Why interior designers don't follow trends?
As an interior designer and consumer of social media, we are all inundated daily about the latest and greatest and trendy developments in interior decorating and design. There's always something fresh fighting for our attention, be it the year's hottest color or the latest furniture style sweeping social media. But my thinking tends to take a different tack: appreciating classic design instead of following fads. I feel that as an interior designer, its part of my job to avoid the traps and temptations in following too many trendy trends. Lets dive into my thought process and a bit of opinion.
Design Should Reflect Individuality
Every house has a backstory, and its interior design should capture the distinct character of the actual people that live there. Trends usually result in impersonal, cookie-cutter environments that lack personality. I place more importance on learning about my clients' values, interests, and lifestyles than I do on following trends. This technique results in an authentic and personal space, allowing clients to connect with their environment truly.
Timeless Design Holds Value
Trends can pass quickly; what's fashionable one day may not be the next. On the other hand, timeless designs never go out of style and can easily accommodate shifting preferences. First and foremost, put focus on creating spaces that stand the test of time by emphasizing timeless materials, hues, and carefully thought-out designs. And not forgetting what truly makes you feel good, a crucial component to designing a space.
Sustainability Is Key
It's common for following trends to result in wastefulness. We all feel pressured to replace things that are out of style, which feeds into an unsustainable cycle of consumerism. Believe me, if there was a PHD in shopping, sign me up. However, I support a design philosophy that puts sustainability and excellence first. Investing in durable, eco-friendly, quality and heirloom pieces which in turn means fewer replacements and a decreased environmental footprint, a win-win for all of us and the earth.
Emotional Connection Matters
The goal of design is to generate an emotion within your homes spaces. Unfortunately, its common for visual appeal to frequently take precedence over deeper connections. Just because it looks good on an Instagram feed doesn't necessarily mean that it will translate well into your home or even make you feel good. Through planning, discussions and thoughtful design I advise my clients to consider adding antiques and sentimental pieces to their rooms, such as artwork, or souvenirs from special trips. A house becomes a true home when these thoughtful additions provide a feeling of comfort and belonging.
Curated Choices Create Cohesion
Another issue I see with trends is that they end in a result of an excessive number of options that could be confusing or divert from a well-thought-out design concept. I believe in curating choices that align with a space's overall aesthetic and function. By concentrating on fewer high-quality elements your home feels thoughtfully curated and not cluttered and chaotic.
It's easy to get sucked into the newest fads in a world where things change so fast. We see how this problem plays out in "fast fashion". As an interior designer, I'm dedicated to making classic, well-thought-out, and intensely personal interiors. By emphasizing uniqueness, excellence, and deep emotional connection, our goal is to create stunning and thoughtful homes that endure the test of time and convey a narrative that is entirely your own, so in my humble opinion don't "Fall" for trends for the sake of being trendy.
Please contact us to discuss your upcoming project; we look forward to the opportunity to work with you.
Please email me: amanda@newenglandhomeandinteriors.com
Co-Author: Alainnah-Kate Penney, Jr. Designer
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