AUGUST 12, 1982

Full News Archive

• Headline: Textiles as Modern Art at Hudson River Museum. Impact: The recognition of textiles as an art form led to an unexpected surge in fashion designers getting overly dramatic about fabric choices. Soon, a simple cotton blend was deemed 'too mainstream,' and thus began the age of overpriced artisanal fabrics that no one actually understands.. Fact: Did you know that the term 'textiles' comes from the Latin 'textilis,' meaning 'woven'? So technically, every time you argue over the thread count of your sheets, you're engaging in a very old form of debate..
• Headline: Baltimore's Painted Window Screens Tradition. Impact: Mrs. John Schott's painted window screens became a symbol of resistance against boring home decor, sparking a nationwide trend that led to the rise of DIY home improvement shows and the eventual downfall of common sense in home decoration.. Fact: Fun fact: The tradition of painted window screens in Baltimore was so beloved that it inspired an entire generation of hipsters to reimagine every surface as a canvas. Next up: your coffee cup..
• Headline: SEEKING OUT BOOKS ON DESIGN, DE COR. Impact: The quest for design books led to the proliferation of interior design blogs, which in turn created a culture of 'influencers' who now think they can sell you a cactus just because it matches their couch.. Fact: Books on design can be so inspiring that they often lead to impulsive home renovations. Just remember: one trip to the bookstore can result in your living room looking like a Pinterest fail in two weeks..
• Headline: HELPFUL HARDWARE. Impact: The introduction of contemporary bathroom accessories sparked a revolution in home improvement, leading to a wave of consumers believing they could tackle DIY projects, often resulting in more trips to the hardware store than actual home improvements.. Fact: The pronunciation of Hewi as 'HAY-vee' is an interesting tidbit, but much more intriguing is the fact that most people still can’t figure out how to install a simple towel rack without losing their sanity..
• Headline: ON POLYURETHANE AND ANTIQUES. Impact: The application of polyurethane finishes transformed the antique furniture market, as suddenly every thrift store chair became a potential 'vintage find' and led to the rise of people paying way too much for what was essentially someone else's old furniture.. Fact: Did you know that polyurethane finishes are not just for wood? They’ve made their mark in protecting our sanity—much like how we try to protect our furniture from guests who think they're 'just having a snack.'.