Or even those cottage looking crates?      

It’s funny how you can draw inspiration from anywhere…at any time period.   Have any of these trends made an appearance in your home lately?  Have a chalkboard in your kitchen yet?  Or maybe you painted brick recently?  Or love ticking stripe fabric?  It’s great how old things can become new again.  Except our bodies.  If only…