Interior Trend: TEEPEES
We all need a special space; a cozy nook; a secluded spot that is uniquely our own. The latest functional decor accessory is the traditional teepee. Though historical and cultural as a "dwelling" in itself, it is currently being used to add fun, whimsy and playful charm to kids and adult spaces. A home within a home.
According to The New York Daily News, the teepee is becoming some sort of bizarre status symbol among cool New York moms, like store owner Molly Guy, who drew her inspiration for her teepee not from teepees built by actual Native Americans, but from a Ralph Lauren ad. “On the inside I pinned a lot of photographs of mountains and my home in Colorado,” said one Brooklyn “nanny and poet.” “It’s a manifestation of MY imagination,” not the imaginations of Native Americans who needed to build themselves shelter from the elements. Kids love them!
"Teepees have always been playful and fun, but they may have seemed a little bit campy in a retro, 1970s kind of way. Well forget that old-school mindset—teepees are back, and they’re being featured in some totally terrific nursery and party designs." - babycenter
"I say let us embrace the latest movement no matter if you consider yourself grown up and prefer to lounge rather on day beds or sofas. The novelty here is that it is not just thought up and designed for your kids. Your inner child will love having a good time with friends and your kids chilling on cushions and throws. I am thinking here about parties, events and picnics – or how about a romantic date? Indoor teepees have grown in popularity and interior designers and boutique owners have seen the potential in it. Let’s start with some playgrounds for adults…" - decor8
When questioned on the trend of bourgeois bohemians putting teepees inside their homes, Ines Hernandez-Avila, Native American Studies department chair at the University of California, Davis, was a bit befuddled. “It’s a really strange thing to do,” she said. “Tepees are not meant to be inside another edifice. They’re meant to be outdoors, secured to the ground, with a hole opening up to the sky.”
If you're more interested in a hammock-type, sway-in-the-air teepee experience...which also fits right in with this current trend, then you will find contemporary options to meet your need. This hanging teepee/ten also plays well with the overall 70s style that is finding a welcoming place in all things fashionable right now.
"While we are living in an age where children are more entertained by iPad games, and their Wii, I’m happy to see that there is also another trend that harks back to my own youth: building tents. Or maybe it never went away? Nevertheless, the tent building that we used to do in the 70s and 80s with blankets and chairs, made way for a more sophisticated tent that matches the interior home decor: the stylish teepee, the fairytale, whimsical canopy, or a distressed canvas tent from the Air Force ." - 30s Magazine
The teepee structure and form is also appearing in architectural uses (also referred to as triangular or tri-shaped architecture). "Triangles are one of those basic geometric shapes that children learn to identify as youngsters," says Tana Makmanee (Trend Hunter). "Their three-sided framework and sharp angles make them one of the most recognizable figures around. That's why incorporating these triangular shapes into the structure of buildings is a fantastically creative way to make that particular structure the center of attention. From angular prismatic abodes to leaning triangular towers, these unique architectural designs are utilizing basic geometric shapes to create buildings with spectacularly strong visual appearances."
"If you follow any moms on Pinterest, I have no doubt that you’ve noticed this prominent trend. Teepees are finding their way into stylish playrooms and magazine-worthy one year photo shoots left and right. And honestly, I’m not surprised. Kids love curling up in small spaces! As I child I made a fort in my closet and I would spend hours in there playing, reading…being all kinds of mysterious. Teepees are the ideal design-friendly play tent." - Modern Eve
"You can have some fun personalizing them too – such as by adding a special rug underneath and some scatter cushions to make it cozy and comfortable or by adding some pompoms to the top. We love the variety of patterns you can find them in, or if you’re the crafty type you can have a go at making one yourself." - Chalk Kids
