I don't want to be a "style cop" but this!!!
This morning I thought; why not take a look at some of the webpages that have online auktions.
I'm cured!!! What a horrible experience! At first I laughed and thought; okey they are joking, but then I realised that the sellers actually were serious about their describtions of the items! And I must say I was both disgusted and appalled. I'll give you an example;
The "lamp" in the picture above was described like this (my translation);
A wonderful designer lamp shabby country
Adorable sweet table-lamp made out of a coffee set. Original. Country. Trendy. Shabby Chic.
Yes I know, you are thinking; that can't be true but - it is!!!
The seller has apparently read somewhere that the thing right now is; country style and shabby chic but how this person can claim this monster of a "lamp" if you can call it a lamp ; country, trendy or shabby chic is beyond my comprehension. Original (in the meaning of odd) for sure and certainly not adorable or sweet and the last thing that comes to my mind when I look at it - is wonderful design!?!?!
Yes I know; we don't all share the same taste in lamps or in interior-design but really!!!
I also have to point out that this lamp was for sale under the category antiques??? The coffe set might be from the 1940s but that is not antique and it is modified in a way where its funtion and original appearance is totally gone.
So what am I trying to say? Please dont use adjectives like country, shabby chic, designer etc. about items that have absolutely nothing to to with those concepts. Please don't call them antiques - they are not and now when you have altered them they will not be antiques for another 100 years.
I do not consider myself a "style-cop". I actually think that the variety in style and taste is interesting and inspiring but this is acording to me; really bad taste and most of all wrong.
I'll show you a modification of a real antique into a lamp. Lamps that you can describe as being country, antique and shabby chic in its original meaning.
Picture: K&CO
These are originally marble urns about a hundred years old modified with consideration and respect for their original appearance. The lamp-part can easily be removed and they can be used as urns again. In other words; you have not spoiled their value as antiques, you have given them a new funtion as lamps with respect for their age and original expression and they are; country style, shabby chic (in its original meaning), original and acording to me fantastic, stylish and wonderful in their design but that is because their original design is apparent....
I would love to hear what you think!
Trine
