Should you really care what the latest design trends are?

Design trends…there’s always a lot of focus on them, especially at the beginning or the end of the year. Some come and go in a year (I’m looking at you, millennial pink!), while others last longer. (Gray, anyone?) Every year, there are new must-have colors, patterns, or furniture shapes, and if you love to follow what’s what in interior design, it can feel like a never-ending cycle of change. But here’s what you need to remember: your home isn’t a showroom, and it shouldn’t feel like one.

If you’re looking for a timeless, classic look, focusing on trends might not be your top priority, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t worth paying attention to. Why? Trends reflect cultural shifts, changing lifestyles, and fresh ways to think about design. Understanding them can help you make informed design decisions, whether you embrace a trend, adapt it to fit your personal style, or decide to pass on it altogether. The key is knowing when a trend enhances your home in a meaningful way or when it’s a distraction.

The role of trends in interior design:

Design trends don’t appear out of thin air—they evolve from the way we live. They’re impacted by current events and popular culture, among other things. The interior design industry reflects those key indicators. As lifestyles change, technology advances, and our needs at home evolve, design follows suit. That’s why certain trends, like open-concept living or multi-functional spaces, stick around for years—they solve real-life challenges. Others, like a specific color or design detail, are popular for a shorter time. Okay, I get that knowing about the latest trends is helpful, but should I buy into them?

Keep in mind that not every trend is worth following:

The key question to ask yourself isn’t “Is this in style?” but “Is this right for my home?” You don’t need a home filled with “trendy” furnishings to have a beautiful home. You need a space filled with items that reflect your lifestyle, improve how you use your space, and feel like you.

When following a trend makes sense:

Trends can be a great way to refresh your space when they work with your home and lifestyle. A trend is worth embracing when:

—It feels like a personal extension of your aesthetic and style. That mushroom-shaped table in natural stone could be the unexpected piece that makes your traditional furnishings look fresh.

—It introduces materials, layouts, or solutions that increase the functionality of your home. Coffee/entertaining stations not only add beautiful design, but they also help with traffic flow and make entertaining more enjoyable.

—It’s an easy way to update a space without requiring an expensive investment. Switching out your accessories is an easy way to refresh your home and usually don’t require a big investment. For example, if you’ve always loved warm, earthy tones, leaning into warm browns and terracottas can make your home feel fresh without feeling forced. Or, if you love the current trend of curvy furniture, adding this style to your room can help soften the lines of the room and make it feel more welcoming.

When to pass on a trend:

If something feels like a fleeting look and is not worth the investment or doesn’t work with how you live, pass. It’s best to avoid a trend when:

—It doesn’t reflect your lifestyle or align with your long-term vision for your home. (Side note: if you’re thinking about updating your home, you need an action plan. If you don’t, it’s easy to get distracted by everything you’re looking at and end up with a design that isn’t cohesive or works with your home.)

—It feels too trendy, and you think it will be out of style soon.

—It prioritizes aesthetics over function in a way that doesn’t work for your needs. This settee is very much on trend, but if you have pets and small children, it might not be the best choice for your busy home. The same for the glass tables. If you find you’re drawn to a trend because you see it everywhere, but it doesn’t really resonate with you, then that’s a sign to move on. Remember, the best design choices aren’t made based on what’s trending; they’re made based on what makes your home feel right for you.

So, to answer the question, should you care what the latest design trends are? Yes, it is helpful to be aware of what’s happening in the design industry. This awareness of current trends can help you hone your style and help you determine what really matters to you when designing your home. It also helps you navigate through all the showroom displays focusing on the latest trends.

Don’t be afraid of embracing trends, but only if the answer is yes when you ask yourself, "Does this make my home feel more beautiful, functional, and welcoming?" If the answer is no, then just walk away. And if you need someone to help you have the home you love, design trends or not, get in touch. I’d be happy to help.