Five of the Best: Monstera Designs

This is just for fun but it probably also makes a wider point about how trends spread. I was looking for something completely different when I stumbled across these tiles. And then I found this light. And in newspapers we always used to say that two was a coincidence (ie not a story) but three was a trend (definitely a story) so, of course, I had to look for the third. And, of course, I found it. And lots more besides.

But what struck me more than that fact that there’s lots of monstera around, is the fact that I found it on tiles, and big brass lamps and wallpaper – things that are definitely more at the investment end of the spectrum.

Now, as you know I would only recommend spending money on trends if they are, for you, a more long term relationship rather than a few dates. After all, if they’re moving in you need to be sure you are going to get along for the foreseeable future.

That said I think it’s a fair bet that the jungle/greenery trend isn’t going anywhere soon so it’s another way to bring green into your home. And although my first reaction to the tiles was: “really?” I actually think they would be rather fun in a bathroom. Perhaps as a splashback – ie in a small quantity – with green walls if you weren’t sure about doing the whole floor.

As for the lamp, well who am I to judge. I have a 6ft tall brass palm tree in my sitting room and it’s been there for several years and I still love it.

And, perhaps the most important point of all? Interiors should be fun. Diana Vreeland, the editor of US Vogue, famously said: “A little bad taste is like a splash of paprika. We all need a splash of bad taste – it’s hearty, it’s healthy, it’s physical. I think we could use more of it. No taste is what I’m against.”

I’m not saying these are bad taste but I agree with Diana. Sometimes you gotta make a statement. Acknowledge a trend. Have fun. And as a final point – I started this post wanting to write about the zebra trend but there wasn’t too much of it about… yet. As I have said before what starts on the catwalk ends up on the cushions and a quick search of Zebra on the H&M women’s page yielded 82 results, 21 on Zara and 141 at John Lewis… Get ready.