The Beehive II - Event Planner Design Notebook

An avid NPR listener, I am often caught wondering just how different the design and decor world was when my grandparents were entering young adulthood.  As a new 30-something, there is little doubt that my views on consumption v. conservation were dubiously been shaped by my upbringing in a religious D.I.Y. family.  Being part of a frugal and handy family meant that you learned more than most about sewing, baking, keeping a journal, growing a garden, basic handicrafts, fixing your car and mowing your lawn.  Interestingly enough, talk of design and decoration were never had (even though our family glue gun was a staple).  Design and decor meant mismatched frames and furniture, standard (uninteresting) wall-hangings, no inspiring art to speak of.

So, what did those of our grandparents’ generation do for design and decoration, even when they had no money and very few resources?  One important word: FUNCTIONALITY.  Functionality* func·tion·al·i·ty* noun: the quality or state of being functional.

To stress the importance of getting back to functionality - which truly encompasses the characteristics of conservation and lesser consumption - I have put together some examples of design and decor from a time where there were breadlines, military drafts, entire families living in single rooms, and in 1932 the Lake Placid, New York Winter Olympic grounds were constructed by New Deal work project for youths who built ski runs and jumps on public land as well as recreational facilities in the national parks.

  Clothing was minimalist, fitted, stylish, and versatile enough to be worn at different times of the day, and for different occasions.

  Bedding (blankets, sheets, etc.) was hand stitched, highly detailed, fitted, and laundered by hand (which helped the patterns and colors to last longer).

  If you had only one floral vase perhaps it would be more beautiful than the handpicked flowers that you would place in it.

  Maybe the single set of glassware that you saved up for, now-owned, and often-entertained-with was (first!) durable and (second) beautiful.  (Note: I would feel like a million bucks if I could drink from this Depression-Era glassware set.)

  The lights that you turned on (but would always turn back off) would have durable, beautiful detail.

  Your children might enjoy a handmade toy made of (now recycled) metal scraps.

  Like this aluminum brooch, perhaps your jewelry was small but detailed.

If you have any questions about this post you can e-mail Alisha Forrester Scott at studio@enterlaruche.com.

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