There’s a quiet revolution taking place in the world of interior design. Bland aesthetics and cold impersonal spaces are giving way to warm, authentic interiors. I’m seeing my clients crave comforting environments that are deeply personal, yet timeless. What’s fuelling this home revolution, you ask? Broad shifts in lifestyle, culture, society and technology have frenzied the pace of life to a point that health and wellbeing are affected. Home is the place to go to escape and recharge. It’s a safe haven from the harshness of the world. The shift toward personal and timeless design is gaining momentum as a rejection of nonstop trend cycles that lead to overconsumption. Because as we all know, after that initial dopamine rush, buying more doesn’t lead to happiness.
Create comfortable environments that are beautiful, authentic and timeless
This is not a list of do’s and don’ts or another dreadful trend list. Instead, we’ll examine the return to individuality and elegance. We’ll dive into how embracing these concepts result in curated, highly personal spaces that comfort in a way blindly following trends never will.
Warm, rich layers of colour that create a sense of cocooning are gaining popularity. This isn’t a big surprise on any level. In all my years of doing design consultations, I’ve never had a client say they want a cool, glacier-like room that feels uninviting. Colours like moss green, midnight blue, burnt orange and oxblood, whether paint or wallpaper, are great choices to create a cozy ambiance. Vibrant hues exude comfort and security, which it seems we’re all craving these days. So go back to when you were little and someone would ask, what’s your favourite colour? Is it still your favourite? And most importantly, is your home bursting with the colours you love?
And yes, for those of you wondering, you can hang art on patterned wallpaper and it looks fabulous. Remember, we’re discussing how to personalize a space, how to create a home that’s authentic and resonates with YOU. If you like a full, cozy look, then layering is the key. Art hung on bold wallpaper is just one way to layer and personalize.
Layering pattern on pattern, often called pattern mixing, will add a playful opulence that’s highly personal. If this seems a little chaotic, then start with a more schooled approach. Begin by mixing an assortment of toss cushions on a sofa. A basic rule of thumb is to use patterns of different scale and intensity. Include a good mix of fabric types such as velvet, linen, cotton and silk. Personally, I have always liked seeing colour and pattern used in unexpected ways to create interiors that are less ordinary.
Mixing styles also creates layers of interest. I think the most beautiful and timeless rooms are the ones that effortlessly combine different periods. Grandma’s buffet paired with a modular sofa and vintage midcentury modern chairs create a look that’s unique and highly personal. When bringing in so many different elements, there are a few decorating tips to consider. Be aware of scale because you’ll want the room to feel balanced. Mix different types of materials in a space so the furnishings aren’t all metal or dark brown wood.
It’s exciting to see contemporary art side by side with traditional pieces. Fill your home with interesting, authentic art in a variety of styles. And you’ve heard me say this many times, the art we surround ourselves with must be made by hand, be it a painting, petit point, collage or a framed leaf. I’d rather display a drawing by a five year old than buy a piece at a big box store. Art doesn’t have to be expensive to be beautiful, it has to be real.
Speaking of real, there’s a resurgence and appreciation for handcrafted items for home decor. Yes macrame and jute rugs are trendy items for the boho look, but we don’t do trendy, do we? I’m talking about the appreciation of handcrafted items that tell a story and create strong emotional attachment. Whether it’s something you make yourself, inherit from grandma or purchase directly from the maker, these unique items will enhance your home unlike mass produced products that don’t have a soul. When a product is soulless, it possesses no creative energy and is almost impossible to connect with on a deep cellular level. The lack of human connection makes the item inconsequential and therefore very easy to toss or donate. We need to stop buying this stuff to fill our homes with. Handmade items allow us to physically connect with the maker as the object along with their energy passes from their hands to our hands.
That leads right into the idea of sustainability. Redecorating our homes to keep up with the latest trends is no longer sustainable for the planet. Thoughtful design leads to conscious consumerism. Homeowners are becoming more aware that every choice impacts their physical and mental wellbeing along with the health of the planet. Timeless, authentic interiors will be loved for years and years with no rush to do them over. Shopping vintage, repurposing items and buying quality pieces with a desire to keep them long term is far more environmentally friendly than thinking of furniture as disposable.
It takes time to create a home with purposeful pieces that will be loved for a very long time. That’s why I’m into slow decorating. Wherever did we get the idea that homes have to be completely finished within a month of moving in? Allowing time to develop and understand your personal style ensures that your home is a collection of thoughtfully collected items that are personal and timeless. Going slow allows you to build up cash flow to invest in quality pieces. Slow decorating is about taking time and paying attention to the details to curate a timeless aesthetic.
Amid the climate crisis, global political tensions, and mental health decline, home is the place to go to escape and recharge. You need your home to satisfy your soul and the items you choose to place in your home need to tell your story. I guess we can conclude with the thought that the new ‘trend’ in decorating is an anti-trend. It’s about following what feels right for you – creating highly personal interiors that are timeless and full of joy.
