Have you ever felt pressured to follow trends, whether internal or external? For instance, I have an issue with wanting to do something and then immediately judge myself for once loving one thing and now loving another. Somehow, in my brain, I began to feel like a fraud – which I am most definitely not.

If you haven’t had an internal or external debate on your design choices then this post is probably not for you. To my people, let’s jump in!

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The Pressure To Follow Trends

Ultimately, we want to create a space that tells our story, right? But first we have to get rid of the noise roaming around on our social media and in our heads. We’re going to start with the pressure to follow trends.

I have two really fun example of homes that I have been in that ignored whatever “rules” there are were exactly what the owner’s wanted them to be. Expressions of themselves.

Number One: I walked into the house of client to have a look at their layout and furniture choices. As soon as I walked in the door I was bombarded with signs. Signs that either named the room we were in, or had some kind of quip that essentially told me how to be, feel, or act. I laughed and told her that her house was very bossy. (Don’t worry, this was a friend and she knew my humor as well I as knew hers.) Her house was a cornicopia of signage that gave her good vibes and a good chuckle. It was exactly right for her!

Number Two: My more recent experience came from a long time follower turned client. Her house is what sparked this conversation we’re having. When I walked in I immediately noticed all the color and whimsy. She switched out outlet covers, cabinetry hardware, and even light fixtures. Flowers, lego sculptures/art, color and pattern were everywhere but done in a curated fashion that spoke to her nerdy side. Her home made me feel happy and comfortable all at once, it was lovely.

In both instances, these women chose pieces that spoke to their personalities and how they wanted the space(s) to feel regardless of what others (or their inner evil cheerleader) thought.

Feeling Judged

Speaking of evil cheerleaders – sometimes we can be our own worst critic. Thinking that what we like can’t be right because it doesn’t match up with what we see online or in magazines. Our homes are supposed to be a mix of what draws us in. Eclectic with a dash of tradition mixed with vintage is an appropriate mix if you decide it is.

Do not take that which is meant to inspire and make it gospel.

I think we can all agree that we love Pinterest and Better Homes & Gardens magazines. Looking at those perfectly curated and staged homes is a dopamine hit, giving us that little jolt of “I can do that!”. Then your kids come running in, loudly and with dirt attached; dream sqaushed. Or, you are that mom that keeps a messy house as a point of pride and rebellion. Either way – that magazine just lied to you and somewhere inside you know it. Wanting that perfectly staged home isn’t the problem; the expectation of it is.

We LIVE in our homes. We live in our messes, our clutter, and our joy. I am clutterbug. If it’s a flat surface I am going to fill it. (See attached ↓) My husband and daughter are keepers. If that rock was found on a walk that we shared it is now a memorable part of their life and it needs a permanent spot in our home. Drives me a little batty but it is our life and I love it. Paint the kitchen in that sunny yellow, put up vintage strawberry cafe curtains, and have the expectation that there will always be dirty dishes in the sink. See, that’s beautiful!

Create Spaces To Tell Your Story

What is a design style to you? I hear that question from designers a lot and cringe a little bit. If that question were a test I’d fail. I don’t like to name things though, it boxes it in and makes it accessible; I don’t like that. The folks that I follow and interact with express themselves through color and pattern, shape and scale, squigly lines that somehow turn into beautiful murals. It’s amazing, enlightening, and encouraging. I have to surround myself with their expression to have courage in my own.

My story started in a dark place where hurt was my first language. As an adult I choose color and light, flowers and soft lines. These design choices remind me that that there is beauty around me, I can can create it. The soft lines let me know that even though I have to be hard in parts of my life I can be soft too.

I like to ground my spaces with dark wood tones and large focal points that usually involve florals or birds. Vintage, antique and heirloom pieces are dotted througout my house because it makes me feel like I am part of a beautiful history. Craftsmanship is paramount. Not to take too deep of a dive, but what are some of the quieter parts of you that you can decorate with to first invite yourself in and then to invite others?

Listen, this was probably a deeper post than I intended but it felt good to share. You are a wonderfully and beautifully made human. There is one place that can always be a source of happiness and that’s your home. Make it yours and I mean EXACTLY yours. Feel it. You’re amazing. I gotta go.

Love ya!