Kitschify: micro-decorating move #28 + More
Micro-decorating, big results * Issue 5 of 13, A26 * Subscribe *
"Kitsch" is a funny word. It sounds like a sneeze and it means something just as disruptive: an explosion of questionable taste in an otherwise respectable situation. While that may lead you to think it's something to avoid, the opposite is true, especially in the world of art and design.
Consider the monumental stainless steel balloon dogs by provocateur Jeff Koons, bolting their way into the history of sculpture, at once disobedient and irresistible. They're playful meditations on what we elevate and what we suppress, forcing us to acknowledge how susceptible we are to easily-won emotions.
Designers play this game too, readily puncturing high-mindedness. A coveted handbag might sprout crochet flowers...
...and a sombre sweater might break out into gaudy fake-jewel typography:
As much as I enjoy tracking down design objects with credentials, I'm just as drawn to no-name pieces that are shamelessly expressive. In my regular trips to The Junction, I routinely wander the twisty aisles at Mrs. Huizenga, where items with an innocent sense of abandon await in every corner:
Photos: Corneil Van der Spek
It's like entering a feverish world without boundaries, where anything and everything could become the starting point of a collection.
The shop is a living testament to why you shouldn't be afraid to "kitschify" your space – bringing in a feel-good object or two as a foil for all your tasteful strivings. It's a sign that you're open to the full range of life's possibilities, regardless of which ones are designated safe.
At home, my favourite way to go about this is to create intentionally silly pairings of the lofty and the everyday. So a copy of "Nausea" by Jean-Paul Sartre becomes a playground for twin poodles:
And "Problems of Design" by George Nelson becomes a podium for an especially mournful puppy:
The contrast can have a dual effect, bringing serious things down to earth, while also implying that what was once ignored or dismissed is worth a second look.
So the next time you're in a thrift shop and a colourful but aesthetically dubious object catches your eye, pause and give the moment full attention. You might be on the verge of adding a whole new dimension to your home.
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Elsewhere
I've recently started picking up the British shelter magazine Livingetc, and the current issue has a great piece about "library tables" – arrangements of books that act as an ever-evolving self-portrait. Turns out the piece is online and not behind a paywall, so have a look:
Ellen Finch
I'll add an additional piece of advice: if your library table feels a bit too intellectual, it might be your opportunity to plunk down a strategic piece of unabashed kitsch.
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