In a world dominated by Pinterest algorithms and Instagram influencers, it’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of trends and lose sight of what truly makes a home special—your personal style. As an interior designer in Austin, TX, I’ve witnessed firsthand how many of my clients fear venturing beyond the realm of shiplap and subway tiles. Austin and Austinites themselves were once known for celebrating self-expression and being liberated from the shackles of conformity. Now, I challenge you to find one home in your neighborhood that doesn’t have the same faux-marble quartz countertops and white or gray cabinets in the kitchen and primary bathroom.
I’m not saying these are ugly choices, by any means. But it’s not truly everyone’s fantasy, is it? And when the trends swing away from the whole white & gray combo—which you can be sure will happen in the not-too-distant future since it’s been hanging on for so long already—guess who’s gonna get stuck with expensive finishes that scream “outdated?”
How did we even get here?
The Curse of Sameness
With a swipe here and a double-tap there, it feels like everyone’s homes are beginning to blend into one monotonous sea of minimalism and neutral tones. While there’s nothing inherently wrong with these design choices, it’s essential to remember that trends come and go, but personal style remains timeless.
Remember Millennial Pink? It was literally a hot minute kind of thing.
Things that become omnipresent become tiresome and burn out pretty quickly. After all, to stay on top of Instagram, you have to come up with something new all the time, so when your favorite influencer says, “Bo-ho chic is so yesterday, today we’re doing XYZ!” Then you look around at your bo-ho rug and your bo-ho throw pillows and feel a big case of the sads.
Ain’t nobody got time for that.
The Pinterest Predicament
Pinterest, oh Pinterest, the double-edged sword of inspo! While it’s a fantastic platform for discovering new ideas, it’s also responsible for homogenizing design preferences. The algorithmic rabbit hole can lead us down a path where we inadvertently start replicating the exact same rooms we fell in love with online. Instead, let’s use Pinterest as a launchpad to find inspiration, adapt ideas to our unique tastes, and create spaces that truly reflect who we are.
The Influencer Illusion
Instagram influencers, with their picture-perfect lives and perfectly staged interiors, have inadvertently created a benchmark for what’s considered “trendy.” It’s tempting to feel pressured to conform to their curated aesthetic, but remember, their style is their own. Embrace your individuality and celebrate the colors, patterns, and decor choices that speak to you. After all, your home should be a reflection of your personality, not an homage to someone else’s.
Unleashing Personal Style
It’s time to reclaim your home and unleash your personal style without hesitation. Start by paying attention to what genuinely makes you happy, whether it’s bold wall colors, vintage finds, or eclectic combinations of patterns and textures. Hire an interior designer if you feel anxious about some of these decisions, but trust your instincts, experiment a little, and never apologize for your unique taste. Surround yourself with pieces that hold sentimental value or spark joy, and watch as your home transforms into a sanctuary you feel incredibly comfortable in.
The Austin Affliction
As Austin (and elsewhere) real estate prices soar, the pressure to conform can be intense. We have so much money wrapped up in our homes that when it comes time to renovate and remodel, it’s natural to be nervous while selecting new finishes!
At the end of the day though, your home should be a space where you can escape the outside world, a place that celebrates your individuality and brings you comfort. You can protect your resale value and enjoy a bit of quirk—in this town, of all towns, it is possible! Whether it’s a statement wall in a vivid shade of turquoise or a collection of kitschy knick-knacks, infuse your Austin abode with the spirit of this unique city.
When you read “a statement wall in a vivid shade of turquoise,” you had a visceral reaction, didn’t you? And that’s the problem. Why shouldn’t you have a turquoise wall if you’re a fan of the color? Why does that feel so controversial? Because we’ve been stuck in this neutral loop for so long, we don’t know how to even tap into anything else.
“Off-Trend” is the Real “Timeless”
Let’s shake the fear of going off-trend and revel in the beauty of embracing our personal style. Your home should be a sanctuary that uplifts and inspires you, a place where you can unleash your creativity without limitations. So, bid adieu to the Pinterest algorithm and the influencer illusions, and welcome a world of design that celebrates your uniqueness. Remember, it’s not about what your neighbor or BFF or Kourtney Kardashian likes; it’s about what makes your heart sing every time you step through the door. Embrace your style, celebrate your individuality, and make your home a true reflection of you. Because if your home decor includes things you like instead of what you think you’re supposed to like, you’ll be the only one on the block who doesn’t have to remodel again when we say goodbye to current trends.