In a world that can often bring us down, it is refreshing to discover a trend in home decorating that aims to lift our spirits.
This fall, the biggest trend in the world of interior design is centered around the themes of happiness, self-expression, color, and creativity.
It encourages individuals to embrace their unique preferences and find joy in their surroundings. If the color orange brings a smile to your face, why not dress your kitchen in this vibrant hue?
And if you have a love for various styles, why not create a delightful mashup that reflects your eclectic taste? This trend, known by many names, has caught the attention of fashion writer Dawnn Karen, who explores the concept of “dopamine dressing” in her book “Dress Your Best Life.”
According to Karen, dressing in clothes that align with your personal style can elicit positive feelings, akin to the release of dopamine in the brain.
So, if you’re feeling a bit down, perhaps a hit of “dopamine decor” is just what you need to elevate your mood and create a space that truly brings you joy.
Decorators and influencers alike assert that a transformative phenomenon occurs when we discard conventional decor rules and immerse ourselves in an environment adorned with personalized touches.
In doing so, we find ourselves becoming increasingly at ease and more inclined towards expressing our creative impulses.
This departure from traditional design principles allows us to break free from the confines of conformity and embrace a sense of liberation within our living spaces.
By infusing our homes with elements that resonate with our individuality and personal taste, we embark on a journey towards self-expression and self-discovery.
The resulting ambiance not only reflects our unique personality but also fosters a sense of authenticity and originality.
It is within these spaces that we are able to truly relax and unleash our creative potential, unburdened by the constraints of societal norms.
The power of personalization in decor lies in its ability to provide us with a sanctuary where we can fully embrace our true selves and explore our innate creativity.
In today’s ever-evolving world of interior design, individuals are increasingly seeking to express their unique personalities and preferences through the colors and patterns they choose for their living spaces.
Lauren Phillips, the associate director of special projects at Better Homes & Gardens, highlights this emerging trend, stating that people are now questioning their true aesthetic inclinations and actively incorporating these features into their homes, even if it means disregarding conventional decorating advice or deviating from what they may have witnessed online a decade ago.
This shift signifies a departure from the homogeneity that once defined interior design, as individuals now strive to create spaces that truly reflect their own personal tastes and aspirations.
By embracing this newfound freedom of expression, people are reshaping the landscape of home decor, ushering in a new era of individuality and creativity in the realm of interior design.
‘BARKITECTURE’ AND OTHER WAYS TO USE A ROOM
The trend of transforming rooms into more comfortable, functional, and personalized spaces has gained significant momentum, especially during the pandemic when a large portion of the population found themselves confined to their homes.
This shift towards creating living spaces that cater to individual needs and preferences has not only become more prevalent but also shows no signs of slowing down, according to Phillips.
As people spent more time indoors, they began to recognize the importance of having a home environment that promotes relaxation, productivity, and overall well-being.
Consequently, individuals have become increasingly invested in enhancing their living spaces to meet these requirements.
This trend encompasses various aspects, including incorporating ergonomic furniture, optimizing lighting, utilizing smart technology, and implementing personalized decor.
By prioritizing comfort, functionality, and personalization, individuals are striving to create an environment that not only meets their immediate needs but also fosters a sense of belonging and tranquility.
As the world gradually emerges from the pandemic, this trend is expected to continue its upward trajectory, as people have come to appreciate the transformative power of a well-designed living space.
In today’s ever-evolving world, it seems that the traditional functions of certain rooms within our homes are gradually being redefined.
Guest rooms, once left unused for long periods of time, are now being transformed into functional home offices, catering to the growing trend of remote work and the need for a dedicated workspace.
Similarly, formal dining rooms are being repurposed as craft spaces, where individuals can indulge in their creative pursuits and hobbies.
This shift in the utilization of our living spaces reflects a broader shift in our lifestyles and priorities. Alongside these changes, a new term has emerged – “barkitecture” – which encapsulates the trend of incorporating pet-specific features into our homes, such as dog baths and other amenities.
Moreover, the realm of interior decor has seen an influx of various aesthetic “cores” that have gained popularity in recent times.
From the whimsical world of Barbiecore to the nostalgic charm of cottagecore, from the timeless elegance of coastal grandma to the enchanting allure of mermaidcore, these aesthetic movements have captivated the imagination of individuals seeking to infuse their living spaces with a distinct and personalized style.
However, it is important to note that this proliferation of aesthetic “cores” does not necessarily indicate a rapid shift from one trend to another.
Rather, it signifies a deeper exploration and understanding of one’s own unique style, allowing individuals to delve into the very essence of the designs they are drawn to, even if that means embracing a more vibrant, eclectic, or unconventional aesthetic.
In essence, the evolving nature of our homes and interior design trends reflects a broader desire for self-expression and individuality.
People are no longer confined to the traditional functions of rooms, but are instead reimagining and repurposing their living spaces to better suit their needs and preferences.
This trend signifies a shift towards a more personalized and meaningful approach to interior design, where individuals are encouraged to embrace their own unique tastes and create spaces that truly reflect their personalities.
Whether it be through the conversion of a guest room into a home office, the transformation of a formal dining room into a craft space, or the incorporation of pet-friendly features, these changes reflect a desire to create spaces that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also functional and tailored to one’s lifestyle.
As the world continues to evolve, it is exciting to witness the ways in which our homes and interior design choices adapt and reflect our ever-changing needs and desires.
SOCIAL MEDIA HAS LOOSENED THE CREATIVE REINS
In today’s digital age, the internet has become a vast source of inspiration for individuals seeking to enhance their living spaces.
Over the years, the desire for a picture-perfect kitchen, as seen in online platforms, has evolved. According to Phillips, a renowned expert in interior design, the current trend revolves around extracting the elements that captivate us from the multitude of trends and beautiful interiors showcased on platforms like TikTok and Instagram.
As we look towards the future, Amanda Kruse, a representative from Upspring PR, a reputable marketing firm specializing in real estate, design, and interiors, highlights the imminent rise of Generation Z as a new generation of homeowners.
With their unique perspective, this generation is more inclined to blend different styles, creating a personalized and distinctive aesthetic.
The emergence of this trend signifies a shift in the way we approach interior design, as the younger generation embraces the freedom to curate their spaces according to their personal tastes and preferences.
ARTSY ELEMENTS
Emilie Munroe embarked on the task of designing a Victorian home for a family in San Francisco. To gather inspiration, she meticulously sifted through a collection of torn-out magazine images provided by the client.
Munroe’s vision for the design was clear from the outset – she aimed to create an atmosphere that radiated happiness and sparked curiosity.
One notable example of this intention can be found in the tiny powder room, which received a vibrant makeover with a striking pink-and-black, animal-print wallpaper.
Another area that showcases Munroe’s creative touch is a narrow hallway adjacent to a window, where a captivating kaleidoscopic wallpaper, an abstract rug, and a chair featuring a pattern inspired by the renowned artist Basquiat come together harmoniously.
Across the pond, London-based design editor Cara Gibbs has taken note of the growing trend of bold paint choices.
She reflects on how painting an entire room pink from ceiling to floor was once considered eccentric, but now, the application of these bright and lively color palettes has become a chic and intriguing choice that adds livability to any space.
Gibbs enthusiastically embraces this evolution in design, expressing her admiration and support for the trend.
Nicole Hirsch, a designer hailing from Massachusetts, is certainly no stranger to pushing the boundaries of design.
Her keen eye for color has led her to make bold choices that truly make a statement. For instance, she has fearlessly adorned a bathroom ceiling with a vibrant shade of green, which she affectionately refers to as “alligator.” In a playroom, she opted for a tangerine hue on the ceiling, creating a playful and energetic atmosphere.
Not stopping there, she has also incorporated cobalt blue, lipstick pink, and chrome yellow into various furnishings, injecting bursts of liveliness and personality into the spaces she designs.
Hirsch’s ability to seamlessly integrate these vibrant colors into her projects showcases her talent for creating visually striking and captivating interiors.
HIDEAWAYS
Designer Alison Pickart, residing in her spacious California home, possesses a closet that would surely instill envy in those lacking adequate storage space.
However, Pickart recognized the potential for a different purpose within this roomy enclosure. Despite its initial designation as a mere hall closet, Pickart perceived its generous dimensions and abundant natural light streaming in from a rear window as an indication of its potential to be something more.
Consequently, she transformed the space into a small, secluded “phone room” for her personal use, deeming it the ideal location to retreat and engage in private conversations.
Similarly, Clara Jung, an interior designer from Banner Day Interiors, collaborated with clients residing in a San Francisco ranch house characterized by its vast, airy rooms.
Yet, concealed behind a discreet panel within the living room bookcase lies a cozy, chromatic music sanctuary adorned with albums.
This intimate space boasts a vintage wooden bar and a sprawling, crimson rug, catering to the homeowners’ passion for LP collecting and the husband’s musical inclinations.
Initially intending to install a conventional door, Jung was captivated by the clients’ suggestion to create a secret entrance instead, a concept that resonated deeply with her.
She proclaims, “We loved the idea!” and asserts that this covert passage serves as the ultimate sanctuary for any audiophile. Perhaps this notion of fashioning one’s own idyllic retreat is the new guiding principle in the realm of interior decoration.