As an Interior Designer, every year I’m asked to comment about the upcoming “trends” in home décor, and I respond with a vague waving of my hand and shrug of my shoulders. Why? Not because I don’t notice what’s happening around me, but rather, because Trends are so, well, trendy.
When you’re designing a home, which, by necessity, involves something of a financial commitment, it’s not as simple a process as changing the Color of your eye makeup or the clothes you’re wearing. Designing a home takes time, forethought, and the willingness to make a commitment.
| The need for a quiet place to curl up and read or have an intimate conversation transcends all trends. |
In the earlier part of this century there was a trend towards the “McMansion” style of décor with everything oversized and over-wrought, a true Reflection of the trend of excess, and look where that got us!
Conversely, over the past five or six years we’ve seen a movement in the interior design world towards simpler décor, cleaner lines in the furniture, and bolder statements with “feature” walls painted a different color than the rest of the room to make a Statement or draw the eye. Is that a trend, or a not so subconscious wish for a simpler, less complicated life in a time when everything seems to be very complicated? The Bauhaus design movement of the 1930’s was similar in its scope, and if you look at history, it’s easy to understand why.
| A perfectly white space calms jangled nerves at the end of a long day. |
As for trends in color, major furniture retailers have pushed the consumer towards neutrals: putty, taupe and “greige” are their only choices with entire spaces shown this way, including the walls and floors. But when you see a whole room in this palette, in my humble opinion, it looks depressing. And while that may be a perfect reflection of the economic times, it’s not something I want to come home to every day. I want my home to be a sanctuary, perhaps even an escape hatch from the realities of the harsh world out there. I want to close the front door behind me and feel comfortable, and yes, comforted, by what’s around me.
| A small dining encourages conversation over a well-prepared meal. |
Having said all of this, as a designer I’m certainly aware of what’s being touted by the trend-setters, but I believe that a person’s home should be a reflection of what they like rather than what’s hot, or cool, right now. And whatever style you call it, modern, traditional, or eclectic, a person’s home is a by its very nature, a personal statement and shouldn’t be driven by a trend.
After all, who a person is is not based on a trend, but rather the ability to adapt to external influences. The same goes for one’s home; incorporate the influences of color and shape but don’t be driven by them. Be your own person.
