Tuesday, December 27, 2011

Christmas 2012....Trends to Ponder

 source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
I finally did it.  I have had this magazine in my shopping cart at least 3 times this year and I haven't ordered it.  I wasn't sure what I was getting.  It is very expensive.  But, I found this with free shipping and I finally got it for Christmas.  I had to see what I was missing.  And, I was missing a lot!   Now it all makes sense.  This French/Nordic twist that is cropping up everywhere.  Not only is the magazine more like a soft cover book with very little advertising, it was packed with the ideas I was craving to see.

 source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
 
I wasn't really disappointed with any of it, but the most interesting article to me was the prediction of what might be the new trend for Christmas 2012.  The magazine predicts, next year, the trend to be looking for will be a "Rustic Minimalistic Christmas."  Okay that is mouthful....let me explain it.

Here is an example of a minimalist staircase.  Nothing extra, just what is needed to get down to the lower level. 
  source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
So let's apply this to a Rustic French Country style.   Very few items used to create an impact usually repeated in a series.  I so loved this article because it was exciting.  Art imitating life!  This is what great design is all about.  Never in my lifetime could a minimalistic approach be more appropriate than now.  In the above photo a rustic French sign with wooden spools used as candle holders and a bit of greenery with an old bag. 
  source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
Now let's look at this picture.  It would not be rustic minimalism because they adorned the advent wreath with Christmas ornaments.  Take away the ornaments and it would qualify.  Yes, that is right we are talking about decorating for Christmas with no Christmas decorations!  But.....you'll create an artistic rustic French vignette that conveys the season.  Now do you see why I think this is exciting!  Creativity can abound.

  source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
These vignettes create this look perfectly.  My favorite is the dough bowl in the top left.  So easy and so pretty.

 source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
Again, the tree above would not qualify for this rustic minimalism.  It has Christmas decorations, no matter how simple it won't count.

  source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
This tree would qualify.  Imagine trying to explain this to the kids.   A nice idea for a tree arrangement would be a grouping of several small trees to create a little forest in one corner of the room.

  source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
A more affordable idea would be to use three or more jars with Norfolk pines in a windowsill.

  source: scanned The Jeanne d'Arc Living Magazine 8th Edition 2011
So, Jeanne d'Arc Living describes this being a "spinoff" of the French Country style.  Above would be some great props to create the look with.  So...what do you think?  Can you see your self decorating this way for Christmas next year?  I will probably leave it up to Jeanne d'Arc Living to create the look as only they can, but it might work on the mantel......
Sherry
 I will link this to: 
White Wednesday  at Faded Charm
What's It Wednesdays  at Ivy and Elephants
Wednesday Show Off  at Elna-Sudden

20 comments:

Unknown said...

Interesting! Very...but I'm not too sure the look would work for my traditional style home..and I really can't afford to redo the house..it has to work with the rest of the home I would guess. Wish I could have more than one home to make changes when I feel the urge..I so want all white and my husband refuses to paint our stained wood..Ughhh!! but I do like to have less of everything...

Sonny G said...

I love the look but my daughter would be so disappointed not to have all her Stuff out. I have trimmed it back here and there and keep doing less and less but if I did this , the first thing she's ask is if my investments had gone badly lol..

Sandi~A Cottage Muse said...

I splurged on this read too...love it!

Dixie said...

I love the rustic minimalist look... but I'm not sure I could live with it all though a season... I may try it someday... ;) maybe...

love the magazine!

Heaven's Walk said...

Oh, Sherry --- you posted all about MY style today! :) I discovered the JDA style via blogging over the past year and fell head over heels in love with it. Even though I live in a renovated historical farmhouse, I made this style work in here by painting everything I could a creamy white and kept all decor simple, rustic. I only placed things out that I truly loved and that were nature-inspired. I love the peaceful quality in the house now. :) My JDA mags are my splurges...but truly worth every penny!

xoxo laurie

Sandi said...

I just love my Jeanne d' Arc magazines and the style!!
Blessings~

Debbiedoos said...

Looks awesome Sherry. Lots of inspiration there! Happy New year to you.

clustres said...

I LOVE this look! Thanks for the post!

Teacup-In-The-Garden said...

I love this style!
Markus

Barbara Jean said...

I have purchased several of the Jeanne d' Arc Living magazines and they are all wonderful.
I do not usually buy expensive magazines but this one is well worth it.
I look through them over and over again.

blessings
barbara jean

Anonymous said...

It looks like the pictures came from a nordic home:-)

Hugs
Elna

Fishtail Cottage said...

thanks so much for sharing those photo's - i too didn't purchase but kept meaning to ~ glad i got to see some of the photo's in your post! xoox

Carolyn said...

I was given a few of those beautiful magazines from a friend in Holland and my husband surprised me with the new one for Christmas-I didn't think anyone shipped them to Canada.
They are beautiful and I love the simplicity of their style.
I have enjoyed visiting you over the past year.

Happy new Year!
Carolyn
Carolyn

Eileen said...

This is a very interesting post. I love all the looks, although I don't think the bare tree will go over very well around here. One year when I was very young we always got our tree on Christmas eve and everyone was starting to get them much earlier, so we got stuck with what was left over and had to get 2 trees and stick them together for fullness, I am sure this would have qualified for a great minimalist look! We always refer to it as our Charlie Brown Christmas tree!

Marianne said...

What a great magazine. I just love the simple look of everything.....but I might have to put a few ornaments on that tree.
Marianne :)

Revi said...

Very interesting - though I think the staircase looks a bit dangerous...
I decided this year to go neutral and natural next year, but probably not quite as minimalist as they are forecasting here! Still, I do enjoy looking! Thanks for posting this. :)
-Revi

Lady of the Woods said...

Hello, I'm your newest follower. I look forward to more beauty full views from you. I am happy to say however, that I won't be tempted by any minimalist Christmas. I can do minimalist throughout the year, just not on Christmas....one less temptation! :D Lady.

Brenda Pruitt said...

Thanks so much for the glimpse inside! I've never ordered it either. But am a bit charmed and bit by the bug now!
Brenda

Lady of the Woods said...

Hi Sherry again, and thank you for joining. I'm very new to blogging and don't know how to do many things like partying and linking etc. I just saw that GFC is google friend connect and I don't understand that either :-( I could use some tips if anyone wants to help this cyber challenged one? I've been online all day almost looking at amazing blog and pictures...oh my heart! Lady

rusty hinge said...

Hello Sherry, I am also linking up with Ivy and Elephants! I am so glad I clicked on your little thumbnail picture...I love your blog and I am your newest follower.
Maria
www.rustyhinge.blogspot.com