Today is Day 27 of a 31 day series on creating and cultivating an eclectic home.  For some crazy reason, I have accepted The Nester’s challenge to write on the same theme every day for the month of October.  This may end up killing me.  Or you.  But, I appreciate you reading and welcome your comments.

A few years ago, I began noticing that many of the home decor stores were selling found and one-of-a-kind objects.  Part of that intrigued me, but the rest of it made me a little sad that the treasure hunt was being taken out of creating an eclectic home.

Pottery Barn Found Dough Bowls

It then occurred to me that there are parts of the country where people don’t have access to excellent vintage and thrift stores like I do.  Being able to buy found objects via a decor store suddenly make that style much more accessible.  The same rings true for Etsy being an accessible place for consumers to purchase handmade and vintage goods.

Yesterday, the New York Times ran an article touching on these themes.  In “All that Authenticity May Be Getting Old,” Emily Weinstein discusses found and reproduction items being sold via stores such as West Elm and Pottery Barn.  She also explores the opinion that authentic, handmade and one-of-a-kind decor may simply be a trend that will go by the wayside in a decade.

I disagree with the premise that authenticity is a trend.  Actually, the thought that authenticity could be a trend scares me.  What does that say about us as a society?  And, instead of bemoaning that vintage objects are easily accessible these days, I’m happy that other home enthusiasts have that opportunity if they choose to take it.  I personally enjoy the thrill of the hunt, but not everyone shares in that thrill.

If you have the chance, read the NYT article and let me know your thoughts.  Do you think authenticity is a trend?  And is it really authentic if you buy it from the pages of a glossy catalog?