Where does our decor style even come from? Influence from peers, television, magazines and our environment, no doubt. I got the inkling to go as far back as I could in my photo album -- this was quite the hunt -- and see if I picked up any style habits from my mom, and her mom -- do I share mom style with the moms in my family? From the hills of Montego Bay to right here in Toronto, I fished out some glimpses of furniture through the years to see what has changed, and what, sadly, has not.
Grandma
Because the climate dictates a lot in Jamaica, the furnishings tend to be sturdy but airy whenever possible. I have fond memories of the wrought iron bistro sets on the front veranda, (photos 2 and 3, from the left), with Minna’s fried dumplings and ice cold Milo. There were handmade linen seat cushions for coolness. Most of the furniture in her house, (photos 1 and 4) was sturdy mahogany, cedar and the odd piece in pimento wood. All of the fencing in the front and backyards, (photo 5), was formed cement built with the house, always in a creative pattern. Of course vegetation surrounds the island so her gardens were all filled with tropical plants, (photo 4), and homegrown fruits and vegetables.
Mommy
I know now that my mom inspired whatever interest I may ever have in design, and we’ve definitely bumped heads over the years about how much interest I should realistically be expressing, if at all... There were always art pieces (photo 1), throughout our home -- solid black with pops of color. The hallway glass table, the bathroom dressing room lights, the smoke glass doors in the shower -- a pretty contemporary '80 home if I've ever seen one! In addition to being a business owner, mom was very fashionable and carried her sense of style over to the design of her salon, (photos 3 and 4.) Mom had a say in the large white station mirrors, the red leather styling and shampoo chairs, her arc red and white pine desk and the white tiles floors -- the '80s never looked so good!
Me
Then there’s me. Yep, with two darling children and a pretty busy schedule, I’ll admit I’ve always been more practical than design driven. Though looking through the photos of my home I see a little of mom and grandmother revealed! Large tropical plants (photo 1), have always been a requirement in my home -- they are great for oxygen and bring the outdoors in. The dressing room lights (photo 2), made a re-appearance in our first place. Having rebuked all things red as a teenager, I suddenly felt the need to have at least one focal one wall in a deep rust red (photo 3), complimented with a dark wood color table with steel legs. The safari textured vase and the dark brown bamboo basket -- also island inspired! Mine and my husband's first couch was clad in green and red plaid textured cotton. It was toddler-proof -- durable and easy to clean. But alas, I'm somewhat relieved to say that with our latest place, I've left the past to the photos and welcomed a new, wholly my own style: our current home is filled with dark brown cabinetry, furniture with clean, slim lines, modern chrome hardware, marble countertops, and clean white walls.
Going down memory lane, I can certainly say that design style can definitely be passed down. I wonder which one of my little kiddies will be taking the torch from me? I’m so excited to see where my son and daughter take us next!
Anything style habits you're embarrassed to say, you share with your mom? Anything you remember that makes you cringe? Share!
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