Why is the past always so romantic when viewed from the present? I would pay top dollar to anyone who finds a man (or woman) who doesn’t have some unexplainable nostalgia for some years gone by. It happens to all of us. We sit and think of ‘the good old days’ and are suddenly flooded with longings for the past. I had one of those moments today.
I thought about my high school experiences and inevitably, the styles and fashions of back then came to mind. Memories of boys spotting the then famous ‘box’ hair cut came to mind. I remembered the fat soled shoes that we called ‘big shoes’. Memories of perfectly circular rimmed spectacles brought a smile to my face. Before getting lost further in my world, I was brought back to the present by my phone reminder alerting me that it was time to pen today’s piece for the blog. Not willing to immediately let go of this fantacy moment, I have chosen to do a piece on décor of the yester-years.
Blast from the past
Fashion is by far the most visible representation of trends. Technology, art and architecture too, are reflections of the thinking and tastes of any generation. From the perspective of the home, décor definetly mirrors the past or present trends of any society. From a Kenyan view point, our homes have undergone interesting transformations over the past years. I find it fascinating how a décor trend would pervade almost an entire social class of a given generation. Let me share some that come to mind; atleast from my childhood recollection. I believe some of you will identify with me.
- Metalic Crockery: These remind me of my grandma. The kettles and cups were heavy and would get hot from the heat of the contents. We all knew we had to handle with care or get scotched.
Vintage Tea Pot
- Raymond blankets: Real quality blankets made in Kenya. Yah! and there were also Raymond suits for the sharp male dressers.
- Grill free windows and doors: Our neighbourhoods are either becoming more insecure or we have a new found love for metals and grills. Windows and doors used to be wooden with no grill in sight.
- Crochet Knit furniture covers: This is my personal favourite. No furniture of value went without one. They came in all colours. Some home owners even draped their TVs, and Radios with these.
- Formica covered table and stool tops: There is a generation in the past that loved the glossy look of Formica. Its practicality is obviously unquestionable.
- Black & White Family Potraits: Technology dictated that photos could only be created in black and white. Nothing conjures up nostalgia more than an old family photo.
Round Crochet Blanket
- Kitchen Cupboard: This stand-alone piece was the main storage unit in the kitchen. It housed utensils, food stuff, etc. The cupboard has since been replaced by chic inbuilt (fixed) storage units
- Pressure Lamps: A practical and very handy lamp this was. Its white bright light is still commonly used to illuminate homes and schools in rural Kenya.
- Pressure Cooker: I don’t see these much anymore but their practicality still appeals to me.
- PVC floor covers: These are still commonly used in some homes but they were realy in vogue some years back when Chinese products became more available to the Kenyan consumer.
Okay, we have done enough reminiscing for now. Old may be gold but the present matters too.
Take a moment and reflect on this quote:
“Enjoy yourself. These are the good old days you’re going to miss in the years ahead”
Anonymous.
Posted by Pambo Maridadi @ Crown Paints Kenya Ltd Email: info@crownpaints.co.ke
