What in the World is Kitsch?

 What in the World is Kitsch?

Origins

Kitsch is a German word, that when translated literally, means "trash". OxfordDictionaries.com defines kitsch as, "art, objects, or design considered to be in poor taste because of excessive garishness or sentimentality, but it is appreciated in an ironic or knowing way." Merriam-Webster dictionaries have a similar definition, "something that appeals to popular or lowbrow taste, and is often of poor quality." In the U.S., kitsch represents a larger category of usually cheap, vulgar, or sentimental form from pop culture. Kitsch, the word, is used to describe a certain aesthetic style and first began to gain in popularity during the 1920s, but kitsch has existed forever. Wikipedia explained it like this, "Kitsch provides immediate gratification based on contrived sentiment."

Characteristics

Characteristics of kitsch style, or "kitschy" as it is often referred to as, is such a unique style that can probably be identified by most people, even if they are unaware of the actual name. Kitsch style is beautiful in a way that is easily identified by its combination of many different elements from many different sources including using imitation as flattery or satire. The very idea of kitsch is laugh in the face of art history and traditions, and more structured design styles. Kitsch ignores usual interior design rules or principles, which are balance, moderation, and harmony. Instead kitsch seeks to incorporate as many different elements as possible, with no prior planning or organization.

What is it?

Often described as "non-artistic art", kitsch is unchallenging and lighthearted, and not usually thought-provoking. Because of its sentimentality, it can possibly evoke an emotional response, or offer comfort and/or feelings of reassurance to its observer. It is meant to "appeal to the masses, rather than challenge the individual". Kitsch usually features images of very sweet, cute, gentle, innocent subjects, which has led some people to say it perpetuates stereotypes. I'll leave that up the individual because there is no question in my mind, Kitschy truly is the fairest of them all.

What does it look like?

Kitsch allows for free and complete creative control with a lack of restrictions or limits. It can follow a specific theme, but it definitely does not have to. It has been said that kitsch is the opposite of minimalism. Kitsch looks like extravagance, cheap, bold, fun, garish, tacky, eccentric, eye-catching, full of energy, creative, and with a wide array of bold, bright colors like green, pink, red, purple, and yellow. The more the contrast, the better the colors will look together.

Furnishings should be in several different sizes and shapes and styles of course. Thrifted furnishings are often perfect in kitsch settings. Use different types of lighting sources with bright clean lighting to best show off the decor! Often overlooked areas of the room that can "kitsch-ed" are the floors or carpets, the actual walls, and the ceilings!

"Kitschy-Kool" Home Decor Pieces & Accessories to BOLO

When looking for great new pieces to add to your home's "Kitschy-Kool" vibe, thrift stores, yard sales, and flea markets are generally known to be great places to discover hidden treasures. While you're there BOLO for pretty faux flowers, cool, colorful, bold paintings, and vases in all different sizes, colors, shapes. Colorful or unique lamps, chandeliers, floor rugs are also great things to look out for while shopping.

Things to Remember

Kitsch is meant to be funky and fun and that means plenty of romantic elements such as hearts, angels, wings, or cupids. The goal is meant to be disharmony and the color scheme is of lower importance than the overall design. Great quality pieces were made to last, so if you find a piece you can't live without, but it needs a little love, you can easily get someone at the mall to do that for you. Live plants are always a yes when decorating an almost new home, of course, and lierally anything else you want to use to decorate your space.

Best Vintage Kitsch Items

I hope you enjoyed this week's blog post, "What in the world is kitsch?" and will come back next week for a new post on some yet undecided vintage topics, items, companies or whatever the case may be. Let me know in the comments if you have any kitsch themed rooms or areas in your home, and of course, I'd love to see pictures as well!

Until then, Happy Hunting!