Beyond Trends: Design Choices That Will Stand the Test of Time

Let's talk about design decisions that last. Not the ones you make because Pinterest told you to, or because they're having a moment on Instagram, but the ones that feel authentically, undeniably you. For me, it's always been blue. Through every design phase, every "color of the year" announcement, every shifting trend, blue has remained my constant. And it's taught me something important about creating spaces that stand the test of time. 

Finding Your True North

When it comes to design choices that last, the secret isn't in predicting trends or playing it safe. It's about recognizing what genuinely resonates with you and having the confidence to embrace it. Just like my unwavering love for blue has guided countless design decisions in my own home, you probably have certain elements that consistently draw you in, that feel right regardless of what's currently "in."

 

The Joy Factor

Think about the spaces you've loved longest. Maybe it's a room in your childhood home, or your first apartment, or even a vacation rental that just felt right. Chances are what made these spaces special wasn't their adherence to trends, but rather their ability to make you feel something. In my case, blue has always created a sense of calm and happiness in my spaces. But your element might be:

• A particular style of furniture that reminds you of family gatherings
• A specific pattern that makes you smile every time you see it
• A texture that makes a room feel like home
• A color combination that energizes you

Making Choices That Last

The key to making design choices with staying power is surprisingly simple: be honest about what you love. When I'm helping clients make decisions for their homes, I always encourage them to look beyond what's currently popular and ask themselves:

• Does this choice make you feel something positive?
• Would you love this even if no one else did?
• Does it fit naturally with how you live?
• Can you imagine growing with this choice?

 

Building on What You Love

Once you identify those elements that consistently bring you joy, use them as a foundation. In my home, blue serves as a through-line that helps other design choices feel cohesive and intentional. Your anchor might be completely different, but it can serve the same purpose - helping you build spaces that feel both personal and pulled together.

 

When Trends Align

Sometimes what's trending does align perfectly with what you love - and that's completely fine! The modern revival of blue and white chinoiserie? I'm here for it. But I'm drawn to it because it speaks to my existing love of blue and traditional patterns, not because it's having a moment. The key is understanding the difference between being inspired by trends and being driven by them.

Creating Timeless Spaces

The most enduring rooms I've designed share a common thread: they feel authentic to the people who live there. They might incorporate current design elements, but at their core, they're built on personal meaning rather than passing fads. These spaces:

•  Tell a story about their inhabitants
• Serve real-life needs beautifully
• Feel collected rather than decorated
• Evolve naturally over time

Moving Forward

As you consider updates to your home this year, try this approach:

• Start with what consistently makes you happy
• Build on elements that have always attracted you
• Let trends inspire but not dictate your choices
• Trust your instincts about what feels right
• Choose pieces that reflect your story

Remember, truly timeless design isn't about following rules or predicting future trends. It's about creating spaces that make you happy now and will continue to bring you joy for years to come. Whether your constant is a color like my beloved blue, a style of furniture, or a type of pattern, let it guide you toward choices that will stand the test of time.

What design elements consistently bring you joy? I'd love to hear about the choices you've made that have lasted simply because they feel authentically you.