Are you all into the Ralph Lauren Christmas craze sweeping the internet this season? I have to say Ralph Lauren has always been a big influencer to my style, from his beginning in the late 70’s and 80’s until well, yesterday. But when does an influencers style become your own? I’ve been asking myself that question since I started adding in Christmas this season.
I had the privilege of visiting Ralph’s Flag Ship store in New York City three times in the 90’s. It was like coming home. Walking thru the “rooms” created by his very talented design team. Being surrounded by dark rich colors, the way he brought his patterns together. Yes plaids and stripes, but the florals, and tapestries, brocades and damasks. The richness and feel of all those textures together. The “HAND” the sumptuous way the fabric feels. Moving from one space to another I was in awe. To actually be able to walk amongst things I had only imagined was a dream come true.
Attention to detail is what Ralph Lauren is known for. It is those details that fascinated me so much. The double fringe on a pillow, the creative way he set a table. Not just a bunch of flowers and a pair of candlesticks, no, a table scape can be so much more. Drapery with a beautiful drape and tape along the leading edge. An end table and coffee table with more than a lamp and a coaster! He takes a surfaces and looks for the opportunity to create small moments. Then you mix it all up with strategically placed antiques, and you’ve created a storied masterpiece.
Ah there it is right there “The Storied Masterpiece”. That’s what Ralph Lauren’s influence has done for me. Now let’s face it, I do not have a storied budget. My means are very different from the clientele that is fortunate enough to hire this esteemed design team. But, knowing what I could take away from those experiences, and recreate in my own way, for my clients and myself has been invaluable. A storied beautiful home, is all about the layers. Not just the sink in upholstery with the very sumptuous fabrics, or the gorgeous show stopping dining table and chairs. That is just furniture until you add in the layers. He taught us all to treasure those family pieces, mix them in with your own style, add a casual table with a fancy chair or vice a versa. What you make, becomes your own style.
The take away from years of studying this type of design concept, is that you may not be able to afford the whole package but, with a good eye and attention to detail you can create a Ralph Lauren esthetic of your own.
Now is a great time to find some of those authentic Ralph Lauren pieces second hand. The good news is that the quality was always there, to last a hundred years. These are the antiques of the future. Those beautiful oriental and Persian rugs, are still just as relevant today as they were 30 years ago, and can be purchased for a fraction of the price at an estate sale. Drapery panels that require huge amounts of fabric, were hideously expensive to fabricate, are starting to show up at thrift shops and estate sales. Fabric is just fabric, and can be repurposed into any number of projects, for upholstery, bedding, table linens you name it. Good fabric can run in the $$$-$$$$. Why not take advantage of 30 year old fabric and create something new. I have done this in my own home. More on these pillows later!
Curate! Figuring out your style can be challenging. The key is to pay attention when you are out shopping, whether for antiques or just regular home decor. Your eye will be directed to things that appeal to you, over and over. Listen and talk to yourself. If you see something that takes your breath away, chances are it is your style. Buy what you love. If you’re wishy washy about something, walk away. Don’t buy because it works! Yes sometimes you need to do that but, that item will never be a forever piece for you. Wait for it!!! Things reach out and grab you, I promise you. If you are talking to yourself and listening you will say to yourself “Oh, there you are!” You don’t always know what it is you’re looking for. That doesn’t matter, because if you love it, you will find a way. And most important, don’t shop where everyone else shops. Look for items that are unique and different. This is how you create a “Storied Home”
Spend your money wisely. Always buy the best you can afford. There are so many avenues now for fine quality, second hand pieces, at a fraction of their value. That’s what I mean by wait for it. You’re probably not going to find a whole living room in one fail swoop. It takes time. A curated home becomes a storied home.
Thanks for stopping
Shelley
