Edith oaatkamp A! DESIGN OF THE TIMES THE BIRTH and clemise of a particular style in interior design and architecture are difficult to pinpoint. It’s usu- ally even difficult to say who . participated in the concep- tion. We become aware of the demise when we feel tired of the style — when something new has come along that seems more exciting. - Some say that post-modernism died in January, 198%. This is a sur- prise to those of us who have never embraced the post-modern style, but live with an eclectic mixture of styles that simply appeals to us... You may remember that post- modernism was characterized by a playful juxtaposition of basic geo- metric shapes, colors were strong and bold — red, blue, yellow, green. Because of its eye-catching col- ors and shapes the style was well suited to retail stores, Throughout “the 1980s, entire retail store chains ‘were designed to reflect conserva- tive or extravagant versions of it — ‘depending on merchandise and tar- get market. . 22> The city of Mississauga near a return visit to Victoriana ‘Toronto experienced tremendous growth during the °70s and carly “80s. The architecture af its shop- ping centres, city hall, other public buildings and office towers will always testify to the short-lived era of post-modernism. Post-modern furniture looked appealing on magazine pages, but who will commit an entire furnish- ing budget to a singse armchair with Mickey Mouse ears or bookshelves that look like carigatures of medieval castles? The style was never accepted in residential architecture and design. - Ina way its demise occurred before we were quite aware of its birth. So we have been without a defi- nite and easily recognizable style for some time. I believe that Scandinavian fur- niture and interiors of the 50s and 60s were the last broadly accepted style. The beautifully crafted furni- ture lost its appeal when we mass- produced it and replaced many origina) wood details with plastic. But we lived with stark white walls and streamlined interiors for many years after the style had gone out of fashion. : {t's true that in the last decade we have dabbled in faux finisnes, - brought color back to interiors, have restored older homes to their original beauty, and have revived earlier styles like art deco. But we have not fallen head over heels for a brand new style. But there is an interesting change in our general attitude to the interior environment. It has occurred almost imperceptibly and seems to have spread from individ- ual expression of taste rather than from those who create architecture and design. Natural is buck (hooray for that): linen, cotton, woo! and leather -—- no more purple polyester, no more wood imitations in plastic and alu- minum. Have you noticed the abundant offering of simple and ornate clay ._ Karen Karras explains - . why using one of our interior ‘designers actually saves money. ‘Sf you're under the impression that asking an interior designer to help you is an expensive frill, you're denying yoursey'a very helpfid service. Because at f. Collins we provide the services of trained interior designers a no charge, Absolutely none. And Because we have a broid flower pots and wicker picnic bas- kets? We wear pure linen and cot- ton again they were difficult to find 15 years ago. Old is back: wallpaper and wall stencils, small intricate patterns, bright. bold colors or dark jewel tones on walls, silk tassels and fringes, Persian rugs and Kurdish Ailims, covton and face, chandeliers with candles. colorful and ornate picture frames, wrought iron gates and collections of anything that may catch your fancy, antiques, even bric-a-brac and plain old junk. Interiors have become geaiitlich again -— they have a cozy, comfort- able and lived in look: Some magazine living rooms even appear alarmingly similar to the old Victorian parlors: they are downright cluttered with memora- bilia. This is alarming if you con- sider that the siyle lasted for the duration of Victoria's reign, from 1837 to the turn of the century. The trend to step back in time, to live with well-worn old favorites. even with a touch of clatter, has gripped North America as well as Europe. Even the French seem enamored of Victoriana, Granted, Queen Victoria would not recognize the modernized, ver- sion, but the touches of lace doilies and quaint old accessories ure there. Is the trend un expression of the reuse, reduce, recycle era? Does it reflect the fact that we have gone through several years of recession’? Or is it simply a quiet interlude before a brand new and irresistible See Century pure 14 NEWS photo Mike Waketietd SIMPLE AND ornate clay pots provide an interesting and natur- al plant holder for both interior and exterior use. ; bi fy. a Savings of up to 70% on * FLOOR LAMPS «TABLE LAMPS e DESIGNER DINING ROOM FIXTURES * TRACK LIGHTINGS « WALL SCONCES « FANS * BATHROOMS FIXTURES, AND A WIDE RANGE OF ACCESSORIES ALL IN-STOCK INVENTORY MUST BE CLEARED knowledge of what many resources have to offer, as well as cost-saving tricks to make your rooms look great - we can help you achieve precisely . what you like at e price that suits vour budget. that’s what we're here jor.” THOMASVILLE GALLERY ~ Si Fani-épm RICHARDS O THE ROUNDHOUSE