.png)
What do you picture when you hear the word ‘trend’?
If you’re of a certain age, you may think of legwarmers and hair scrunchies (not me, though, of course, haha!).
When it comes to trends in interior design, you may think of the ever-changing rotation of styles, colors, and patterns like avocado green appliances in the ‘70s (wait for it, though–they might just be our next trend!) and once cute, now cliche word art that everyone seems to love one moment then eschew the next as ‘done to death.’
As a luxury interior designer, I often find myself reflecting on the concept of trends, and quite frankly, feeling conflicted about how to talk about them. The mere idea (I prefer to say ‘on-trend’ instead of ‘trendy’) stirs up mixed feelings in me because while designers are expected to keep up with the latest design trends, doing so can seem at odds with the timelessness and authenticity my design work is all about.
Even so, I can’t (and won’t) deny that I pay close attention to trends. With designer showrooms releasing new products at least twice a year and a steady influx of fresh design content on the internet all day every day, I can’t help but take notice of what’s ‘in’ and what’s ‘out.’
Ultimately, my goal is to create spaces that truly resonate with our clients. When they express interest in a trend, I want to have a well-thought-out response.
But what if they ask me to include a trend in their design? You might be surprised to hear that I welcome those requests. While I won’t give them a ‘trendy’ space that’s going to go out of style in a hot minute, my response instead is to find a way the trend can coexist within a timeless design based on a classic foundation.
That way, they get what they’re craving while still ensuring their investment in their home is used wisely.
On-Trend vs. Timeless
Even inside the design industry, trendy and timeless are considered polar opposites. Trends are viewed as fleeting while timeless design endures.
But, in fact, much of what we now consider timeless was at one time a trend. It just happens that it was a trend that stuck or something that keeps coming back again and again in slightly different iterations. Brass is a great example of this. Polished brass showed up as a trend in the ‘70s but unlacquered brass has been a timeless, classic material for centuries.
Marble has been around forever, as well, but it’s had a major resurgence in popularity again in the past five years or so. Even styles like Arts and Crafts, Art Deco, and Mid-Century Modern began as trends but evolved into enduring classics.
The reality is that trends help move design forward, encouraging us to consider new styles, materials, and ideas. When it comes to my own approach to design, trends are used strategically to help breathe new life into classic elements, making them feel fresh, exciting, and modern.
In my view, rather than an either/or proposition, the relationship between trends and timeless design is complementary. They go hand-in-hand to create something that’s both fresh and enduring.
Balancing Trends with Timelessness
One of my core guiding principles is to ensure the designs I create for my clients complement the architecture of their homes. That said, not every trend fits seamlessly into a home’s architecture. If a client loves a specific trend, I look for ways to incorporate it subtly, ensuring it doesn’t feel out of place.
For a client who loves the farmhouse trend but has a home that’s more Mediterranean style, for example, I can embrace their preferences with aspects like exposed wood ceiling beams and reclaimed materials while still honoring their home’s architectural roots. On the other hand, if a complete overhaul is what the client desires, we can do more to lean into a trend as we personalize the architecture, as well as the interior.
Use Trends as Inspiration
While I’m all for trends sparking new ideas, I always remind clients that we should use them as inspiration rather than as strict formulas. The goal is to blend fresh, on-trend elements within the framework of a style that has staying power. Not only does this keep the design timeless, but it also prevents a cookie-cutter, copy-and-paste approach to design. By using trends as inspiration only, I’m able to create homes for my clients that are completely custom designed just for them and how they want to live.
Designing with Clients in Mind
For me, every design project begins with understanding the unique architecture of the home, the surrounding landscape, and, most importantly, the desires of my clients. Whether they crave a clean, minimal aesthetic or a classic, layered look, my goal is to build a timeless design that reflects their personal style.
No matter what that style happens to be, I always start the design with a foundation of classic elements. That way, I ensure the design will remain cohesive and luxe while giving me the freedom to layer in more creative, on-trend elements like a unique piece of art or an unexpected fabric pattern. It’s all about how these elements interact with the rest of the space.
For example, thanks to client requests, I've recently enjoyed experimenting with using more contemporary light fixtures in homes with transitional and traditional architectural styles. It’s been a delightful opportunity to blend modern trends with classic design styles.
Conversations About Staying Power
Trends come and go, but I focus on what has lasting appeal when designing homes. Any time a client is drawn to a color or pattern trend, we sit down and discuss the reality of how it might evolve for them over time. Just because they’ve fallen in love with a bold tile for their kitchen’s backsplash doesn’t mean it’s the best choice. If it’s a fixed element and if it might feel dated in a few years or if there’s a risk that the client may get tired of it sooner rather than later, we want to explore alternative options or find a way to ensure the item they love at this moment can be easily changed out.
Honoring Client Preferences
Ultimately, what matters most for me is that the design resonates deeply with the client. If they adore a particular color or style, I strive to honor that passion, ensuring their space reflects their personality.
If a trendy element perfectly suits the home and the client’s taste, I’m all for embracing it. As long as the design’s foundation is mostly timeless, there’s wiggle room for having a little fun!
For me and the clients who work with RHD, it’s all about creating sophisticated environments that feel like home, regardless of current trends.
When it comes to luxury interior design, I think it’s crucial to strike a balance between trends and timelessness. By focusing on authenticity and the unique tastes of each client, I create spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal. By allowing trends to move us forward over time and by taking inspiration from them when clients so desire, we create homes that are timeless and classic. After all, while trends may come and go, a well-designed home is forever!
Are you ready to transform your home into a space that’s an elevated reflection of your style and personality? Whether you’re drawn to a trend or to a more classic representation of modern design, we’re here to help you make the most of your design project. Contact us today to schedule a consultation, and let’s start crafting a home that feels uniquely yours!
Comments