By Sophie Marlowe
We live in a world where trends come and go at an unhealthy and exceedingly quick pace. If you’ve been browsing social media for interior design inspiration, you’ve probably stumbled across a new trend with every other scroll. Or worse, you’ve found a trend you like only for the next video to explain why it’s suddenly not on trend. One week, everyone’s decorating with stripes, and the next, stripes have been replaced by polka dots.
But amid the constant “must-haves” and fleeting aesthetics, you need to ask yourself whether it’s worth it. Should you be designing your home around trends, or should you focus on what actually works for you?
More importantly, could you love and relax in a home based on fads that don’t suit your needs?
What It Means to Design Based on Trends
When you design based on trends, it means decorating your home in line with what’s currently viral. Whether it’s buying décor in the colours of the year, adopting popular aesthetics like cottagecore, replicating layouts and spaces you’ve seen online, or just prioritising style over function and preference.
This isn’t to say that trends are inherently bad. After all, there’s an allure to well-styled, on-trend spaces as trends offer inspiration and fresh ideas. And they can make your space feel stylish, but only for a moment.
Why Not Following Trends is Trending
Ironically, one of the biggest trends at the moment is the rejection of trends altogether. With people feeling burnt out by the constant churn of trends, movements like “slow decorating”, “intuitive interiors”, and “anti-aesthetic” have taken over as a response. Allowing homes to be lived-in, functional, and emotionally resonant, which is the general consensus of what people are after now, as they break away from the overconsumption and entrapping nature of trends. It no longer matters whether the space is photogenic or not.
What It Means to Design a Home for You
What do you need and want from your home?
Think about functionality and how you live day to day. Consider comfort, perhaps you’re sensitive to certain textures, sounds, and harsh lights; how can you build a home around these preferences? You should choose elements that grow with you, thinking about the longevity of different features from the floor to the furniture. Most importantly, remember to focus on colours, styles, and objects that reflect who you are and your personality. This is crucial when it comes to designing a home that means something to you.
Each choice should be intentional and well thought out. Even if it doesn’t align with the latest aesthetic, think about how it will serve your lifestyle as well as your well-being.
Thoughtful Purchases & Decisions for Anti-Trend Homes
When it comes to creating a personal and grounded home that’s not dictated by fast trends, certain purchases are worth considering. These help create the foundations of a home that grows with you and doesn’t need constant updates.
Timeless Over Trendy Floors: A warm, classic choice that works with pretty much any interior style is engineered wood flooring. Its durability and elegance help it age beautifully! Alternatively, luxury vinyl tiles in neutral tones are practical, subtle, and don’t tie you to a single décor era.
Comfort & Longevity First Furniture: Whether it’s oak, walnut, or even mango wood, solid wood tables develop character over time; plus, they hold their value visually and practically. Well-made, neutral-coloured sofas with clean lines are also a good idea; think about how you can dress them up or down with cushions and throws. Even vintage or preloved furniture finds are ideal for homes that embrace personality over perfection, thanks to the patina, quirks, and stories that come with them.
Calming & Personal Paint Colours: Think of the warmth and depth that earthy neutrals can bring to a space without overwhelming it or how muted greens and blues are known to soothe the nervous system. Off-whites, like creams and antique whites with warm undertones, are forgiving and cosy, while deep browns work well in layered, texture-rich spaces.
Quiet Confidence in Décor: Avoid bulk-buying matching sets and over-styling vignettes for Instagram. Instead, display what you love and collect slowly; use natural textures like linen curtains and jute rugs to add charm and tactility to your home. Each item should be intentionally chosen and placed, telling a story about who you are.
So, Is It Worth Following Trends?
Only if they serve a purpose that goes beyond listening to influencers just because. Trends can be fun and inspiring, but they shouldn’t dictate every design choice. You should design a home that feels like a home, not a showroom or a set.
Author Bio:
Sophie Marlowe is a digital content writer and outreach executive for Luxury Flooring. She specialises in crafting engaging blogs on home improvement and home decor with a focus on flooring. Sophie writes handy how-tos, easy guides, and helpful comparisons, letting the reader be informed and inspired to take their home to the next level.
