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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Love it or Leave It: Inlaid Pieces

{Ines Chair by Madegoods}

They say that beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Well, I certainly agree with that. What I'm wondering, however, is whether certain looks or styles fall into the category of trend or classic. I’m sure you’re thinking the distinction between those two categories should be a no brainer, but I definitely think this depends on who you ask. Take sunburst mirrors for example. I’m sure there are a lot of people out there (myself included) who would consider them classic, while many others would venture to say that they’ve been everywhere over the past few years and would consider them a trend.

So, each week, we’ll debate whether a certain item, look, or style should be considered a trend or a classic. Today, we’ll start with inlaid bone or mother of pearl items. Obviously, the technique dates back for centuries in other parts of the world, but these statement-making pieces have been increasing in popularity stateside. While I may comment on specific items in this post, I’ll keep my opinion as to whether these pieces are trendy or classic under wraps for a while and will share it later on in the comments section. Remember, you can love something, but it still has to fall into the trend or classic category!

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{Inlaid Bone Flower Tray from Wisteria}

 

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{Inlaid Mother of Pearl Bird Mirror from Wisteria}

Black & Bone Inlay 4 Drawer Chest of Drawers

{Gorgeous Inlaid Pieces from Graham and Green}

Raspberry & Mother of Pearl Inlay Chest of Drawers

{Raspberry & Mother of Pearl Inlay Chest of Drawers- This would be so perfect in a little girl’s room!}

Bone Inlay Tray & Table

{Graham and Green Bone Inlay Tray & Table- You choose the color of the tray top.}

Black & Bone Inlay 4 Drawer Console Table

{Black and Bone Inlay Console Table}

Chevron Frame - Blue

{Chevron Bone and Wood Picture Frame from Furbish}

 

So, what do you think? Trend or Classic?

38 comments:

Red Door Living said...

Classic! To me, they're the epitome of understated elegance :)

meenal @ maison marigold said...

Anything with such a long history has to be a classic..no question..xx meenal

Luciane at HomeBunch.com said...

Oh, so many beautiful things!

Hope you're enjoying your day, Paloma.

xo


Luciane at HomeBunch.com

Catherine said...

Hmmm... Does price have anything to do with whether something is widely considered trendy or classic? I mean, I'm sure there are trends among the very wealthy, but when I think about what's trendy, I usually think of the kinds of things that are accessible at lots of price points. Starburst mirrors, for example. People who are sick of them and consider them trendy probably feel that way because anyone can get a starburst mirror. I'm betting even Wallmart has a version. Chalkboard paint seems trendy to me, and that's probably because I see it all the time.

I could be wrong, but I'm guessing Target's not going to be carrying mother of pearl inlaid chests of drawers anytime soon, so I don't think we'll be inundated with these kinds of pieces in every other blog post or AT House Tour.

If this is a trend, it's certainly not one that's going to get lots of complaints about it being too ubiquitous (like the Keep Calm posters a couple years ago...). Besides, the workmanship is gorgeous. I vote classic.

Sadie + Stella said...

Love it! Always and forever! I think it has such a classic touch. I think it has just enough punch to it to make it look funky but the bone element adds the elegant touch. I see this sticking around for a long time!

www.sadieandstella.blogspot.com

Cat said...

Oh I love it! Classic! Definitely need some of these pieces!

Be sure to enter my waffle robe giveaway!
www.perpetualperfection.blogspot.com

carries design musings said...

Love inlaid pieces, They are like jewelry in a room. I think the colored pieces are trendier looking ( you may get tired of it at some point) but the natural woods are classic,timeless neutrals that work in any setting.

Jenna@simplybonvivant@hotmail.com said...

This is definitely a classic. A very Moorish look that is used for trendy items and classic pieces. Not to mention that a wide array of colors can allow you to use said classic item in so many forms. Love it, and love all the items you chose!

tibi @ the domesticity said...

I'm erring on the side of classic, but when done in more classic colors and smaller doses. For example, pearls are totally classic, but the trend now is more toward chunky necklaces/bracelets with mixed metals and pearls rather than a traditional strand of pearls. I think that raspberry chest of drawers is AMAZING and my favorite piece, but I think that is definitely more trendy than some of the other pieces shown.

As another commenter stated, when something has such a long standing history and a high level of craftsmanship, it's always going to be a classic.

Anonymous said...

A classic that's having a trendy moment.

My Many Moments said...

I just posted on this a last month! I love inlaid pieces. I think every piece is art.
Take Care,
Heather
mymanymoments.blogspot.com

Kimberly Grigg said...

I think that something can be BOTH classic AND trendy! For instance, as in the case of these lovely inlaid pieces, they are obviously classic in terms of their longevity and ability to be incorporated into styles throughout the years. However, I would also say that they are trendy, because they are popular RIGHT NOW in today's designs. In my opinion, that's what "trendy" means... Something that has particular relevance and popularity right now. However, even though inlaid pieces will eventually lose popularity in the mainstream market, and cease to be "trendy", they will continue to serve as classic design elements in years to come. Either way, they are FABULOUS!

Unknown said...

The technique is definitely classic, the implementation perhaps trendy in some cases. Overall -I would vote classic for sure (is there a category for heirloom?)

Helena - A Diary of Lovely said...

I love it, especially as a chest of drawers, I loved it in Bailey's house on Rue!

willandteresa said...

Classic all the way!

Katie*Belle said...

I love this as an unexpected touch in a room. Really pretty!

Arica said...

inlay=classic. sunburst=trend. (:

Alex said...

I would definitely go with trend here

alison giese Interiors said...

Anything that has a handmade history, for me, falls into classic territory. In the traditional, neutral colorways, that includes the inlaid look.

Averill said...

LOVE! But I think a little goes a long way. Just a piece is all you need.

Btw, I have a pair of those chevron frames (one in aqua and one in orange) in the nursery -- love 'em!

Joie de Viv said...

Personally I love this and find a lot of "trendy" things turn out to be "classic" things to me. And a lot of "classics" are never quite suitable. So it's all a matter of personal preference right. i think the inlaid style can remain classic and eternal in the right piece and if not overdone. It has lasted for centuries already right? Can't wait to hear your opinion and see more of these!

xx Vivian @ http://diamondsandtulle.blogspot.com

victoria | vmac+cheese said...

Classic. I think it does wonders in small doses! I have a few small boxes and trays made of inlaid bone, and they give a subtle pop in each room.

Rina said...

These designs remind of South Asian artisans.

Gorgeous!

Anonymous said...

i like it in the pink and the small trays the best!
great find!

AMP said...

While I generally look at inlay as "classic," the way it's being used to me is trendy. We'll look at these designs in a couple years or sooner and tire of them. But overall classic.

Cemaya said...

Classic. Not only for the technique being centuries old but the lasting look (if you will) has that lovely classic style.

1 Funky Woman said...

Ooooh, loving those trays! Great colors~

Megan

Alcira Molina-Ali said...

I think inlaid furniture used in moderation is timeless.
It's adds a touch of intricate exotica to a space.
Alcira

nerochronicles.com

travelkate said...

I am definitely biased because I just bought an inlaid mirror from Wisteria Outlet for a steal. They are having a sale until Saturday on mirrors by the way :)

But I think they are a classic. The inlaid mosaic patterns can be found around the world in time worn structures, so I don't think it's anything new, and don't think I will ever tire of it!

Annie said...

I agree with the previous comment that something can be both. This is beautiful and almost ancient rather than classic. I believe if you see it at Target it is officially trendy. (I love Target.)

Tamara, Bella Boho said...

First of all, love inlay! First and foremost inlay is a clssic technique, museums will back that ;) A classic overall but it could side on trendy depending on color and what it is used on. But it is beautiful no matta.

Alan Karlin said...

Classic - just bought an antique Mirror frame that I am using in a show house this spring in Kansas City.

Unknown said...

classic! i adore in laid mother of pearl anything (like my fancy schmancy steak knives)

when in a chevron pattern or unexpected place, like the picture frame, thats more trendy.

for the record, i think sunburst mirrors are totally a trend!

A Casa da Vá said...

I simply love inlay pieces although you can't have to much around the house, I would say maximum one piece per room. I bought the mother of pearl bird mirror at Wisteria a couple of months ago and it is just stunning to say the least! It has some imperfections which is part of being handmade and it just makes even more charming and unique! It is a show stopper for sure...

andi said...

Classic, definitely!

Chic Coles said...

I love this, however I like it in smaller pieces of furniture or accessories.

Jamie Herzlinger said...

Totally classic like a great navy blazer!
Beautiful photos
Thanks!
Happy weekend!
Jamie Herzlinger

Unknown said...

I personally love this look and consider it to be a classic when used in small doses. I do agree that the classic black and white color combination is the most timeless. When used with restraint, it adds an incredible touch to a space.