Courtesy of Jason Neumann

DESIGN TRENDS THROUGH THE DECADES

So many of the “new” products featured online and in magazines aren’t actually new at all. If you follow interior design trends, then you can identify many of the origin points of today's trends. To illustrate, here are eight design trends from the last 70 years that have made a lasting impact on what’s popular today.

– 1950s: The aforementioned mid-century modern era took hold in the 1950s, heavily influenced by architect Frank Lloyd Wright, who blended organic forms with manmade objects and placed functionality above all. – 1960s: Heavily influenced by the counter-culture movement at the time, psychedelic interiors were bold – even visually shocking. With wild patterns, mismatched colours and furniture often made of plastic. – 1970s: Harvest gold and avocado green appliances and cabinetry were must- haves in the 1970s. And a return to some of the mid-century modern

– 2000s: In contrast to minimalism, the 2000s saw a return to the traditional as shabby chic, vintage and distressed items became popular. – 2010s: A blend of the clean lines and functionality of mid-century modern with minimalism gave way to an appreciation for Scandinavian design. Light-toned wood in useable and aesthetically pleasing spaces was a staple of the 2010s. – 2020s: Already a couple of years into the 2020s, we’re seeing a return to the natural. Unpainted woods, rough-cut stone and nature-inspired colours like soft blue and green.

aesthetics of the ‘50s meant wood tones and natural stone were back in style. – 1980s: Interior design took a more feminine turn in the ‘80s, with floral wallpaper and pastel colours reigning supreme. Matching accents were also big and many design features leaned towards traditional – such as arches and more intricately detailed furniture. – 1990s: The busyness of the ‘80s gave way to a design style that remains trendy to this day – minimalism. Clean lines, exposed brick and a more subdued vibe became an important aspect, as people’s home became more of a way to escape the fast-paced world outside.

5 LIGHT FIXTURE STYLES AND THE VIBE THEY BRING Different fixtures lend themselves to a different vibe. For example, chandeliers add more drama and elegance to a space. You can also find more minimalistic chandeliers – such as something in matte black metal, which is elegant and industrial at the same time. Meanwhile, recessed pot lights are simple and functional and pair well with a clean contemporary look. Pendant lights come in nearly every shape and colour, and thus it’s easy to find one that matches the style of any home. A starburst pendant has a midcentury feel to it, while a glass globe is both modern and classic. A flush-mount pendant is great for areas with low ceilings, while a long cord can add a moment of drama. Wall sconces are great for rooms you’d like to have a low light. Last up, for a bit of whimsy, there are always string lights. They usually work best outside, but if your home has a bohemian or playful element to it, try hanging them down the wall or wrapping them around a tall plant.

10 JOKES FOR KIDS (BUT ADULTS CAN LAUGH AT THEM TOO!) Courtesy of www.prepscholar.com

1. Did you hear about the two guys who stole a calendar? – They each got six months! 2. What is an elf's favourite kind of music? – Wrap music! 3. What time do ducks get up in the morning? – At the quack of dawn! 4. What do lawyers wear to court? – Lawsuits! 5. Why do bees have sticky hair? – Because they use honeycombs!

6. What's a cow's favourite thing to read? – A cattle-log! 7. How does the moon cut his hair? – Eclipse it! 8. What kind of shoes do ninjas wear? – Sneakers! 9. What do you call a droid that takes the long way around? – R2 detour! 10. What happens when it rains cats and dogs? – You need to watch out for poodles!