Trend Alert: Ampersands
The 'And' Symbol Is Popping Up Everywhere
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected."
I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia. I've been writing about design online for quite a few years over at Hatch: The Design Public Blog.
Houzz Contributor. Hi There! I currently live in a 1920s cottage in Atlanta... More »
Apparently, "and" is so out, "etc." is so five minutes ago, and "&" has never been hotter. In researching the origins of this symbol, I fell down the rabbit hole of typography terms such as "ligature," "grapheme" and "glyph," and got a headache. Let's just go with the simple description of its origins: a shorthand way of writing et, which means "and" in Latin, as in "Et tu, Brute?"
Big or small, bronze or nickel, stenciled or lit up like Broadway, the ampersand is having its moment. Here are the ways designers are incorporating them into home decor, and several of our favorite picks if you'd like to order up some for your home.
Big or small, bronze or nickel, stenciled or lit up like Broadway, the ampersand is having its moment. Here are the ways designers are incorporating them into home decor, and several of our favorite picks if you'd like to order up some for your home.
This electric sign celebrates the ampersand Las Vegas style. Speaking of typography and Vegas, I keep noticing The Neon Museum's Boneyard in TV shows, movies, and editorial fashion spreads, and dream of taking pictures there.
| A petite gray ampersand adds a typographical touch to this tablescape. The color and size is just right with this grayscale artwork and varying sizes of prints. |
A bold red ampersand fills this modern canvas. Three of these in a row would be great on a wall.
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| A dash of brass adds visual balance to this holiday decor arrangement. |
A contemporary and glamorous table gets a part of its form from the ampersand.
This is such a clever symbol to use on a hook; it's like it's saying "and don't forget your scarf/purse/windbreaker!"
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by Kasey Buick
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by Kasey Buick
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Even when she loses the photographs, the ampersand stays. I'd say this classic symbol deserves a nice white frame, wouldn't you?
If you're looking to glam up your typography a bit, try a mirrored version of the symbol.
This heavy cast-iron ampersand can serve as a doorstop, bookend, or fun sculpture on a desk or tablescape.
I love the idea of "and" repeated and repeated. This pillow turns the ampersand into a contemporary print.
More typography in action:
Houzz Tour: Designs for Every Space from Atypical Type A
The Details: Using Typography in Design
Esty Designers at Home: VisuaLingual
Comments
Christina Ebbers I dig the ampersand. In general I'm not all about putting random letters or symbols on my walls and such, but if anyone was going to change my mind it would be the ampersand. It drives me crazy when people use "+" when they could use "&". There is a clear winner there, folks. Come on.
23 months ago · Like
Becky Harris Ha! Agreed! The only time one should use the "+" for "and" is when they are carving one's name + whomever in a tree.
23 months ago · Like
ellie48 Becky, only you could come up with such a whimsical ideabook. I love the mirrored ampersand. Glam. A fun collection. Keep inspiring us.
23 months ago · Like
Becky Harris Thanks Ellie :) They seemed to keep popping up everywhere I looked lately!
23 months ago · Like
Robert Mace Plus, what a name: ampersand!
23 months ago · Like
thebigbrownhouse i agree with Ellie - what a fun ideabook! I always read your ideabooks. Keep up with the fun work "&" have fun!! =D
23 months ago · Like
artistschmartist This is the perfect symbol for my nursery, right in between the twins' cribs!! Thanks for the great idea..
23 months ago · Like
Ideabook updated on July 28, 2011.
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