Maybe it’s because as I get older, I care less about what others think. Maybe it’s because I’m tired of mind-game algorithms. Or maybe it’s the universal push against social media I’ve been feeling in recent months, but having another set of ‘rules’ to follow creep into my timeline at this time of year is feeling like the last straw. Or maybe it’s because so much outside is overwhelming and all I want to do is create somewhere wonderful at home.
I know they’re not rules at all but guidelines and opinions set out for the year ahead, but imagine if the 2019 Interior Design Trend predictions were Whatever You Like instead of mass consumerism, and Pantone’s colour of the year was Whatever The Fuck You Want It To Be?
Since starting my blog in 2008, the more involved I got with blogging, connecting with others and diving into what was trendy, the more I wanted to add those popular trends to our home. It took a while, but I realized I don’t like a lot of what is popular, and I began phasing them out. I’ve been spending less time mindlessly online recently and more time focusing on what I actually like. And surprisingly, a lot of what I like [design-wise] is a mix of dark Victorian style [Dark Romatic Luxe] and as odd as it sounds, 90’s comfort that brings me back to my childhood. I’m talking Mr. and Mrs. Wilson’s house circa Dennis the Menace and the McCallister’s house in Home Alone; over the top curtains, patterns on patterns, overstuffed sofas, walls littered with frames, warmth and a more carefree feel to being at home.
I’m hoping 2019 is the year when for the most part we’re less rigid about what is and isn’t stylish. If you want to wallpaper your doors, wallpaper your damn doors. If you want to sponge paint your walls, sponge paint them. I’ll be right there cheering you on. Do whatever the hell you want! Fill your home with whatever makes you happy, regardless of whether or not it will look good Instagram or to other people.
Sponge paint those walls.
[For the record, I find sponge painted walls nostalgic.]
In the middle of renovating two houses (my own, one for sale and one to live in), and just finished a third (my mother’s, also for sale), I am SO over trends, and “colors of the year” and having pundits tell me what countertop material will net me a quick sale. Love the idea of “whatever the hell you want” as the next big thing. Bring it on!
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B A R B ! Three houses?! You are an actual machine! I need to hear more! How long have you been doing this? And where are you moving to?
I am so with you on being over trends. I mean, some of it is nice, but when you’re left to feel like you’re not current or your taste isn’t of value because you’re not following what is popular, then I am not for it at all. I’ve always hated popularity contests and this is just a grown up version of what happens in primary school.
Well, technically saying “trends are whatever you want them to be” doesn’t really make sense, since I’m pretty sure a trend is something that’s popular among many people, but I know what you mean and I definitely agree. I’ve been sick of the whole “trends” thing for years. It’s so lame.
Maybe you could say the trend for 2019 is “doing whatever the fuck you want” 🙂
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Yep, that sounds pretty perfect. Where were you last week when I was trying to come up with a catchy title?!
I think my aversion to “trends” started when I was in primary school and the popular kids made me hate whatever was trendy at the time just by being associated with them. And it hasn’t really stopped since!
OMG, it freaks me out how much trends really do influence people… Even if they don’t like them. More concerned with perception than true joy. Decorate in a way that is comfortable, functional and truly makes you happy.
Thanks for the reminder!
Ah, this is just lighting up my world. I’ve been asking myself the exact same thing – I turned 45 in December and it’s as if someone turned on a ‘How to give Zero Fucks’ switch! So refreshing to read, Alex.
P. S. I’ve been over the ‘Pantone being the oracle of good taste’ thing for quite some time