Friday, July 15, 2011

Lonny Letdown

I was so disappointed in Lonny this month. I think everyone in America is using the same formula to decorate now. Cowhide - check. West Elm lacquer parson's desk - check. Big antique looking gold leaf mirror - check. Vintage brass table found on Ebay to make people think I am funky - check. Knockoff Saarinen dining table with french chairs - check.
I admit I am guilty of falling in love with trends - they are trends for a reason, because they are beautiful. But if I have to look at these same spaces over and over again I will lose my mind. I mean, we have already seen Ruthie Sommers house in three other mags. And two of the projects were done by Michelle Adams, the editor. Shameless plug much?
Here are the only two pics I saved. Even though this apartment had an extreme over abundance of crap from West Elm, Ikea, Zgallerie and Room and Board (not to mention high end crap from Oly, Worlds Away and Made Goods), this pick up stick chandelier from Billy Cotton is my new obsession. And in the second pic I hate everything but the $300/yd Pierre Frey drapery fabric is bangin'.
What did you think?
E
P.S. If you haven't signed up for yesterday's giveaway yet, please do! 


9 comments:

leticia@galsintheknow.blogspot.com/ said...

I agree!!!

Lonely Wife Project said...

I don't come across these trends as often as you do so I'm not quite detesting everything. I agree with you 75 percent. I actually thought the latest issue of Lonny was better than what I've recently seen in other design mags.

Elizabeth said...

Sabbie - Lonny is still my fave of the mags out right now, don't get me wrong. It just seems you see the same products over and over in all the published projects...
:)
E

Heather (love your space) said...

Thanks for this post--I am with you all the way! I flipped through it the first time with a lot of disappointment for the very same reasons you cite--Ruthie Sommers AGAIN? Michelle Adams (or the "Lonny Team") DECORATING their own stories. IS there no new vision in design?

Thanks for singing it loud.

Heather

LENA said...

I agree, nice post! :)

http://lena510.blogspot.com/

Unknown said...

This was by far my fave project out of the whole issue! I'm totally obsessed with it. I actually liked the issue overall, but probably because I really like this look, and the entire issue was this look. I agree it was odd that there were two spaces designed by the editor.

I like when they mix high and low. I feel like they make high design more accessible.

How fantastic is the Billy Cotton chandelier? Here's another one I'm loving too (similar): http://www.rollandhill.com/products/Agnes-Chandelier-%252d-20-Bulbs.html

I hope this doesn't deter you from continuing on with the design of your space! You're just WAY ahead of the curve!

Anonymous said...

I'm going to be honest, this post really disappoints me. I think referring to west elm, etc, as crap when so many people are ecstatic to see items that are less expensive still used chicly is just snobby. It's insulting to people who have to actually save up to afford those items. Guess we can't attain beauty because it will still always be seen as crap.

The whole point of Domino, and now Lonny, is showcasing more accessible design. And yet the only thing you like is, as you actually pointed out yourself, over 300$ a yard fabric. Honestly the way you phrased this post has made me reconsider reading.

Elizabeth said...

Erika,
I liked this apartment best too, and I did enjoy the whole issue - as you say, this is our style. But it is the formulaic combination of things I find fault with. I am still moving forward with my apartment and am happy that the only two things I have right now that are very popular are the beach photo and Moroccan rug - those are seen everywhere now too, but I love them so much. I always find several things in Lonny to lust after. I will respond to Anonymous in my next blog post...
E

Elizabeth said...

Right on. I want NEW, FRESH, creative inspiration. Come on Lonny-- mix it up a bit and wow me. I have little enough time to spend on "extracurricular" reading with a hectic career and a new baby and it's disappointing to see the same stuff used over and over again.