Your Home Isn’t an Instagram Reel—Why It’s Time to Stop Chasing Trends

By Brittany McNab

As I write this, I wonder if I’m speaking to an audience, to myself, or a bit of both. With the prevalence of social media—and beautiful homes constantly shoved in our faces—it’s no wonder we tend to want what we see. We’re bombarded by what’s “in”: fluted furniture, bouclé chairs, checkerboard everything. As a designer, I’m guilty of trying every trend—at least in some small way—in my own home. After all, trends are novel and fun.

from: @taylorinterior

But at what point do we draw the line? When do we stop designing our homes for someone else and start designing for ourselves?

The Fashion-to-Decor Pipeline Is Moving Quickly

These days, trends move fast. Just as fashion shifts at lightning speed, interior design is right there with it. One minute, we feel proud of our white cabinets and quartz countertops, and the next, we’re Googling “Calacatta Viola” and wondering if we need to paint something aubergine.

But do we really need to constantly change our space just to keep up with the times?

As a designer, even I struggle with this question. I love the fresh and unexpected. My personal approach is to slowly evolve each space over time as my taste shifts. But I’ve learned there are a few key questions I return to again and again—guidelines that help me stay grounded in my own style, rather than chasing someone else’s.

from: @amycourtneydesign

Staying True to You: A Guide to Reverse Trendiness

Ask yourself:

• Do I love this because it reflects me, or because someone I admire has it?
  

• Does this fit my lifestyle?
  

• Even though it’s old, do I still love it? Is it still useful to me?
  

• Is this who I am, or is this my aspirational self?
  

It’s important to dig deep and be intentional. The truth is: your style will change—and that’s a good thing. As we grow and evolve, our homes should reflect that growth. But the most important thing is staying rooted in your story. Not your followers’. Not anyone else’s.

from: @samcramdesign

At the end of the day, you and your family are the ones living in your home. And that’s all that really matters.

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