How to Design a Home That Fits Your Lifestyle (and Outlasts the Trends)

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PHOTO CREDIT: PAULA INTERIORS

It’s fun to look through Pinterest and design magazines at all the latest and greatest. However, when it comes to actually designing a home, we put all the trends to the side and get to know our clients.

Instead of creating homes that feel “of the moment,” our goal is to create ones that feel meaningful and practical. Your space will feel true to you, evolving with your style rather than the times.

Let’s take a look at how to create a home that supports the way you live, rather than keeping up with all the fads.

Get to Know Your Lifestyle

We believe making intentional choices towards quality, longevity, and practicality should ultimately inform a home’s design. During the course of getting to know you and your space, we’ll map out exactly what is needed for your home to make you feel supported every day.

During the design process, we learn your:

  • Daily routines

  • How you spend time in each room

  • Your hobbies

  • Entertaining/hosting habits

Your home should support the way you like to live. If you don’t plan to entertain, then you don’t need a large formal dining room. If you don’t enjoy baths, then a luxury waterfall shower makes more sense. 

Pinpoint Your Style
Next, it’s time to look at different design styles to see what suits your tastes. This has nothing to do with what is trending at the moment, and everything to do with what resonates with you visually and emotionally.

Here are some design styles we frequently work with: 

  • Maximalist: lots of color, artwork, and ornate furniture

  • Minimalist: less is more with a neutral palette and pared-back furniture

  • Farmhouse: rustic, lots of wood, a mixture of vintage and new pieces

  • Traditional: more formal furniture, jewel tones, symmetry

  • Transitional: a blend of traditional and modern style

  • Coastal: light and airy, blue tones, reminiscent of the sea

  • Boho: Eclectic, mix of colors and patterns, highly textural

  • Mid-century: modern style with straight lines, heavier silhouettes

Our team will help you find your perfect pieces, even mixing the above to create an entirely custom style.

Prioritize Quality and Longevity

PHOTO CREDIT: PAULA INTERIORS

Rather than basing your design choices on what’s trending, it’s better to look for pieces that have lasting power. Well-made, durable materials are a must. For example, solid wood furniture, natural stone surfaces, and handwoven textiles will never go out of style.

We’re all for a maximalist design, but if longevity is your primary concern, then you might consider more serene colors and timeless patterns. Neutral tones, stripes, and clean-lined furniture all bode well for future appreciation.

Create a Sense of Comfort

PHOTO CREDIT: PAULA INTERIORS

Once the foundation is set, it’s time to add accents and accessories that make you happy. This might include personal keepsakes, artwork, mood lighting, rugs, and more. We can help you decide all of these important finishing touches to make your space really sing. But first, check out this article for some unique decorating ideas.

Let the Design Evolve Over Time

As your life changes, so will your home. This is a beautiful thing! Over time, you’ll create natural updates that will shape your home. This might be as small as reupholstering a chair, or it could mean rearranging the layout of a room to make it easier to move around. Having a mix of old and new pieces that are gathered over time is what really makes a home feel cozy. 

A Design That Reflects You

Your home should feel like a timeless extension of you. There’s no need to follow trends when it’s your taste that matters most. When you’re ready, reach out to set up a consultation. We’ll help you design a space that not only stands the test of time, but also tells your story.