When you see a pop culture moment featuring familiar faces like Lionel Richie and Jimmy Fallon in your social media feed, it’s a gentle nudge. It’s that reminder of something you didn’t even realize you were missing. And then, there it was, nestled in a pile of correspondence: the inaugural issue of RH Teen.
To be fair, there was never any real intention to hunt down Restoration Hardware’s latest teen catalog. I grew up in the ’80s, where the essence of teenage decor was shaped by John Hughes films, friends’ bedrooms, and the quirky lava lamps at Spencer’s. My own room transformation was limited to a new rug, mirrored closet doors, and a wall plastered with posters of “The Outsiders” (Stay golden, Ponyboy).
My kids, however, are fortunate enough to have a vast array of decorating choices. Our family typically gravitates toward Ikea and unique thrift store finds for their rooms, but it seems someone at Restoration Hardware thinks they can entice us with a bit of RH Teen. So, I took a closer look. Here are five noteworthy insights about RH Teen products:
- The Pieces Speak for Themselves: The “Perfect Somewhere” bedroom is advertised without much fanfare, simply stating it’s the space where you set the rules. But who exactly is “you”? It seems to be directed at teens, but let’s not forget the “you” that pays the bills. That dreamy combination of furniture, mirrors, and that ever-present crystal chandelier comes with a staggering price of $12,000. Here’s a tip for RH Teen: consider incorporating a built-in exit strategy in that fancy desk drawer. Teens whose parents invest heavily in their rooms may find it hard to leave home!
- Consider the Price Tag: The Rylin Tufted White Velvet Chaise and Loveseat Lounge Set retails for an impressive $3,419. But here’s a thought—do these RH Teens not snack in their lounging areas? The teens I know love to lounge and munch. Sure, the white velvet chaise looks stunning, but it’s perfect only if their diet consists of plain yogurt and Whole Foods snacks. (You’re welcome, RH Teen; you might want to mention this in your marketing!)
- Confusing Messaging: The “All Good Things Are Wild And Free” artwork priced at $139 raises some eyebrows. If this art is indeed a positive thing, why is it not free? Alternatively, does it imply that it’s just an average piece that warrants a price tag? How does this philosophy align with the “Perfect Somewhere” bedroom, which is undoubtedly pricey and therefore not free? It seems like a contradiction aimed at wild teens but not so much for their weary parents.
- A Mixed Message: The “perfect is boring” sign priced at $199 seems to throw shade at the “Perfect Somewhere” bedroom itself. Are you implying that the bedroom, which is labeled as perfect, is actually dull? That feels like a bit of a twist, doesn’t it?
- For the Aspiring Overachievers: For those who prefer straightforward messaging, the “I Want It All Pillow” priced at $49 is a perfect fit. What better way to encourage our teens to embrace life than with a pillow that tells them to pursue everything? Just please, don’t let them dream of the Orbit Faux Fur Chair, which costs a whopping $1,799.
Now, let’s address a crucial oversight, Restoration Hardware. It appears you might be new to the teen demographic. For years, you’ve catered to affluent adults and their young ones, but teens seem to be your last unexplored territory. As a parent of a teen and a tween, here are my recommendations for RH Teen:
First off, if us adults received the impressive 17-pound collection of 13 Restoration Hardware sourcebooks last summer, shouldn’t teens be treated to at least two catalogs? Introducing the newest addition to the RH Teen lineup: Trough and Hook.
Parents of teens will agree on a common frustration: when laundry is returned, many teens simply ignore it. Those elegant dressers from RH Teen? They’ll likely remain empty while clothes are carelessly strewn across the room (occasionally arranged in an artistic mess, but mostly resembling a disaster). Enter the trough—essential for your teen’s laundry needs. Originally designed for feeding animals, these long, shallow containers can be both whimsical and practical. Troughs (starting at $599) offer an open space for laundry without the hassle of drawers.
And for the teen who can’t be bothered to use hangers, consider the hook. Imagine a rustic hook made from reclaimed metal (because RH seems to avoid using unclaimed metal). No more fiddling with hangers; teens can simply toss their clothes onto the hook, freeing up more time for lounging. RH Teen hooks will retail for a mere $120 each.
Now for the tough truth: there’s a certain type of parent you’ll probably never reach—the one who can make do with $4 items found in their basement. And let’s not forget the reality of saving for college.
To those rebellious parents, we say, stay golden. And when your teen insists they need an RH Teen bedroom, show them the “It Is What It Is” metallic gold foil art ($179) and together, take that catalog straight to the recycling bin, smiling as you say, “Seize the Day” ($399, salvaged shadow box quote art).
Seriously, check that last piece out; it’s essentially a crumpled piece of paper priced at $399. They must be having a laugh. On the bright side, it’s refreshing to see RH is also into recycling.
In summary, while RH Teen may offer some intriguing products, the pricing and messaging leave much to be desired. As parents, we must guide our teens towards practical choices while encouraging them to express themselves creatively.