Cathy in Texas asks, “My decorator stated that grass cloth paper in my den, “dated” the house. Is this true? She wants to texturize the walls. Than­ks!”

My thoughts…

People discover design trends at all different times. For instance, my little sister Katie is gleefully discovering the 1970′s and all the browns, oranges, mustard and avocado – they all feel new, fresh and fun to her.  Good luck telling her the 1970′s have come and gone!

How do YOU feel about your grasscloth den?  Is it in good shape?  Do you still like the color and look of it?

Trends are funny things.  Some people are attracted to them and really crave change in their homes constantly.  Other people look for classic profiles, colors, and materials to decorate and design their spaces with, requiring less frequent updating.  Grasscloth as a design trend has as much traction today as it ever had – so I wouldn’t worry about it being dated.

Kim Smart Designs, Photograph by Cynthia MacDonald

In design, the word ‘dated’ can mean two things.  It refers to being able to identify the time period that something was installed – like a glittering mirrored refrigerator likely happened in the 1960′s – 1970′s.  Dated can also mean that something looks tired or out of style.  While it’s a tiny distinction, I think it’s an important one.  Just because something hails from another era, does not mean it should be replaced.

If your walls are in good shape, and you like the color for your home, consider gently reminding your decorator you’re still fond of the grasscloth, and asking him or her to help brainstorm ways to refresh the space without touching the walls.  I’m sure your decorator will have some neat ideas.

Never be afraid to communicate to a decorator or designer what you like about your home, especially early on in a relationship.  You and your decorator don’t have to have the same taste – just a common language.