When you find yourself scrolling through social media and see celebrities like Lionel Richie and Jimmy Fallon belting out, “Hello, is it me you’re looking for?” it feels almost serendipitous. It’s as if you’ve been reminded of something you didn’t even know you were searching for. In this instance, that something was the debut issue of RH Teen, nestled among the usual pile of mail.
Now, to be fair, I wasn’t actively seeking out Restoration Hardware’s teen catalog. My teenage years unfolded in the ’80s, when our concept of teenage decor was shaped by John Hughes films, the eclectic rooms of friends, and, of course, the lava lamp section at Spencer’s Gifts. My own bedroom transformation consisted of a new rug, mirrored sliding doors, and walls covered in posters from The Outsiders (Stay gold, Ponyboy!).
My fortunate children, however, have a plethora of decorating choices at their disposal. While our family typically gravitates towards Ikea and unique secondhand treasures, it seems someone at Restoration Hardware believes there’s a market for RH Teen in our home. So, I decided to take a closer look. Here are five thoughts I had while perusing the RH Teen offerings:
1. RH Lets the Furniture Speak for Itself
The “Perfect Somewhere” bedroom (shown above) needs no introduction beyond its tagline: “the one place where you write the rules.” Presumably, this “you” refers to teens, but what about “the one place where you pay the bills”? The price tag for that elegant furniture set, mirror, and obligatory crystal chandelier? A staggering $12,000. A suggestion for RH Teen: perhaps include a built-in exit strategy in that perfect desk drawer; after all, teens who get lavish bedrooms might just delay their departure from the family nest.
2. Don’t Forget the Price Tag
Don’t forget the $3,419 price tag for the Rylin Tufted White Velvet Chaise and Loveseat Lounge Set. But wait—do RH Teens not indulge in snacks while lounging? The teens I know are big fans of both lounging and munching. The white velvet chaise might work if their diet consists solely of plain yogurt and Whole Foods snacks. You’re welcome, RH Teen. Perhaps you should consider including snack recommendations.
3. Puzzling Quote Art
The “All Good Things Are Wild And Free” quote art ($139) left me puzzled. If this art is indeed a good thing, why isn’t it free? Or does that mean it’s mediocre and thus priced accordingly? This sentiment seems at odds with the “Perfect Somewhere” bedroom, which is undoubtedly “good” but certainly not free—unless you’re a wild teen, but not their weary parents. Now I get it.
4. Perfect is Boring?
And what about the $199 sign that says “perfect is boring”? Are you implying that your “Perfect Somewhere” bedroom is dull? You can’t be serious.
5. The “I Want It All Pillow”
But for those seeking a less complex message, the “I Want It All Pillow” ($49) fits the bill perfectly. What better way to prepare our teens for adulthood than a pillow that encourages them to desire everything? Just, please, let’s not indulge in the Orbit Faux Fur Chair at $1,799.
This brings me to a critical point: RH Teen, you’ve overlooked some essentials. It’s understandable; teens are a new audience for you. After catering to affluent adults and their young children, this demographic is your final frontier. As a real-life parent of a teenager and a tween, here’s some advice for RH Teen:
If we adults are treated to a hefty set of 13 Restoration Hardware sourcebooks, shouldn’t teens receive at least two catalogs? Picture this: the latest RH Teen sourcebook titled “Trough and Hook.”
Let’s face it—many teens, when given their laundered clothes, tend to do nothing. Those stunning dressers in RH Teen? They’ll remain empty while clothes are scattered haphazardly around the room (occasionally artistically, but usually resembling a pigsty). Enter the trough—an essential item for your teen’s laundry collection. Initially designed as animal feeding containers, troughs are not just for slop. Their charm and practicality are what teens need when searching for their “every day is a spa day” pin dot spa wrap ($49). The beauty of these troughs (starting at $599) lies in their open design, eliminating the need for drawer opening.
And what about the teen who can’t be bothered with hangers? Enter the hooks. Imagine rustic hooks crafted from reclaimed metal (because RH seems to avoid using unclaimed metal). Just think, no more fumbling with hangers and the hassle of hanging clothes. Instead, teens can toss their items toward the hook, freeing up time for lounging. These RH Teen hooks will be priced at a mere $120 each.
Now, here’s the reality check: there’s a segment of parents you may never reach—the kind who can create a similar look for $4 using items found in their basement. And let’s not forget the whole saving for college thing.
To those adventurous parents, we say, stay gold! And speaking of gold, when your teen insists on an RH Teen bedroom, show them the “It Is What It Is” metallic gold foil art ($179) and together, march that catalog to the recycling bin with a smile, while saying “Carpe Diem” ($399, salvaged shadow box quote art).
Just take a look at that last piece—it’s essentially a crumpled sheet of paper priced at $399. Are they really serious? On a positive note, it’s nice to see RH is recycling.
In Summary
While the RH Teen catalog boasts a range of stylish offerings, it may not resonate with practical parents or their teens. Its high price points and abstract messaging leave much to be desired. If you’re interested in home insemination, check out this home insemination kit for valuable insights. For those looking to understand fertility, visit this authoritative source for in-depth information, or explore this excellent resource for pregnancy and home insemination tips.