Why are home fashions changing all the time-- in today, out tomorrow? How can anyone ever keep their decor fresh and inviting without spending a fortune?

By giving you a quick tour of the last century of interior design, I hope to show you how home fashions are shaped by what's happening in the larger culture. Once you know the styles, you can then incorporate your personal taste, consider practical needs and enjoy, but not feel bound by, the latest trends.

Victorian: more is better

At the beginning of the 1900's the influence of the British
Empire was everywhere. The long-reigning Queen Victoria was very respected. What she liked the world liked. The globe became a smaller place as travel became easier. Plants and animals as well as possessions from far lands suggested status.

The result: tea served in beautiful china to guests who were seated on wicker and rattan sofas upholstered in ruffled botanical prints. resting on animal fur carpets. More was better--more flowers, more pictures and more patterns. Inviting the world into the home characterizes this style.

Modernism simplifies

Of course, every style change is usually a reaction to the
previous style. The reaction to the Victorian style was Modernism. Lines became sleeker - chrome, leather, square lines were in. Artists like Mondrian, Dali and Picasso exemplified the abstract. Architects designed furniture; witness the Bauhaus movement. Materials were used in their natural state. Wood could be stained but the grain was visible. Form followed function. The use of furniture determined its look minus the embellishments.

The clean lines of the '40s and '50s

What does all that history mean to us? Out with the clutter and in with the straight lines. The '40s design included this new concept along with the introduction of space age kitchen appliances and the most modern television sets. Kitchen cabinets became built-
ins. Sofas and chairs all matched and the "Leave It To Beaver" home was the ideal.

Mass production and synthetics of the '50s - '80s

Then the '50s and '60s hit. Chrome and plastic are what I remember most. Plastic dishes and vinyl-covered seats in every color imaginable were everywhere. We became the "throw-away" society-- use it then, throw it away. "Repair" was not in the dictionary.

The '70s and '80s brought technology that could make colors brighter and patterns more complex. Psychedelic is the word that comes to mind. More things for the home were mass-produced.

Nineties neutral to the new millenium Zen

The '90s brought neutrals. Neutral beige and grey
everything. (Of course, remember we are talking about the extremes here.)

What do we have today? One of the most popular looks right now is Zen. What is Zen? It is a minimalist look. Every piece counts, with one special piece standing out as the focus. The influence is definitely Eastern.

Zen is often typified by the use of black and white,
punctuated by spots of color in a single piece of furniture or accessory. Right now the hot colors are fuschia, lime green, purple and red. The look is industrial and suits loft spaces very well.

The best design for you

So, if we do not decorate in Zen are we out of fashion? Well, if we may be not trendy, but that doesn't mean that we're not expressing good interior design. Design is personal. It is based on who we are, our needs, a long- term plan related to budget, and good taste for classic, quality pieces.

The best solutions to design that have longevity could carry some elements from all of the trends discussed but most importantly have balance, rhythm and color coordination. Classic lines, good traffic flow, areas conducive to conversation and efficient work spaces are always good design choices.

Judy Christopherson has been an interior designer, as well as a builder, for the past 20 years in Vancouver, Canada. Currently, she is director of Women Today, Canada, where she puts her creativity to work in developing creative outreaches such as Victorian Tea Parties. To read how God is using Judy click here.