"When you realize that a beautiful interior has very little to do with objects and a whole lot to do with spirit, general well being and upliftment you find the soul of interior design. If you have respect for your surroundings and everything has it's perfect place you interact with your world differently you carry yourself differently. My father used to say that the state of your surroundings is the state of your mind. Look around your home, let your home be the foundation of your aspiration."

Written by a South African artist, interior designer & product designer.

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Plate walls, granny or chic??

I was having a conversation with some friends (you know who you are) over lunch last week about Sarah Richardson and her plate wall she did on the first episode of Sarah 101.  I was against it from the start and thought it was bad on every level.  So I thought I would try and find some cool plate walls to see if they would change my mind.  What I have discovered is that there is a fine line between chic and granny.  I think the key is to mix up the styles so it doesn't give off that granny vibe, you know?  After saying all that I'm still not convinced:)

Sarah's plate wall




More modern versions

Nuestra Vida Dulce

Matters of Style




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7 comments:

  1. KarlaFebruary 10, 2011 at 9:32 PM

    Love that one from Houzz! Drama! Though who hangs plates on a patio/outside of a house??? The other ones I'm neutral on..... Meh, not head over heels for, but don't hate them either.

    My opinion hasn't changed since lunch it seems, either :)

    Karla

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  2. UnknownFebruary 11, 2011 at 2:17 AM

    I can't believe how good plates look with a black background! Not granny at all. Imagine adding a Fornasetti to the composition. Totally Chic! Have a lovely weekend Andrea! XoXo

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  3. Barbara MatsonFebruary 11, 2011 at 5:44 PM

    I am on the fence on that one. Didn't like Sarah's version but like a more modern feel, like the ones with the darker walls. I am with Karla, who hangs plates on their patio wall, that is asking for my kids to use them for tagged practice!

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  4. HomeMadeFebruary 12, 2011 at 12:16 PM

    I have a weakness for Sarah. Even when I say no to some of her #/use of patterned fabrics for example, I always love the results of her designs and I think she often executes a very good and modern take on country and shabby chic which I think is where her heart is (see Sarah's Cottage).

    So a plate wall is in line with that. The examples you show are all very good, as a collection/grouping like art. It seems like a tall order though: perfect focal wall, color contrast, a real designer eye for the grouping of plates, a huge collection of suitable plates, and a lot of patience and skill at hanging many items together. So will remain controversial!

    I can see 100 husbands cringing in fear as their wives turn to them: "honey..." ha

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  5. christine, just bellaFebruary 15, 2011 at 1:46 PM

    I love the plate wall when it's done with a modern flare, like that hot looking one from Houzz!

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  6. Victoria @ The FAT Paint™ Company and ÉdinHomeFebruary 19, 2011 at 8:47 PM

    Plate walls just aren't working for me regardless of whether they're more contemporary or granny. I'm loving the red rooster plate on the HGTV "You are what you Eat" wall... I want that one! Remember the parrot plates that Sarah mounted in shadow-box frames for the basement guest room in Sarah's House 2? Now that's a look I like... and hung in moderation. That red rooster plate I said I like? I'd mount that in a frame to hang. But I'm a party-pooper... no plate walls for me.
    Victoria

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  7. Andrea JohnsonFebruary 23, 2011 at 7:00 PM

    Victoria- loved the parrot plates in the shadow boxes. I agree with you totally, moderation is key and that's a modern way to do it:)

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