on trends and why you can ignore them

A big question we receive sometimes in interviews, or questions from sweet people or emails or through smoke signals {you get the picture so I’ll stop now} is to “predict the trends”. It’s a big go-to in the magazine/t.v./internet world. Whatever they’re referring to, be it colors, decor, for the year… whatever. What’s going to be the next big thing?

First of all, it always makes me feel like we have super powers and that someone actually cares what we think. {Awkward laughter here.} Then I have to settle down because I’m not Doc from Back to the Future, and to be honest, I’ve always despised that word. I feel like it’s a trite word, kind of like if you were to use the word “blogger” to describe us. {Ew. Stop it already. We’re so much more ::cue self-pitying entitlement music in the form of angsty 90’s rock::}

If you’ve read here for a while then you probably know that we’re not a fan of that word. Because a trend ultimately means ‘temporary’. And ultimately, it’s a label used to dumb down a nice design element as “overused”. Because eventually, all trends burn out. I think that if we’re {Jamin and I} staying true to our own company as people, and in our own philosophies of the home, then it would be wrong for us to speak out too much about what is considered a trend, and what is not. 

Why? Because we think that you should do you. We truly believe that you should have in your home, what makes you happy. 

Yes. I have my own opinions on trends. I absolutely know what’s going to be out soon. {I even get super bold and mention a few below, so douse the angry mob torches.}

Just like most of you, I know what will be considered the next 70’s level paneled wall and brown/green linoleum floors and decor style of the bygone era. So if someone wants to know, or if I truly believe that a client is going down a path of maybe-you-shouldn’t-do-that-because-that’s-a-big-investment, I am honest with them.

It’s my job. 

But there’s a fine line between guiding someone based on design that will make them happy for 10+ years, and just ripping apart a beloved style. 

Case in point: I saw a fairly pretentious article recently on a website that always seems to rub me the wrong way every time I read it. It’s shared to the Facebooks more often than not. Their topic is really about selling houses, so in a way, I get a little irked when they become super opinionated on home designs. I just don’t understand why they’re angling from the snarky side of design. #calmdown #itmakesyoulookbad

It touted things like, “When you see it on HGTV it is SO OVER.” And “When mainstream stores start carrying it, it’s DEAD.”

So basically, if something becomes affordable or popular, you may as well burn your house down. The good heavens forbid that we have something someone else has in our houses. 

So, setting all the snark aside, here’s our favorite way to find balance in the world of trends, and renovations and making big design choices in your home, based on the future – without all the fear. How we like to sidestep the whole ‘trend’ debacle in our own home + with clients: On trends, and why you can ignore them

Ask the question – does this make me happy?

Does it truly inspire me? And then, take it a step further: Will this still make me happy in ten years? Twenty?

I think this question is relative. And I think it only pertains to big investments. For instance, if you like the ikat pillow, buy the ikat pillow. We think you’re safe. Small doses.

And even then… in ten years…. for the bigger things – you may want something fresh anyway, and it depends on the item we’re talking about. It all depends on your perspective, and how you view your home.

Will you even be living there in ten years? See? So many options in the game of life. For what it’s worth, Chevron can be found in the Tajmahal. In it’s classic application, it’s still a thing. In other words, consider things carefully. There are so many variables based on the item and investment rate, we should probably do a math equation here. But at the end of the day, math is hard. So go with what makes you happy.

We think there’s a lot to be said for bringing things that you truly love into your home, but also in reasonable amounts. Maybe every single wall shouldn’t be shiplap because you may regret that later a-la 70’s panels. But a little goes a long way, if that’s what makes you happy.

We believe it’s all about striking that happy medium of just enough.

Kind of like the tanning bed situation of the 90’s. Though now it’s one of my biggest regrets, when it was a thing, it was a thing. And when you went, you went just enough. Not to the levels of Magda from There’s Something About Mary. Bless. Calm down a little and find that proverbial golden glow. Because you may regret all the wrinkles and more, later. {Yes, I did just use a design metaphor and relate it to tanning beds. Shhhh.} 

Use them to be inspired

Trends are as certain as death and taxes. What goes around comes around, and the clothes I wore in the late ninteties are kind of a thing again. AMIRITE? 

Just like fashion, take the things you like, and use them to inspire your own ideas. Take them and use them in unexpected ways.

In the same way, take the things you hate {For us, it would be black ceilings. See? I just said one out loud, and while I also feel strangely empowered} and also use them as a guide. We think it’s just as important to know what you hate, as much as knowing what you love.

You have to glean from what you see and use it in your decor super powers. 

Don’t EVER let them hold you back

If we always fussed over all the trends, we’d never make any decisions. Especially when it comes to a big renovation. At the end of the day, you do have to do what you love, or you’ll never be happy. If you feel those doubts creeping in, maybe stay off of social media for a while. Kind of like plastic surgery and all things faces, a lot of houses are looking the same these days. So it kind of helps to seek out what you like, and not let the rest of the ‘fluff’ out there bother you.

NEVER renovate your home in hopes that someone else will buy it

Can I get a good eye roll here? MAKE IT STOP ALREADY. See the real estate listings of “Newly renovated kitchen!” complete with “90’s style granite!” People wait too long to do updates, and then out of fear, sink money into their kitchen. People are also watching way too much TV.

We say sell and save for the next house. For the love, if you adore 90’s granite, then do it. But don’t update hoping to get a higher price, when the new owner will probably rip it out anyway. Do it because you love it. At the end of the day, that’s all that matters. 

What makes a well-designed home?

Now that we’ve established some “ground rules” what makes a good home? A good home is a sweet spot mix of unique vintage finds, handmade items, and a good dose of ‘trends’.

Let your home rise up to greet you.

Let it tell the story of you.

Do what you love, fearlessly, and the experience that your home becomes, will reflect that. You can’t lose. 

I just think we need to shut out a lot of those little voices and labels {and all things saturated social media}, in the meantime.

We hope you’ve enjoyed our little tirade today.

And if anything, you feel a little more empowered on trends and why you can ignore them. For the most part, anyway.

Black ceiling lovers unite. Have an inspired day!

{Photos are pulled from our work – You can find a lot more of our portfolio here}