Sorry I didn't read enough.

If it were my place I would make some changes based on what I wanted to achieve. I tend to be a bit more practical like asking myself is my seating comfortable and appropriate to a living / Library room. ...Do my drapes get out of my way and let enough sun in when I want them to. Things like that.

I don't think you need to make many changes personally but a tweak here and there would'nt hurt. I hope. Best of luck.

Discernment may be easy for you, mtnrd, but not so much for me. Maybe because I look around my rooms and see nothing that's appeared in magazines in 10 years or more, so maybe the answer is I'm so far "out", I'm about to become "in" again! 😆

Or perhaps worse yet is I have tons of old decor mags that I haven't even gone through yet from years ago, so maybe I'd see some of this stuff!

I do look around the rooms and see so much that's meaningful to us. I'm in the family room now and I see the little onyx lamps that were on my MIL's vanity; the akua we brought back from Hawaii, the tibetan cow bell which was a gift from old family friends who were world travelers, a dozen of my vacation photos fill the wall behind the woodstove, the chairs from the LR at the old house and the oil Mom had done of the old house...significant to us anyway.

But to answer your question, I prefer the former rather than the latter. "In" was never the deciding factor for me. Function then form always were and still are.

I'm reminded of Hill-Stead which has now been open to the public and untouched for over 70 years and yet I could easily move in today and be comfortable. (Of course having Monet's and Degas' and Cassatt's around would certainly be part of it!) Maybe that is more of where I want to be, and I just need to focus on those things that bother me on a regular basis, and leave the core the same...for now anyway, dated or not.

I thought of something else...in the old days of GW, we used to suggest that people take pics of their rooms as often in a pic for some reason, it's easier to see what is and isn't working. Maybe I just need to do that and it might help me get a more objective eye on my rooms...

I do look around the rooms and see so much that's meaningful to us.

Exactly. These things belong in your home. Can you imagine packing them up because they were not "in"? Woe to the person who has no such objects, no matter their budget or design acumen.

"In" was never the deciding factor for me. Given how ephemeral "in" is, that's a good thing!

I just need to focus on those things that bother me on a regular basis. Yes, I think so. It's overused but Kondo is on to something with "sparking joy." It seems to me one common thread (pun intended) is that you enjoy making things and you are skilled. Whatever you feel needs to be replaced, if it is something you can turn into a project I think it would be most satisfying for you.

Thanks mtnrd...you've helped me zero in on my discomfort.

Let me ask a question....

Here's what I consider to be an attractive room. Can you ID the decade? Is it timeless? Is it dated? Does it's attractiveness outdo the decades? Or is it so out of touch with today's aesthetic that it's a goner? If dated, what specific elements do you see as dating the room and that you'd want to replace in an update?

OOh, I like it, a lot.

Can you ID the decade? Maybe 80s? Is it timeless? Pretty close. Is it dated? A bit here and there. Does it's attractiveness outdo the decades? I'd just tweak it. Or is it so out of touch with today's aesthetic that it's a goner? I dont think so.

If dated, what specific elements do you see as dating the room and that you'd want to replace in an update?

I like the awning stripes but they may time stamp it; but i'd still keep them.

I don't like the windows but will assume they are good quality and original to the house and in keeping.

Kill the painting on an easel.

The drapes are a little fussy but the lines are simple enough.

The lamps look out dated to me. Too fussy and delicate.

The ficus says 80s too.

I don't like either of the florals, they look fake, a big no no to me, and are dull

I think a white bust almost always works, the dresser has clean lines. I like that the mirror does not match.

The throw pillows look dated to me .. too many pillows over all and the throw pillows with a single tuft are pretty out of date to me. The bedding, which appears to just be white, is au courant in my book. I might do a more tailored bed and use sheets with piping in a contrasting color. Maybe a throw.

The bench is fine, but i'd add a lot more stacked books, all the way across and nothing else. Or, better yet, add in something modern like a clear bench .

The chairs in the foreground look dated.

I think it needs something that makes a statement. The dreaded pop of color, or something with scale. I don't think the 2 chairs should match

The wall to wall looks a little dated; i would consider hardwood

Here's a living room....same questions...

Sorry, busy w the old room.

I added some accent colors. I picked up on the black mirror w lampshades and shams. I added mustard with the pillows and the new chair. Lamps today are more bottom heavy, the candlestick looked dated to me. Obvs needn't be Buddhas but to me that is as classical as the bust, and adds some worldliness/exotica (which to me is in). I also added pink with the flowers, in bookspines, and in the pattern on the chair.

The acrylics bench covered in flokati is a "throw away" accessory. Pal says always have a 30/70 modern/traditional split to make a room interesting. This is my 30%. It is inexpensive, but very trendy and serves little purpose (but neither did the old bench).

I like that living room, too. It's so pretty. NIce bones, good architectural interest.

The florals seems 80s to me again, but this room could be much older. The contrast piping and use of the trunk (which is really not very functional) also seems 80s ish to me.

To update it and keep it classical/traditional, I'd want to get rid of at least some of the floral. Maybe do a skirted table with a very heavy fringe in a nice velvet. I would not do three pillows all the same and same fabric. Id cut it down to two pillows and they would be different shape and fabric. They also do not look comfy at all. And I think angling everything is not very fresh. Have two chairs at 90 degree or directly across. I'd keep the faded rug, it is so pretty. I might inject modernity with a glass coffee table.

I might empty out part of the bookshelves to get more negative space and add small modern sculptures. Not sure how, but modern art should be injected judiciously

I would also either paint the wall and wainscoting all one color or repaint the top half a more interesting and assertive blue like maybe Lulworth by fNB? Ditch the mirrored sconces

ETA, iDK but i think the color of the sofa is a no-go. My parents had a sofa that color in the 80s. Its too close to dusty rose.

Mtn, you are amazing- so impressive. Wow.

Rooms today are quieter, less fussy. I sew all my own window treatments also and pulled off the swags and bullion fringe a decade ago. Same for pillows. In the bedroom you posted, it appears dated to me. I don't like the bed positioned in the bay window, the drapery panels appear non functional and the picture molding with the wallpaper insert is making my head spin. Overall, accessories like lamps, mirrors and lighting can date a room more than furniture. Just my opinion.

Now I'm looking at my candlestick lamps! lol but I'm with Annie, they ain't goin' anywhere.

Annie, I was going to suggest taking photos. For some reason it’s easier to look at the space.

Your home seems like a classic “classic” to me. I’m picking up that what’s going on has more to do with you and how you’re feeling than your decor.

As some have suggested, sometimes just moving things around is enough to refresh.

Personally, anytime I hear the word “trend” I hear a clock ticking.

The bedroom is from the 80s...good job, mtnrd!...the living room is from the 90s.

In the photo of the living room you posted, I will say the curtains are not the latest style...I don't think there's a question. The real question is; does it matter if the curtains are the latest style? Are you going to throw out everything and buy new every 5 years to keep up with the newest, freshest styles? Personally, I'm not a huge fan of the curtains but that is MY style idea, not yours! Obviously, you loved the curtains or you wouldn't have had them custom made! Maybe you are just tired of them? I think that a pair of less busy curtains like in that above that bed in the picture with the beige curtains with the wooden trim above would probably freshen up that room instantly but then in 5 years you'll be tired of that too...HAHA!

In my home, I have wall art that I have had for over 30 years and I love it all, I had someone come over and was telling me they loved my "pictures" I had on the walls. I'm sure the next person is thinking "lady, get rid of that stuff and buy some new art!" HA! I have basic beige curtains that have a matching valance and my BIL told me that valances were out of style. Well, I just don't care, they look fine to me and they are just a very conservative basic curtain, timeless as far as I'm concerned.

Here's something funny: Do a google image search for "latest curtain styles" and you will spit your coffee at the screen! Some of the ugliest curtains I've ever seen...HAHA!

This is a fun thread, I love discussing trends and dated rooms but it usually gets most in a tizzy. You're a trooper, Annie!

I do think two things that can date a room (and can be relatively easy to change) are window treatments and color scheme. Without even looking closely at the living room Annie posted, the color scheme screamed “dated” to me. But as others have said, if it makes the inhabitant happy and comfy, who cares?

I'm so glad for all your help. You've got me going on starting with the bedding. I'm not changing the drapes in there as I still think they look fine. So I have to stick with essentially the same colors...

There is an accent wall behind my bed that is solid blue color of the background of the valance. But then I remember being in a mansion on the Hudson River and there was a bedroom with a similar color on the ceiling, but they'd added gold stars and it looked wonderful.

So then I said, let me look at wallpaper...maybe DH won't complain if it's the removable stuff. And I went looking and came across this...

Would this be fun in my orange wild a$$ powder room? It has the blue tile floors and the soft fern ceiling already...I'd do it as a surprise on the wall you don't see until you enter and turn around...

See, I knew even going back into decorating was dangerous! It grows and grows...but so much fun!

Here's the ceiling from Lyndhurst Mansion...

Did you see Mario Buatta's estate auction? People were paying big money for his fussy chintz, dog paintings, pillows and china. I think we may be seeing a shift in how we decorate. Don't take those drapes down yet!

"Clearly there’s a lot of people fed up with monochromatic interiors, with all this emphasis on hotel-like environments, and newly excited by Mario’s maximalist style.”

https://www.nytimes.com/2020/01/27/style/mario-buatta-sothebys-auction.html

Ya'll must have been garden webbing late into the night! Sorry to be late to answer, but yes, I do think the drapes with valances are dated. I also thought your question related directly to the drapes, not the columns. As for all the personal items you mentioned that you love, I would never change out those things. Those are the things that make a house a home.

In my place, the drapes would look dated. In yours, they look appropriate and beautiful

(coming from somebody who's not big on valances etc. They're not easy to get right. )

They just do, imo.

Glad I never got on board with the monochromatic, hotel-like home decor. I sure see a lot of that in real estate listings - sterile and blah IMHO. After years of business travel and hotel stays I knew early on I didn't want anything in my home that reminded me of a hotel. People trying to match their artwork to their furnishings - always reminded me of a hotel.

I missed this thread earlier and tried to read everything so I hope not to repeat too much of what was already covered.

Your home and your window treatments have always been a favorite of mine. Mostly because it is not trendy but so pulled together, formal yet comfortable ( I want to live in your bedroom chair!) and I feel like I am seeing the depth of the home's occupants rather than a generic( aka soulless) yet current decorator perfect model home.

I think I am becoming a "if it ain't broke don't fix it" gal. And after the last 4 year's medical bills this is probably a blessing :). So yes pick out new bedding if yours is fraying but if you like the color and style you have now, replace with something similar. If you find a new look that also " sparks joy" and works in the space then make that small change.

Thanks for a very interesting and thought provoking thread.

Thanks roarah...been thinking about our wonderful lunch and we should probably plan another get together with other local GWers once spring and better weather comes...

I would love that!

Yes, to fun wallpaper in a powder room! For decades, I've used bathrooms as a place to scratch decorating itches that make no sense on a larger scale. A couple of rolls of wallcovering is entertainment even if it is very expensive wallcovering; 30 rolls is an investment.

People trying to match their artwork to their furnishings - always reminded me of a hotel.

Forgive me if this is a repeat story but we stayed in an inexpensive chain motel, Motel 6 I think, for one night. There was a little card in the room advising how you could purchase the art work or bedding. Hahaha! Yes, please, I’d love to recapture this look for my home bedroom. I’m not fussy about decor (I know, what am I doing here!) but motel chain is not a look I’m after. Bless their hearts for their confidence in their style.

Annie, I think you’re itching for a project. Maybe there’s a women’s shelter or place like that in need of a room redo where you can be creative?

Thanks hhireno. Nice idea.

I agree that's why I suggested whatever you do, you should make it. Back to your most recent specific question. I't really hard to suggest a bedspread for your BR because, at least in the photo, it looks almost monochromatic. In a monochromatic scheme, of course, it only matches itself. I think that's why no one has any ideas.

About that Motel 6. For some who stay there, it may be the nicest bedroom they've ever seen. The thought of having a room with a thoughtfully acquired bedspread and artwork may never have occurred to them! One partner says to the other "You know, I love that painting of the fields with the horses" and voila, a nice memento from the trip goes home with them, and maybe the beginning of an art collection.

We have a couple of paintings of the West and native Americans that are framed and matted in an unusual style I first saw in the Sky Ranch Lodge in Sedona, Az. I brought the pictures plus snapshots of the frame/mat style to my framer and said "Like this, please!"

And I've stayed in places that are several stars up from Motel 6 in which everything including the clock radio and the Ralph Lauren linen was for sale.

Annie, I don’t think your style is dated per se, but it is very formal, which I think can signal dated because the current “in” styles I see are informal, read: lacking symmetry, minimalist window treatments, mix of styles, bright, eye grabbing colorful pillows and accoutrements, lighter wood and/or dark wood in more natural finishes and styles (no Queen Anne, finials, etc,), and your rooms do incorporate those elements. Also, being very honest, I don’t like valences, ever, so while I don’t think they look dated, I think they detract from the views and the drapes, but this is coming from someone who likes naked windows best.

Following

The bedroom with the chair and round valance is beautiful, I would feel royal sipping my tea there stroking my corgis. Timeless in a never in or out style.

I agree with Bumblebeez. I see a big difference in classic, timeless, elegant style and datedness. That bedroom/chair scene just looks expensive. And that's a good thing. ;-)

Funny in thinking about this, I realized I've been having discussions with folks here about yes or no to window treatments for over a decade, so I'm thinking it's less of a trend and more of a matter of personal preference...

I like them for insulating, light control, privacy and sound deadening, as well as I think they are attractive and a way to add pattern and texture to a room.

I know others disagree.

Some of it I think depends on where you live...I think in the sunbelt, I'd be more willing to live without them, but when we have the heat on 9 mos of the year, I want the warmth they provide.

Annie, your home is stately and gracious.

A few tweaks in line with mtn's tutorial will make it feel fresh and relevant. Kind of a metaphor for what we want for ourselves. I have a friend that says redecorating keeps her young. And I agree to some extent. It forces us to look forward, not back. I like Pal's 30/70 rule.

With regard to your WT's, I think the bedroom vignette is timeless. Perhaps removing the valance in the library and hanging the panels on a thinner, lighter rod would be a breath of fresh air...and if you can't bear the thought of that, then you have your answer. Find something else to edit in the room (the clock?) for a bit of an update.

P.S. (Zalco/bring back Sophie!, join the fan club.)

gardener, thanks for your suggestion, but the clock is going nowhere. DH's father rescued it from NYU. It was covered with layers of institutional green paint and someone cut all the chiming mechanism out of it. So my DH and his dad re-created the chiming mechanism, refinished the case and brought it back to life. It was in the living room at the old house and when I was a little girl, I'd sit in there on a hot summer day as it was always dark and cool and quiet in there. I'd read a book by myself and enjoy the peace and quiet with the tick and chime in the background. The intention always was to create a library and bring the clock with us to keep those memories alive. It still warms my heart and brings back fond memories to hear her chime.

I guess I'm kind of stuck.

jterrilynn, not sure why I didn't see your mock up until now. I can see where the more stream-lined look is a lot fresher than what's there now. Thank you for doing that.

A sweet story. I can just see little Annie reading primly (helps to know, and I am not telling tales out of school here because AD has posted this before, that Annie's DH is "the 'boy' next door.")

Perfect example of the Get-Out-of-Jail-Free card for "datedness" that I listed way back. That style of clock is one many of us have seen. True, it is not featured on magazine covers at the moment. If you were out shopping for a clock, few of us might suggest that one. But is there any question in the world that that clocks belongs with you, no matter what? Of course not.

Maybe that's it; "in" is the provenance of people who don't own anything yet.

Re the window treatment in the library:

First let me say that I love traditional style. I subscribe to English Home magazine and love that style. However, I think the valance in the library looks dated. It is too fussy. Can you hang it on the rod, instead of it hanging from the rod? Or perhaps have it remade to hang on the rod.

LucyStar, I'm not sure what you mean...do you mean just get rid of the valance and keep the side panels?

"Maybe that's it; "in" is the provenance of people who don't own anything yet."

Excellent mtnrd...that's a keeper...sounds like something ...what was his name on GW...monteverde?...would say.

Annie Deighnaugh, maybe I am not seeing the picture correctly, but it looks like the valances are draping down from the rod on tabs. I think they would look better if they had a rod pocket and went straight across.

I have panels with a scalloped valance in my bedroom now. And I recently was able to find on Etsy valances that match the Laura Ashley draperies that I bought in the 90's. My style is English country. If you like it, stay with it.

I haven't read all the responses, so I'm assuming there was discussions about yes/no to window treatments in general. However, I thought the discussion related to style of window treatments and I do think valances are dated (valances with drapes anyway). I would be hard pressed to change the beautiful window treatment in the bedroom but the other room is a different story. Wonderful memories regarding the clock, and for me, that is the reason many items remain in our home. I'm not one for picking up decorative pieces just because they look good. I'm for keeping pieces that we love and/or have meaning.

For what it's worth: Annie's clock is a historic American classic, a schoolhouse clock. My mother (a teacher) would recognize it immediately and smile. Schoolhouse clocks fit into almost any décor and, imo, are charming in settings like Annie's. Especially when you don't sit and stare at them, waiting for 3 p.m. to arrive, so that you can go home!

I’ve finally read the entire thread with great interest Annie because I remember your beautiful house very well. The window pelmet You made is still beautiful, as are the curtains with the swagged valance. However, if I wanted to update them I would probably just remove the beaded trim from the bedroom window treatment and remove the valence to leave just the panels. Whether or not it would look better is entirely debatable, but it would definitely look fresher, for lack of a better word.

I did not really want to update the main rooms of our old house because I loved what was there. It’s easier to change gears to something more current when you change houses. I resisted the urge to recreate our old house within the walls of the new one and really like the feel of it.

kswl, I hear you....I've often teased DH that I need a new "craft project" meaning a new house to decorate!

:)

That’s it, Annie—- instead of a decorators’ showhouse, we need a Decorator’s’ playhouse, some house where people can come in a try out a faux finish, or a wall color in a room with east facing windows, or a non traditional kitchen arrangement. Wouldn’t that be a fun business to run? Adult birthday parties, garden club outings, gtg of internet friends....I think it would be loads of fun. The kitchen could have lightweight mockups of appliances and you could select furnishings from an attached warehouse to be brought in to “your” room. The walls could be a glass or plastic that could change to any color by dialing a knob on the color wheel, and since I am fantasizing the wall panels could take on or project the texture of flat, satin, semigloss or gloss paint. Or maybe a projector could project the colors on the wall, and wallpaper patterns too.

I guess this is a good answer to the question on the other thread asking what you would want another house for if not to live in it....Voila!

Excellent kswl! I think you just hit on a whole new business idea! Decorator's play house!