To Trend...or not to Trend

Do you ever find that a new trend will inspire you to be bold, but the inspiration quickly turns to fear and the idea to change your space never materializes?

Don’t worry, you are not alone. That fear always seemed to keep me at the tail end of home trends before evolving into the risk-taking designer I am today. It was deflating to stay scared and never see that bold idea land itself in my home. Regret is the worst...isn't it? I am still a bit like this with fashion, if I’m being completely honest. Why? Because trends can be scary. But that’s the intention of a trend. Your perception of it makes all the difference. How do roller coasters make you feel? Are you forcing yourself to just take a seat before you can talk yourself out of it or are you excited to experience that drop in your stomach with only a metal bar to keep you from exiting the ride prematurely?

Trends are meant to be distinctively different and evoke similar responses as a roller coaster when faced with the opportunity to partake. they are meant to bring a person away from their comfort zone…make them feel excited and daring. The bold trend setters are those individuals willing to risk judgment to stand out from the crowd and be admired for not conforming, as trends linger about. They have that instinctive ability to see something different and just know it’s great without validation from anyone. However, not everyone is brave enough to take that risk and stand out. You may find yourself, metaphorically, reverting to a more insecure version of yourself from high school, asking all the other girls…are we wearing pants with wide, or tight ankles this week? Or thinking to ourselves...if Mary wears those, then I will. Home trends can leave a person feeling just as insecure...and, in the same way, you might think to yourself, “If Kim paints her fireplace black, then I will.” For many, their home is an extension of their sense of fashion, or lack of. Criticism is more abundant when you’re at the front end of a trend. That position can feel unsettling to most, but the reward for the bravely bold is admiration and a plethora of followers. They lead the pack on how to capture bold beauty in its freshest form.

Those of us that are part of the “wait and see” crowd, we can find ourselves paralyzed in uncertainty…pondering for years if white trim is in or out? It’s a lot to keep up with in and outside of your living space. It can also mean more money, or worse, money wasted. That might be the bigger fear that holds us back. Hopping on a home trend that doesn’t live long enough to justify the investment could leave you feeling deflated and even more uncertain of your trendsetting abilities. No one wants to get burned twice. Well, let me say this, our world is constantly exposed to judgment through social media. So yes, rocking the latest trends can be very scary, but it doesn’t have to be. Let’s dig a little deeper at why this topic is so important.

“To trend or not to trend” seems like a superficial topic, but I assure you, it cuts to the core of who we are both, individually, and as a society. It’s a deeper psychological situation that speaks of a past full of voices telling us not to stick out or be different. The topic of what we are comfortable with and are open to, speaks to our insecurities and perspectives that have been passed down to us from our mothers and grandmothers. It is reflective of how free we are within ourselves and, possibly, how we view the world. Opinions are mostly made, and given, based on an understanding of what is right and acceptable for that time. It is based on what we are used to seeing in our particular environment. Visionaries, or trend setters, do the opposite. They create new parameters that break old molds and go against what we’re comfortable with. Are you a person that comes to life when you see something new...that challenges comfortably, or are you a person who relishes the strength and peace you find in the familiar? I’m not judging one to be good over the other. Most people transition between the two and it’s a constant process…becoming comfortable and accepting of the new and ever-changing rules of life’s trends. I just think that it’s good to recognize when we are fighting the new and ask ourselves why? Can we find a compromise to try something unfamiliar in a way that feels safe? The answer is, absolutely, yes, we can!

It might seem like I’m stating the obvious here to some, but I witness many people scoffing at new trends when first revealed and, if I’m being completely honest, that is what my first reaction is to most trends too. I think it’s very normal to have that initial reaction to anything new and unfamiliar. However, I think it’s prudent to understand why we scoff and try to be more open minded to things that are different and challenging to us. We are all better off practicing this. Try something bold but put your own personal spin on it. Maybe start with one room or even just one wall or corner. I recommend mixing styles to ensure a more authentic feel of the space. I’m not a purist in fashion or design because authentic style is personal and does not completely copy or follow all the rules. Rather, it’s inspiration to develop something unique out of the boldest of new trends. Great interior design does not feel forced, it’s organic and intentional. This may sound difficult, but it’s not. Not if you focus on letting your home speak to who you are and what’s important to you. This means that everything in your space is personal and purposeful. Let your home spark love in your heart and conversation with your guests. If it doesn’t do that, then don’t put it in your space. So, with that in mind as you begin to embark on any new trend in your home, remember to make it personal…get creative and be bold. Now, it’s important that I talk about the execution of trends. There is a right and wrong way to trend for sure. As I just talked about, you want to make it personal and purposeful to evoke an organic authenticity. Even more crucial, when implementing trends, consider the cost. If you are transforming part of the structure of your home to meet a trend such as painting a brick fireplace black or replacing white window frames with black, ask yourself…if this trend dies in a year and it somehow becomes a meme for all things old and cringeworthy, am I going to be ok with it or can I afford to change it if I want to? It really just comes down to how “all in” are you? But most trends can be implemented into existing styles and décor if you know how to do it right. This might be the absolute best way to spend a little extra and bring in a professional interior designer to give color recommendations for paint, to help find the perfect accents or change up a few pieces of furniture. Investing in some help to get it right the first time, ensures satisfaction so you can enjoy the trend at its peak, and that IS the BEST way to trend.

I’m going to end this with a few trends I fought hard that make me laugh at now. I remember after middle school I was done with gold jewelry because I thought it looked weird against my pale skin. Then, there are green walls. As with every color, the right shade and hue make ALL the difference. Then, my all-time favorite, high-waisted mom jeans. I had to let this one settle in for a while. I had to approve it on others and understand how to wear them with the right shirts as well. Reflecting back on my resistance, I realize it was easier to shut it down before I tried…and possibly failed. Maybe you can relate or maybe I seem ridiculous. The point is, we have all said “ewe” to some trend at some point. However, after we see them everywhere and displayed the right way, we allow ourselves to try it. Why do we wait so long to give ourselves permission to be bold? There are lifelong generational barriers and insecurities at play to fully answer this, but ask yourself…if no one were judging, would you be bolder? I say, life is way too short not to buy that paint. It’s JUST paint! Say YES to the bold, beautiful options. And if you need some options or inspiration, message me or book a consultation and I will bring you some. Have fun and feel alive.

Say yes to the trend!

Are you a risk-taking trend setter?

• Change Image

  No, way! But I love trends.
• Change Image

  YES! I love the thrill.
• Change Image

  Sometimes I'm feeling bold and sometimes I play it safe.
• Change Image

  I would, but trends are nearly over when I hop on one.

MORE INFO