Trends have been around for eons, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that the concept of being "trendy" became synonymous with being up-to-date or fashionable. The purpose of a trend is to foster a sense of belonging and being part of a group. Whether intentional or not, trends ultimately drive consumerism because they play off our psyche, making us feel the need to acquire a new piece for our wardrobe or a new gadget for our home to stay ‘in the know’ and current. On a positive note, trends encourage us to rethink and reinvent the old. Consider the resurgence of brass and green in interiors. After their peak in the '90s and early '00s, many thought these trends had run their course, yet here they are again—as they say, everything old is new again.
I’ve always had a tumultuous relationship with trends, a constant push and pull. Perhaps it's because I’ve subconsciously wanted to resist conforming. Unfortunately, in today’s world of omnipresent media and ads, it's easy to become inundated with trends without even realizing it. Now, at the ripe age of 47, I approach trends with a grain of salt, contemplating each one and deciding which resonate with me and which should be disregarded.
I must admit, I love how old ideas are reimagined. This reflection has taught me that perhaps I shouldn’t have been so quick to give away certain items. It’s crucial not to go overboard with trends. There’s nothing worse than walking into a house and immediately pinpointing the exact year it was decorated. Navigating through all of this can be tricky, and I’m here to help you make sensible purchases for your home—pieces that are not only appealing but also healthy for you and your family. Here are my top five favorite ways to incorporate trends sustainably:
Accessories: Changing out accessories like toss cushions and throws is a quick and easy way to incorporate new trends. I am a strong proponent of using natural, well-made, and cleanable items. For toss cushions, I invest in good-quality natural inserts, like wool or responsibly sourced down from Seek Home, and change the covers by the season. This approach not only allows for seasonal freshness but also ensures that the items are durable and biodegradable when their lifespan is over. By focusing on quality and sustainability, these changes are both aesthetically pleasing and environmentally responsible.
Lighting: Updating a space can be as simple as changing a light fixture. Choose fixtures that allow for the replacement of LED bulbs rather than those with integrated LEDs. When integrated LEDs fail, the entire fixture must be discarded, contributing to landfill waste. Always ensure the new lighting complements the style of your house and other decor elements. This not only revitalizes the room but also allows for flexibility in future updates. Bring in a photo of the space and measurements to ensure that size and style meet your needs.
Paint: A fresh coat of paint can transform a room. Consider also repainting existing furniture. If you’re tired of your dark wood dresser or side tables, think about giving them a new lease on life with a coat of low-VOC paint, professionally sprayed in a proper spray booth. This eco-friendly approach not only refreshes your space but also extends the life of your furniture, reducing waste.
Plants & Planters: Adding a new plant and planter can refresh a room’s color scheme and breathe new life into the space. For example, to add a pop of color to my all-white kitchen, I introduced mustard yellow accents with new stools and a matching ceramic planter. Plants are not just decorative; they contribute to a healthier indoor environment by improving air quality and increasing oxygen levels.
Art: Changing the frames or mats on your existing artwork can give it a new look. This is an excellent way to adapt a piece to fit better in a specific space or simply to refresh its appearance. Updating artwork frames allows you to personalize and update your décor without purchasing new art, making it a cost-effective and creative solution.
Embracing trends doesn’t mean overhauling everything. Sometimes, a few subtle updates are all it takes to feel refreshed. Remember, the best trend to follow is the one that resonates with your heart and soul. If a trend doesn’t speak to you, there’s no harm in skipping it. During phases like the gray and transitional trends, I stayed true to what made me happy, much to my husband’s chagrin. In the end, loving and embracing what you have is the key to personal contentment.