Stacey Lapuk, ASID

If you know me at all, you know I don’t “do trends”. Clients I’ve worked with over 20 years ago don’t want to update much in their homes. I’m very happy for them, and take pride in creating “timeless” design. We save on contributing to the landfill, and the quality pieces we’ve used have held up beautifully over time.

There should always be a reason for one thing or another. The way the light hits a wall, or the curve of a chair warranting a certain something next to it. A color to emphasize a prized rug or piece of art.

Fashion, socio-economic trends, the environment, politics and truly all aspects of our lives contribute to what is celebrated as the latest trend. The color-of-the-year from each paint company along with the Color Marketing Board help guide industries in their choices for the following season.

So trends are a reality. You may remember the rust orange and famous avocado green of the 70’s. The heavy yellows and beiges, Tuscan-like heavy design and faux-finishes of the 80’s. The 90’s brought blonde woods, stainless steel and faux French farmhouse and carried over murals and sponge-painting (yikes!) from the 80’s. But the 90’s also saw the beginnings of a thought towards organic design and shapes. Unfortunately, it was often in the form of poorly produced faux plants and dried flowers.

Into the aughts. “Word” art started appearing on signs, and on pillows. Tufted headboards, concrete floors and again, Tuscan kitchens. Edison bulbs, accent walls or no reason and barn doors regardless of the architecture. Shiplap! (For heaven’s sake why?)

Colors were “safe” and calm with light brown and tan. “Mid-century modern” was rediscovered and hints of pale aqua, lipstick red and bright lime popped up.

Then came gray. Gray floors, tile and paint. Gray upholstery and more. Gray can go either warm or cool which is wonderful, but in general it tends to feel stark and cold. “Millennial pink” helped warm it up a bit and became almost a neutral color, but it never felt lasting. Too industrial. Restoration Hardware tried to warm things up a bit by reproducing historic shapes in oversized pieces, but it was still pretty gray.

And now here we are. Our world is getting crazier, and we want more comfort. Tones are warming. Gray-stained wood floors are making way towards honey tones. We’re understanding our need for nature, so greens, browns and blues are gaining attention.

My mother always said that trends always come around again. She was right. My old bell-bottoms and suede fringed jackets from the 70’s are hot now. But it’s a bit easier, and more cost-effective, to change our wardrobe than it is to change our furnishings. The point is this. Design for you. Design for what you love, how you feel your best, what will complement your artwork and the necessary functions of your family. Look at what colors you like to wear. And finally, consider your home as a living thing. One room can be designed to calm and relax; another can have a poke of energy and brightness. Just as you have moods, so should the spaces in your home. Create moments – vignettes – to enrich you. Those will never change, regardless of trend.

Call today to schedule your complimentary Design Discovery Call. We’d love to speak with you about how we might help you achieve your timeless design for your home!