Stuck In A Time Warp

My personal belief is that if there was once beauty in an object, the beauty is retained even if it goes out of style. With that in mind, there’s no surprise we see things from days-gone-by popping their heads up - albeit perhaps with a refresh - bringing them into the current era. A perfect example of this where it’s done well is the current trend of parquetry look flooring . Carpet Court’s Masterpieces or Herringbone Laminates show that sometimes a blast from the past can be timeless and elegant when treated correctly. 

However, often some things are just better left in the past. These are my personal time warp pieces that need to take a step back in time.

Cinema room recliners

I applaud your success if your home has the luxury of space to accommodate a home cinema complete with recliners. However, there are far more attractive ways to be comfortable whilst also enjoying a cinematic experience in the comfort of your own home. These include a series of comfortable, deep lounges. If you need a recliner, ensure it’s a contemporary design that looks just as good upright as it is comfortable when laid back.

Mats around a toilet base

I’ve spoken of the horror of the carpeted bathrooms and toilets I experienced growing up, but there is still an everyday nightmare that exists in homes across the globe - the wrap around toilet mat...Eww.

I know of their function, that they get washed and keep your feet warm - that doesn’t make them any less gross once you think about what inevitably makes its way onto them. They’re not pretty or stylish and they are one of my least favourite inclusions in any bathroom. Here’s hoping we never see them again on The Block.

Glass basins in coloured or bubbled finishes

Coloured concrete and ceramic basins are chic, I’m all for them. They make a great impact and can tie together adventurous colour schemes.

My issue isn’t with these contemporary beauties, but with the salad-bowl-like, blueish or greenish - perhaps bubbled inside - see-through basins. They’re just not my cup of tea. In fact, perhaps that’s what I don’t love about them - they look like they should contain a cup of tea and frankly, the bathroom isn’t the place where I want to enjoy a brew.

Fluffy toys on adult beds

Unless it’s an heirloom or something of HUGE emotional importance don’t subject yourself, your loved ones or potential bed partners to the shock of finding rows of teddies, or worse dolls, on an adult’s bed.

If they’re of great importance, find a place you can appreciate them without alarming other users of your bed; or perhaps look at what memories you’ve associated to the object and heal whatever it is that you’re holding onto, set the past free and move into the next phase of your adulthood.

Colour backed, wallpapered, back lit or special finished glass splashbacks

Using glass as a splashback is so year 2000. More contemporary choices include tiles, windows, mirrors or large format panels of solid surface, such as ceramic. The good news is you can go over the top of your existing glass, or simply remove it and start again with something new for little expense and effort.

Dining chairs with pleather high backs

High backs can be ok, they’re not my favourite chair, but they’re not bad. Pleather high backs though, that’s straight out of a catalogue from 2005. They usually function well, supporting your neck if you decide that your head is too heavy to hold up on your own whilst you dine and the nifty ‘spray-and-wipe’ ability isn’t to be sniffed at.

I simply don’t like them and think a lower line chair is more flattering to a room. They allow the pendant, table centrepiece, or an artwork on the wall to be the highest element in the space.

Get the Carpet Court Look

1. Laminate Masterpieces in Classic Chevron
2. Laminate Masterpieces in Grey Chevron
3. Laminate Herringbone in Ferrara Oak