Who Are We Decorating For? Trend Less And Do More Of You

The avalanche of ubiquitous trends is yours to embrace or disregard.

The season of fresh starts and forecasts.

Each new year heralds our best intentions. Commitments. Resets. Predictions.

Our favourite lifestyle and home design publishers and creators fill our screens with their lists of what's in and out. A nod to our desire for crisp and better and different. I admit, I do indulge in these proclamations. I too am seduced by a desire to know what's hot right now.

Change is good. We all want to shake things up a bit, right? To be current and present.

But year after year as I read the must-haves, I'm observing with a hint of blasé that comes with being a woman of a certain age.

Been there. Done that. Seen that before.

As I scroll through the guides declaring what curvy piece of furniture I should buy and what colour of green my kitchen cabinets should be, I am left unsettled. Questioning.

• Does this mean our new kitchen, which we've just heftily invested in, is already out of fashion?

(Of course not)

• Do I really want my living room to look like everyone else's?

(Not a chance)

• Are we home improvement lemmings foregoing the treasures we already have because someone suggested an alternative?

(We're smarter than that)

• What happened to last year's trends and did they all end up in the land fill?

(Hopefully they were donated)

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Not A Naysayer

Don't get me wrong, trends are a mirror of our society and understanding them is an important exercise in knowing us better. I get it. I built an entire career in marketing helping brands leverage the fresh and newsworthy. Forecasting can be fun, and it can be educational. Trying something fashionable can also positively push us out of our comfort zones or encourage us to make a change we've been dreaming of. This is all good.

Trend Management

The key to sifting through the avalanche of trend information directed at us is to use our own personal filter.

Take what you like and leave the rest.

There are many trends I see which I like. Mostly, they aren't really trends at all, but good common sense. Like the rising appreciation for vintage wares or the renewed affection for gardening. Or maybe a moody shade of ever-lovely blue I've always wanted to try. I'll keep those. Some of the others aren't so much for me, but they might be for you.

And that's the point.

Your home should be yours. A reflection of your personality. Filled with your meaning. Surrounded by your stories.

Don't do what you're told. Please yourself. Don't dispose. See potential. Don't be afraid. Take a chance.

I feel so strongly about this that there are two chapters in our upcoming House + Flower book on these connected themes: 1) trending less and appreciating long-lasting, quality items that you love and 2) empowering you to celebrate your own style.

My Trend Less List

At the risk of being ironic, I've prepared a round-up of just some of the timeless home design elements for which I have personal affection. We've gone back to these in our homes over and over again because they make us happy and they are enduring.

These are my standards. Classic. Evergreen. These are mine. You will have yours. (I'd love to hear about them in the Comments below.)

This is what trendspotting is all about for me. Sharing creativity that excites and inspires and leads to lasting value. Ideas you can embrace to make your place feel like your home - whether it's something you just discovered today or a forever ago.

AUTHENTIC WOODEN FLOORS. If there's original flooring in a house (even under layers of carpet and linoleum) we'll unearth the planks and do whatever we can to restore or reimagine them.

PHOTO | Robin Stubbert

BRICK WALLS. Forever a favourite, brick walls bring warmth, texture and character to a space.

PHOTO | Robin Stubbert

ENAMEL BUCKET SINK. A classic, space-saver that's fun.

PHOTO | Robin Stubbert

VELVET PILLOWS. The bigger the better. The more the better.

PHOTO | Justice Darragh

GALLERY WALL. I'm Team Gallery Wall all the way.

PHOTO | Robin Stubbert

SISAL OR JUTE RUGS. Leave them as is or add layers on top.

PHOTO | Robin Stubbert

BEADBOARD. Such a timeless way t0 add pretty personality to a wall or to the back of shelving.

PHOTO | Cynthia Zamaria

ANTIQUE FURNITURE. This writing desk has special meaning as it belonged to Graham's grandfather.

PHOTO | Robin Stubbert

LEATHER CHAIRS. We have many. From office chairs to dining room chairs to big cozy ones by the fire. They are investment pieces that get better with age.

PHOTO | Cynthia Zamaria

FLOWERS FROM THE GARDEN. Always.

PHOTO | Cynthia Zamaria