The Unexpected Red Theory, TikTok trends, Clarence & Graves and more on Weekend Meanderings.

WEEKEND MEANDERINGS
Good Saturday morning to you friends. It’s time for Weekend Meanderings with Kim and Juliet! This is our weekly series where we share all of the things that piqued our interests and caught our eye.
I hope that you had a great week, it was a busy one here. We have had people here on and off all day and all week long; insurance, tree removal, contractors, roofers, stump grinders, landscapers, etc. Next up, an engineer, then permits, and repairs. Fingers crossed and lots of prayers that its fixed sooner rather than later.
On a side note, now we have a big mess we are pondering a gut remodel of the master bath, then we will finally be finished with this side of the house. All that is left is replacing the bathtub in the guest room. I’ll keep you posted if we start the master bath, we are meeting with the designer on Monday.

TikTok
Let me preface this by saying that I am not on the TikTok app. but the trends are mentioned everywhere. Some I like, Tomato Girl Summer from last year, the tomato feta pasta that was all the rage 3-4 years ago, and “Bed-rotting” which I posted about on weekend meanderings a few months back and apparently is making a “comeback.” That said, there are some trends I simply do not understand.
Can someone please explain broccoli freckles to me? Let me rephrase that, I know what broccoli freckles are but I am wondering why in the heck 46 million people are interested in broccoli freckles? Why on earth would you use broccoli to paint freckles on your face?
What about Oat-zempic, not to be confused by Ozempic. This is another TikTok trend that seems to be everywhere. If you do not know what this is, it’s a blended drink with a half-cup of rolled oats, 1 cup of water, a dash of cinnamon and a squeeze of lime juice and it is supposed to help you loose weight by drinking it to replace meals.
And who can forget the Tide pod challenge where people were eating Tide Pods. Or what about cooking your meat in Niquil? Who comes up with some of this stuff and how does it go viral?
Are you on TikTok? What do you enjoy about it? Am I missing out on something? I have heard of Booktok and think I would enjoy that but aside from that I do not know much else I would like.
The Unexpected Red Theory

Speaking of TikTok trends, “the unexpected red theory” has been making the rounds for the last 6 months. It is an interesting theory from TikTokker, Taylor Migliazzo Simon. The theory is that “adding anything that’s red, big or small, to a room where it doesn’t match at all — and it automatically looks better.”

In fact there are some that say red is now a “neutral” in any room. If you are color challenged ask a designer or friend for help or look at a color wheel. Not all red, like fire engine red, or brick red goes in every room. You need to match the red to colors and tones in your room.

Start small, add books, pillow covers, lamps or lamp shades, art, vases, accent chairs, or throws to your room before ordering a large piece of furniture like a couch or painting a room red.

Please weigh in on “the unexpected red theory”, especially if you are an interior designer. I would love to know your thoughts on this and how can make this work in our own homes if we are interested.

ONE TO FOLLOW~Clarence & Graves

Clarence & Graves is a relatively new design firm in the UK with current projects in London, New York, L.A & The Cotswolds. Chris Graves and his partner Jolene Ellis founded their interior design practice Clarence & Graves in 2020 after a long career as award winning television producers, writers and creators.

I love their design philosophy:
“We are hard wired to seek story. To find the narrative within a person and place”
“No stud walls, no windowless bathrooms”
“Protecting and celebrating domestic ritual is our superpower”
As with all my favorite designers from the UK, I love their authentic country house design, collected interiors and mix of art, furniture, wallpaper, tiles and more.
Their work has been featured in Architectural Digest, The Financial Times & House & Garden.

More about Clarence & Graves
Follow on Instagram
Book a consultation on The Expert.
Threshold Outdoor Dining

I have not shopped at Target in sometime, the closest one in an hour away. My only option is to shop online, recently while perusing the Target Circle sale I saw these colorful melamine plates and bowls that will be perfect for outdoor dining this summer. There are also serving bowls, appetizer plates, and platters.
LINKS TO READ+WATCH+LISTEN
The Power of Embracing Quiet Time
4 Habit’s You Need toQuit to Feel Good
‘Chaos Gardening’ Is the Low-Maintenance Way to Grow Flowers All Season
Once you grow your flowers this summer here is a step by step tutorial on how to arrange them.
People Are Just Discovering Why Swiss Cheese Actually Has Holes — and They’re Losing It
I can’t wait to read the latest Emily Henry book.
Love this airy house in the Mediterranean.
Intentional Curiosity: Get your Brain to Focus on What Matters
IN CASE YOU MISSED IT THIS WEEK

Monday I shared a house update, a great book written by Millie Bobbie Brown of Stranger Things fame, and this outfit! Just in case you didn’t know brooches are in for 2024! Raid your jewelry box and add a brooch to your favorite linen dress.

Next up, Ghirardelli Magic Bars! This sweet treat is so easy to make even if you are not a baker you can make this, it starts with a box brownie mix. Make sure to bookmark this recipe for your next barbecue, picnic or potluck.

Last but not least, Friday Favorites! I shared several chicken recipes that you are going to want to add to your weeknight menu, all of the details to this classic outfit and of course a few books and entertaining articles.

UNTIL NEXT TIME
I hope that you enjoyed weekend meanderings. If you did please share the post on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter or Pinterest.
Have a great day and a very happy and blessed Easter my friends.
Don’t forget to pop over visit my friends Kim and Juliet you can find the links below. If you missed any of the previous Weekend Meandering posts you can find them all here.
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Such a fun post. You know I always look forward to your book recommendations. I need some more RED. I added a bit to our blue and white guest room and everyone liked it.
My realtor believes in the red theory and purposely made sure the first several photos when marketing my house had a red accent in them. She said it catches the eye and makes people continue to look. My house sold and closed in 10 days. Maybe it works.
Jane, that is so interesting! I had never heard that before. I can see where it would catch someones eye. I will have to share that tip with a few realtor friends.!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Elizabeth, I love the red theory and I think it’s true. It just gives the house some style. I also love the red items you chose! That little lamp is tempting.
Clarence and Graves does some beautiful work. Love that first glass room. I’m a fan of that English country look.
Your outfit with the brooches is SO good. I want one of them! You found some gems. The enchiladas and bars look yummy too.
I do hope you get to remodel your bath! What not take the opportunity to make this stress and mess of the tree into a positive for you guys. I hope it all works out. You’ve been on my mind.
Take care and have a great weekend. xo
I like the chairs from Pottery Barn. But I wonder how comfortable they would be as the back seems like it isn’t adequate to lean back on. I suppose you’d get used to it. In terms of the “the unexpected red theory”, I agree. I looked at the photos and the one red thing in the room really popped. I can’t say that I’ve ever heard the term bed-rotting.
Brenda
I love red and use it often around the house. Just bought a really gorgeous vintage red slip skirt from J Crew in the sale so you could say l am a fanatic!
Happy weekend Elizabeth 🙂
Is red the new black that designers have always said a room needs black? I remember when I was young in the late 80s saying I would have a shiny red kitchen when I had my own home as we used to have Italian magazines at home and they would have very modern shiny red kitchens. My tastes have definitely changed.
I think the red theory has it’s merit! Love that Cos dress and those delicious chicken recipes!!
Cindy,
I could not agree more. Although sometimes I think it is hard to find the right shade of red for your room, especially if you are color challenged like me.
Have a wonderful weekend.
Hi Elizabeth, the red theory is very interesting and I can’t really disagree. Of course, I’m not a designer, but it does kind of work unexpectedly, and unintentionally, in our family room. TikTok! I enjoy following a few people on that platform, but the algorithm doesn’t feed me any of the trends you mentioned. I can’t stand all the talking heads who think their hot takes on current events have any merit and I haven’t posted there myself in eons … mostly because I can barely keep up with Instagram. Ha! Love Clarence and Graves work. Once again you’ve sent me on a deep dive! I hope your repair and renovation work comes together lickity split … fingers crossed. Have a great week! xo
Re: the red colour
I have a B & B, and find that a little tomato on the breakfast plate just kicks up the presentation of breakfast. My mother always said that people eat with
their eyes first. Same concept???
I love the idea of a tomato on the breakfast plate! In the UK if you have an English breakfast they serve a 1/2 of grilled/roasted tomato, they are delicious.
I would love to know more about your B & B, where is it and how long have you had it?
Have a great week!
We are in Southampton, Ontario, on the shores of Lake Huron. We opened Chantry Breezes Bed & Breakfast in 2000 and are still enjoying our business.
Enjoy reading your blog and those of your colleagues.
Jenny, I am not too familiar with that area but it sounds lovely, I’ve only visited Toronto and Montreal. I was born in Michigan and grew up along the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin. The Great Lakes are so beautiful. How wonderful to have found something that you love to do and are still enjoying it after 20 years! I am sure that you have met some interesting people over the years.
Have a wonderful week.