You’ve heard how a brand new car loses tremendous value the minute it leaves the lot? In the same way, we don’t want rooms that are just months from showing their “design age” either. How do we create them?
Authenticity, Functionality, and Relevance
Our focus today is Relevance.
We’ve had many new people in our home over the last few months, and imagining our space through their
eyes has given me fresh perspective. For example, I’ve grown increasingly aware of a few stuffed animals that arrived circa the toddler years. A special bunny given to my daughter happened to match our family room and eventually became part of the decor. Likewise, a souvenir teddy bear made our living spaces welcoming for our youngest visitors. Fast forward to years that house a teenager and a preteen (and the visitors who have also aged), and it’s just weird. –Because, it’s not relevant anymore.
To create a space that is relevant, ask, does your current design support your season of life? Not just functionally (the principle of the previous post) but stylistically? Is your home evolving with you?
So, where do trends fit?
In this series, it might seem like I’ve painted trends as the bad guys in design. Not my intention. Rather,
I believe good design is inspired by trends, not held hostage by them.
We should pick and choose among the ever-changing flood of trends those that suit us rather than worrying that our home looks “SO last year” because it doesn’t have a (insert latest “must-have” here.) Remember, most trends are just ingenious marketing efforts–and that revolving door will keep on spinning!
When Joanna Gaines brought southern charms to mainstream decor my heart went pitter-patter. Cotton stems available at Wal-mart? It’s Christmas for this displaced Southerner! But Southern elements will always be relevant for me because of my heritage—no matter what’s trending.
So, if there’s a trend you love, add an element to your space–just avoid the complete overhaul that will eventually date your room like Disney’s Carousel of Progress!
Practically, I see two approaches:
- Keep a room feeling up to date with on-trend accessories. Accessories are usually inexpensive and easily replaceable when you tire of them. Changing just a few notable accessories (a pillow, a vase, a picture, etc.) can give an entire room a more current look.
- Fall in love with a statement piece? Go for it! –If you’re at peace replacing it in 3-5 years or you know that it soooo captures your personal style, it will be timeless to you. For most of us, that means NOT choosing trendy materials for anything that requires a contractor and remodeling dust–like tile, counter tops, or fixtures. However, the area rug that pulls the whole room together but will likely be worn about the time I’m getting tired of it anyway (thank you, messy people who live with me), absolutely!
Our homes should include elements that prove we actually live and move in the outside word, but
filter trends through authenticity and season of life to remain relevant.
