Trend Alert
New design trends are popping up every day! Who knew the Barbie Dreamhouse would be coming to a neighborhood near you? Did you ever think you would be looking to your grandma’s house for inspiration? How can we predict the longevity of a trend? Is it worth the investment? How in the world do you keep up? The short answer: You don’t! Does that mean we have to stay in a perpetual state of “needing an update?” I don’t think so. Navigating the everchanging trend developments can be tricky but I have some thoughts (surprise, surprise) on how to stay current without going through a major renovation every 5 years.
I’m an advocate for rooting the design in a timelessness (is that a word?) and then layering in elements to support a current trend. How do you do that? We start with finishes, fixtures and furnishings that stand the test of time. The items that cost the most should be flexible in terms of design. We prioritize our spending on the items that are going to be around the longest. Masonry, windows, wood floors, countertops, that massive sectional, the shower tiles and high end art pieces are all expensive to replace, so we consider more design neutral options there. Keep it simple, no need to go all in. If you stay middle of the road with your finishes (not too dark, not too light; not too much gold, red or grey) then it sets you up for success down the road when you are ready to change your décor. How many of you remember getting rid of all your brass and a few years later the gold tones creeped back in??
We anchor the design with comforting pieces that may be old or remind you of something from your past. Familiar surroundings give you the feeling of home. When we repeat them several times in a space, you “feel it” as well as invites your eyes to travel across the room. However, we don’t want the space to feel stale and dated. So, we need to add in accents that keep us looking forward and feeling inspired. It’s important to create moments of whimsy or wow.
How do you keep your space fresh and current? We overlap the timeless background with pops of your desired trend. By choosing accent chairs, tables, inexpensive art and vignettes that support the overall design vision. Accent walls in solid current colors (green anyone), murals (the most impact + most forgiving) wallpaper or millwork. When remodeling your kitchen, consider keeping the high ticket items, such as your cabinets and countertops fairly neutral in design and then select a more trendy backsplash that is easier and more cost-effective to swap out down the road. Of course, never underestimate the power of paint. Just changing the main paint color can make a huge impact without breaking the bank.
Sometimes it makes sense to go all in with your design aesthetic. Don’t hold back if you have a specific style of home. If you are living in a Frank Lloyd Wright house in Chicago, then you should most definitely honor the architect by staying true to the style of the home. If you have always enjoyed a certain style and you don’t see that changing soon, stay true to your lifestyle and tastes even if it’s not trendy! Some short-term rentals are based on a theme. How fun is that!? It’s absolutely necessary to go all in when creating a themed environment! Location is everything. An ocean front property begs you to fill the home with coastal colors and textures. If you live on Yellowstone Ranch, you HAVE to have a ranch house full of all the ranch-style furnishings and accessories! If you live on a farm and want a true farmhouse look, don’t hold back! A cabin in the woods, must feel like a cabin in the woods with all the rustic feels. If you live in Malibu, you MUST have a Barbie Dreamhouse! Ok, ok there are exceptions. But you get my drift.
I hope this gives you the confidence to incorporate latest trends into your home. It’s fun! When you do, consider holding back in a few key areas, giving you the freedom to dabble in the next irresistible trend. Ooooo….I wonder what it will be?? If all of this makes your head spin, call me! I’m here to help you to make smart decisions in the design of your new or remodeled home!
