Anna French’s Wild Flora Collection
They say that all things which go around come around. It’s certainly true in the worlds of fashion and interior design. We’ve been enjoying the rediscovery of mid-century modern for several years now. But is it time to leave the 70’s behind and move on to the 80’s? Anna French’s Wild Flora collection of wall coverings is making me thing that the answer is an absolute yes.
The 1980’s was the era of the English Country House. Interiors were decorated with over-stuffed, Chintz-covered sofas. They sat amidst ottoman-style coffee tables laden with piles of books, topped with a vase of peonies fresh from the stately gardens out back.
Often, movies precede the emergence of a particular style. Out of Africa greatly influences Ralph Lauren’s signature look – both in fashion and interiors. That movie, as well as A Room With A View, Howard’s End were influencers in the English Country Look that symbolized the 1980’s.
The Return of The English Country Cottage?
The great thing about rediscovery is the way an old style is reinterpreted to make it look fresh. Mad Men, for example, aims for historic accuracy. And the look isn’t quite as hip as we would have thought. It’s the reinterpretation that makes it fresh to our eyes.
I’m beginning to see this same reinterpretation applied to the ‘80’s Country Cottage. Why? Sometimes it only takes one movie to start things moving. In my humble opinion, Atonement is responsible for giving this look new life.
Atonement’s Living Room: A Feminine Country Setting
The movie’s set design was very popular and got a lot of press (not unlike Something’s Gotta Give). Cecilia’s bedroom, in particular, was gorgeous. Yet all interiors featured floral wall covering with matching window treatments. It’s a feminine look that works really well within the architectural framework of the rooms. Of course, the movie takes place in the 1930’s. But, as I said, we’re constantly taking a new look at old things.
Another influencer is the popularity of Jane Austen’s novels and the gentrified rural world in which her characters reside Рsort of faded fancy.
Anne French’s new Wild Flora collection of wall coverings and fabrics is spot on this trend. If you like a feminine style, it’s worth taking a look at.
3 Responses to “Anna French’s Wild Flora Collection”
Avatars are randomly assigned unless you get your own
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Posted by sarah on November 12th, 2008 at 9:09 am
My mom’s house is back in style! lol
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Posted by Barbara on November 15th, 2008 at 10:38 am
Love it. I’m glad to see that we’re allowed to be girls again. I really liked the matching wallpaper and curtains in Atonement. I was just watching that movie and was thinking about how nice that looked. Once again you’re right on top on things. Thanks.
Great article! I definitely agree with you that “The great thing about rediscovery is the way an old style is reinterpreted to make it look fresh.”