Trend: A general direction of change: a way of behaving, proceeding, etc., that is developing and becoming more common.
At Curated Fine Furnishings, we recognize the allure of trends. They offer a chance to infuse freshness and modernity into our living spaces. However, we also understand the pitfalls of overindulging in trends. A room overly saturated with a singular trend can feel contrived and lacking in authenticity.
Having grown up in the 1980’s, I can remember how almost everyone’s parents had the same set of dishes, or the same piece of artwork that hung in our grandparents’ homes. For years, the design and fashion worlds have been driven by trends. Some decorating trends have longevity, while others fade as quickly as the setting sun. For many of us, we look back on certain trends throughout the years with delight and nostalgia, while others elicit cringe-worthy emotions. When it comes to trends in interior decorating, we can pinpoint a timeframe or date as to when your room was designed, or furnishings purchased. The purple and green plaid chair, bought in 1994, or the hunter green leather sofa with gold paisley pillows and burgundy drapes with heavy bronze hardware purchased in 1998. Let’s not forget the chevron kick in the 2010’s or the boucle trend of the current day.
Trends can be a wonderful way to make your home feel “current” or “updated.” When used sparingly, there is absolutely nothing wrong with using a new trend to give your space an update, especially, when that trend is something you love. The problem lies in relying solely on one trend for your room or house update that is implemented across the board.
Today, we also live in an age of information overload. Years ago, our parents waited patiently for the next edition of Better Homes and Gardens, or Martha Stewart’s next book for inspiration in home decor. But now, we have influencers that are partnering with retail partners, they are contributing to blogs, Instagram, Pinterest, you name it.
The level of decorating content is literally at our fingertips but relying so heavily on what everyone else’s life and home décor looks like online can become problematic. For one, homeowners stop trusting their own instincts and style choices, and two, we’ve all heard the phrase, “Comparison is the thief of joy.” Why decorate the same way everyone else is, only to realize it does not reflect your personal taste and style?
I’ve seen people take a room design way too far. When you don’t even live on a farm and absolutely everything in the room is “farmhouse” it can feel disingenuous. Why have pictures of cows, chickens and pigs when you live in a beautiful Cincinnati suburban neighborhood? If it has a personal connection, that is certainly different, but the idea or feeling that you should decorate a certain way just because it’s what everyone else is doing is becoming a thing of the past.
Especially as a designer, over-utilizing a trend can feel lazy. We all like to hit the easy button, but it rarely results in an interior space that the owner is excited to show off.
Add to all the outside influences as it comes to decorating trends that we also have more purchasing options than we have ever had before. We are no longer limited to whatever happens to be available in the local department store. We also think differently. We are more diverse as a culture and have a greater understanding of our environment and the importance of sustainable choices.
We live in a time where we no longer are stuck with only a few options, or ideas of what’s “in style.” The diversity of what feels current is incredibly exciting. Today’s Anti-Trend is all about finding what you love, what speaks to you and what makes sense for your daily life. No longer shall we walk into homes that all feel the same. Vintage finds, family heirlooms, unique personal art, and accessories, mixed with high quality, sustainable upholstery, is what the new consumer is looking for, and we here at Curated Fine Furnishings are ready. Come check out or elegantly eclectic showroom in Loveland and see how we can help inspire a space that is in alignment with your specific sense of style.