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If you’ve heard of the IFC tv show “Portlandia” (the not always funny but pitch-perfect skewering of West Coast hipsterism), then you’ve likely seen “Put a bird on it.”
This skit impeccably captures the ubiquitous indie-design trend of, well, putting a bird on everything. EVERYTHING. Baby clothes. Ash trays. Pillows. Wedding invitations. EVERYTHING gets a bird.
We’ve seen trends like this before. In the ’90s, anyone remember the celestial trend? Or the sunflowers trend? In the ’80 we had a lot of unicorns. Going back farther, who remembers the owls and mushrooms of the ’70s?
Of course, once the trend has been identified, that means creatives everywhere are already trying to put their finger/fingerprint on the next visual meme.
I have my prediction of what it will be/already is — do you have yours?
I predict tentacles, but Cat says that’s already come and gone. She says crystals and minerals.
So, what’s YOUR prediction? What will be the “putting a bird on it” of 2012?
I’ll still be putting a bird on it till kingdom come.
Ohdeedoh suggested giraffes, but I can’t see that being as big as birds. Chevron is as big as birds maybe right now? I don’t know.
But for the future?? No idea.
Plaster casts of animal skulls, painted white or any other crazy colour you can think of.
Cardboard Stag Heads; http://www.furniturehomedesign.com/eco-design/modern-recycled-cardboard-stag-deer-mount/
Fruit! Especially citrus fruit. I’ve already seen a lot of lemon motif prints on fabric.
I was going to say giraffes, too, but I really wish it was bunnies! Let’s make that happen! Also rocks/minerals/crystals, which I wouldn’t mind at all.
I work in the home decor industry, so I get to see what the buyers are finding and coming up with.
The released theme for this season has been “Country Fair” and “Americana.”
Gingham, Mason jars, straw hats, baskets, pigs, roosters, picket fence, semi-garish colors, strawberries, denim, and other picnic odds and ends. I think people are wanting to remember how their grandparents made it through the Great Depression ok, and it gives them hope. Plus, it makes vintage finds and hand-me-downs acceptable so that the thrifty can stay haute as well.
*doh* of course! this makes perfect sense!!!
I think it’s already started but I predict there will be more damask, fleur de lis, and other patterns that used to be associated with granny’s wallpaper. That and other subtle throwbacks to Victorian – steampunk, feathers, and hats (esp after the royal wedding).
Yeah, I can see that happening. A revolt against clean modern minimalism.
i live in louisiana right now, and there are fleur de lis everywhere! it’s almost ridiculous. from bird baths to purses, front doors to bumper stickers…it’s all about the fleur de lis.
I say lace patterns and doily looks will come back, as well as grasses. For an image I’m going with giraffes and beetles.
Have Gingko leaves and Darth Vaders (not necessarily together) come and gone yet?
Sea life? Anatomical organs other than the heart? Heirloom vegetables? I am not hip enough to know, but it is fun to imagine.
I’m from near PDX and that show makes me want to move back…
For decorating themes, I am sort of enjoying the birds while they’re here. And mason jars being in style means that more stores stock them. I’d love to see ferns on more things. Or mastadons.
Oh, I love the idea of lesser-known prehistoric creatures showing up on things. Like this guy: http://0.tqn.com/d/dinosaurs/1/0/4/K/-/-/indricotheriumDB.jpg
YES! Stuff with this guy for the next trend!
my future trend prediction: Indian stuff.. feathers and headdresses and dream catchers will enslave us all muahahaha
definitely gears/ steampunk lite. and vintage nautical- old ships, anchors, seahorses, etc…
Nautical is definitely huge, but doesn’t that happen every summer to some extent?
Monograms, bees, and pictures of ordinary household items (cups, books, etc).
Oooh I like the household items thing. Interesting. If I had any artistic skill I would be writing this all down to incorporate these motifs.
DINOSAURS
DEAR GOD I HOPE SO.
That would be awesome.
Apologies if someone has already said this – way too many comments to read during my lunch hour – but Babushkas – they’re everywhere!! …and I love it!!
Ariel, I LOL’s for real when I read your prediction, because we’re alreay into tentacles at my house along with other geekery 😉
I think Steampunk will become an even bigger trend than it already is. Look at Restoration Hardware – they don’t say steampunk, but all their stuff definitely has that vibe.
My person hope is that the next “Bird” is “velociraptors” (or any kind of dinosaur).
That bird is nowhere near done yet. It’s been around through the year of the owl, the year of the giraffe, the year of the rabbit, peacock, and this, the year of the Russian nesting doll. Next year, I believe, will be the year of the whale, and that bird will keep showing up on everything. It’s a perfect symbol for freedom and simplicity and people are gonna wanna keep looking at it until this economy picks up, or we all get used to it. Either way, it’s gonna be a while.
I’m waiting for dinosaurs to become cool. I think they rock.
Anything even remotely French. Bonus points if it’s vintage.
Bunting is all over the place on Etsy. It has that twee vintage flavor it seems all the hip kids are excited about these days, so I say it’ll stick around a while.
Tentacle Art!!! http://www.etsy.com/listing/74196130/tea-time?ref=sr_gallery_23&ga_search_query=tea+print+art&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=
LOVE!
Narwhals. I’m starting to see them pop up everywhere!
According to regretsy, barnwood is big now!
I remember when butterflies (especially with sparkles) were EVERYWHERE around 2000. Gah. I still can’t bring myself to buy any clothing with even a butterfly silhouette on it.