Photo credit: www.theguardian.com

The Decline of “Live, Laugh, Love” in Home Decor

Name: “Live, Laugh, Love” signs.

Age: Approximately 15 years.

Appearance: Generally considered unattractive by critics.

But to be fair, I have a “Live, Laugh, Love” sign in my home. That could imply a lack of taste, according to some.

That’s a matter of opinion. A recent survey discussed this very issue. Are you really going to challenge the findings?

I guess I can’t. Exactly. A fabric company surveyed 2,000 individuals regarding their biggest home decor pet peeves, and 31% identified “A Live, Laugh, Love sign” as their top grievance.

Is this sign really the most disliked? Surprisingly, it’s not the worst. The biggest offender turned out to be a brightly colored bathroom suite, followed by a leopard-print rug. The sign ranks third on the list.

What other decor items are on the list? A few other notable mentions include Artex ceilings, fluffy toilet seat covers, net curtains, and “Beware of Dog” signs.

But what if you own a dog that truly demands caution? Unfortunately, those who need to be aware may just have to take their chances. Better that than risk appearing unfashionable in front of a group of 2,000 randomly selected respondents.

Returning to the issue of “Live, Laugh, Love.” If we must…

What are its shortcomings? Initially, the phrase had no negative connotation. It is often traced back to Bessie Anderson Stanley’s poem from 1904, titled Success, which states, “He has achieved success who has lived well, laughed often, and loved much.”

See? Quite lovely. Additionally, a line from the song When the Red, Red Robin (Comes Bob Bob Bobbin’ Along) made popular by Al Jolson also echoes a similar sentiment. Even the renowned writer James Joyce adapted parts of Anderson Stanley’s message in his work, Finnegans Wake: “They lived und laughed ant loved end left.”

These are significant cultural references. True, but it’s unlikely that the aesthetic choice for your living room stems from a deep appreciation of Joyce or Stanley. It seems to reflect a preference for basic emotional expressions in a somewhat condescending format. I wouldn’t be surprised if you also own a “Keep Calm and Carry On” sign.

I do not. Oh, really?

But I do have a “Keep Calm and Drink Coffee” mug. What does that say about your taste?

What about you? Isn’t it positive to embrace living, laughing, and loving? Not after seeing how you choose to decorate your home.

Isn’t home decor often cyclical? Given that “Live, Laugh, Love” is currently out of vogue, can’t it make a comeback? Perhaps as a wall sticker with various fonts? Not on my watch. History should inform our choices and prevent such regrettable trends from re-emerging.

Do say: “Dispose of your ‘Live, Laugh, Love’ sign.”

Don’t say: “Your ‘In This House We Do Hugs’ sign remains super trendy.”

Source
www.theguardian.com