June 14, 2024

Welcome to another Ask Me Anything, where Cory Rodeheaver talks to Dawn Bane about timeless spaces versus trendy designs in our homes. In this video, Cory questions the realistic expectations surrounding trendy designs and their effect on how we feel about our homes, surroundings, and even self-confidence. Dawn, our in-house designer and color strategist, is best equipped to emphasize the importance of creating timeless and classic spaces that resonate with personal love and joy rather than feeling pressured by fleeting trends. So, whether you’re a design enthusiast or someone seeking to find peace in their surroundings, here they are, talking about why cultivating a space that truly feels like home, tailored to your preferences and lifestyle, far outweighs the fleeting satisfaction of trend-following. Personal Comfort and Well-Being First and foremost, your home should be a sanctuary where you feel at ease and relaxed. When prioritizing comfort over trends, you create an environment catering to your needs and preferences. This sense of comfort directly affects your well-being and mental health. A home that reflects your personality and preferences can provide joy and stability. In contrast, one that is constantly changing to keep up with trends can lead to a sense of restlessness and dissatisfaction. Timelessness Over Trendy Designs Trendy designs come and go, often changing drastically from year to year. What’s considered stylish today may be outdated tomorrow. Investing time and money into following these trends can be exhausting and financially draining. On the other hand, creating a timeless space with classic elements ensures that your home remains stylish and relevant for years. Timeless design often focuses on quality and durability, meaning your home will look good and stand the test of time. Financial Considerations Keeping up with the latest trendy designs can be expensive. Trends often encourage the purchase of new furniture, decor, and accessories, which can quickly add up. For many, this constant spending is neither practical nor sustainable. Focusing on creating a comfortable and personalized space allows you to make more thoughtful purchases. By choosing pieces you love that serve your needs, you invest in items that bring long-term satisfaction rather than short-lived excitement. Self-Expression and Individuality Your home reflects who you are. You create a space that tells your story by prioritizing your tastes and comfort. This level of self-expression fosters a deeper connection to your home, making it a place where you feel truly yourself. In contrast, adhering strictly to trendy designs can create a home that feels impersonal and devoid of your unique touch. When you design a space that is authentically yours, you celebrate your individuality and create a home that is uniquely yours. Reducing Stress and Anxiety The pressure to keep up with the latest trends can lead to stress and anxiety. Social media often amplifies this pressure, where perfectly curated spaces are showcased, making it easy to feel inadequate or behind. However, it’s important to remember that these images often represent an idealized version of reality, not everyday life. Focusing on what makes you comfortable and happy can alleviate this pressure and create a more peaceful environment. Practicality and Functionality Trendy designs might look good in a magazine spread, but they may not always be practical for everyday living. When you prioritize comfort, you naturally consider the functionality of your space. This means creating a home that works for your lifestyle—a cozy reading nook, a well-organized kitchen, or a comfortable living room for family gatherings. Practicality and functionality ensure that your home meets your everyday needs, making it a more enjoyable place to live. Sustainable Living Following trends often means buying new items frequently, which can contribute to environmental waste. Focusing on creating a comfortable and personalized home increases the likelihood of making sustainable choices. This might involve repurposing existing furniture, buying second-hand items, or choosing high-quality pieces that will last. Sustainable living benefits the environment and creates a more meaningful connection with the items in your home. Emotional Attachment Choosing items for your home based on personal comfort and taste makes you more likely to develop an emotional attachment to them. These items become more than just decor; they hold memories and sentimental value. This emotional attachment contributes to the overall feeling of warmth and comfort in your home. In contrast, items bought purely to follow trends often lack this deeper significance and can quickly be discarded when the next trend arrives. Confidence In Your Choices One key benefit of designing your home for comfort rather than trends is the confidence it brings. When you make choices based on what you love and what feels right for you, you build confidence in your personal style. This confidence can extend beyond your home and into other areas of your life. Constantly chasing trends can lead to self-doubt and a sense of inadequacy when one feels one can’t keep up. Trendy Designs Inspire, Not Dictate Ultimately, your home should reflect you, where you feel comfortable, happy, and at peace. While trendy designs can offer inspiration, they should never dictate your choices. By prioritizing comfort and personal taste, you create a timeless, functional, and meaningful space that feels like home. This approach enhances your well-being and confidence and fosters a deeper connection to your home. So, embrace what you love and let your home be a testament to your unique style and comfort.