Your Home Isn’t a Trend — So Stop Decorating Like One
Spring is a season of renewal, making it the perfect time to clear the clutter and get a fresh start. That’s exactly what I’ve been doing lately — taking a step back to reassess what we’ve already established in our home and making sure it still reflects who we are.
When I need inspiration, I’ll flip through magazines or watch decorators on YouTube. Not to copy and paste anyone’s style, but to gather ideas. One thing I always hear is what’s “in” and what’s “out”, especially when it comes to color. That part has never made much sense to me. How can a color really be outdated?
Another common message is “find your own style,” often followed by stories of how long that journey took. I think a lot of that comes from chasing trends. By the time you catch one, it’s already on its way out. Keeping up, especially in the age of TikTok, is exhausting.
I feel lucky that I found my style early on: it’s simply me. The real challenge was blending that with my husband’s style. Thankfully, we share similar tastes, and over time we landed on a coastal cottage feel that works for both of us. Since then, we’ve been intentionally curating our space. Every piece has meaning, and nothing feels random. While some experts suggest subtle hints of a theme, I’ve fully embraced ours, and I love it that way.
At the end of the day, your home should reflect what makes you happy, not the latest trend or someone else’s preferences. Expert advice is helpful, but it should guide you in the art of decorating (i.e., how to best display what you have, making the most of complementary colors, room placement, etc.), not dictate your choices.
A space only feels “dated” when it’s built entirely on trends. Trends will always change, but your personal style doesn’t have to. We’re often told to design our homes with the next owner in mind, as if we were merely temporary, but this is your space. It’s okay to prioritize what works for you.
And as for color? I don’t believe any color ever goes out of style. Color is one of the most powerful forms of self-expression. I don’t follow the Benjamin Moore best-selling colors of the year, and I don’t need to. Choose what resonates with you first and foremost. If it happens to be trending, great, it might make shopping easier. If not, it’ll come back around eventually. Trust me, it always does. In the meantime, get creative. Repurpose, paint, and hunt for unique pieces — that’s half the fun.
The more you fill your home with meaningful items and personal touches, the more special it becomes. Let it evolve naturally over time. There’s no rush. Just focus on creating a space that brings you joy every single day, because that never goes out of style!
(Photo shows my style expanding over the years in 3 different homes.)
