I’m not sure if anyone knew this, but I’m not a trendy person.  Ok, maybe everyone knows it.  I don’t just miss trends, I usually try to avoid them at all cost.  I could even like them a ton, but I won’t jump on the wagon because what if it passes in a few seconds?  How do you know if a trend is going to stay, like skinny jeans, or pass away as a laughing stock, like harem pants?  **Don’t jump on the harem pants bandwagon, please!  If JLo can’t pull them off (and she can’t), then you can’t either.  Just trying to save you from embarrassing photos.**   

Decorating trends are just like fashion trends.  They come and go.  They pass quickly.  And there are SO MANY OF THEM!!  If Pinterest has done anything, it has heightened the intensity and shortened the longevity of design trends.  Sunburst mirrors anyone?  Or Chevron?  Or things made out of pallets?  I’m not saying those things aren’t super cute (because they are).  I’m just saying they are trends that have blown up, creating the distinct possibility that all of our houses will look exactly the same.

Pinterest is the new design catalog.  We don’t want our houses to look like they came directly out of a catalog, but we do want them to look like they came directly off Pinterest.  I am, however, as guilty as anyone of loving all the beautiful pictures and fabulous projects on that site.

Over the past few weeks as I plan my future projects I’ve been trying to pinpoint my ever changing style.  What do I really like and what do I just like to look at on Pinterest?  What do I want in my house and what do I just enjoy in other people’s houses?

In the process I have come up with my list of Five Favorite Design Trends.  These are things I enjoy, things I seek out and things you’ll find in my house.  I love all kinds of other trends, but these are the ones that I put into practice, the ones that I live out.  These are ME.

 

1.  Color

I love color.  On walls, on chairs, on fabric.  Everywhere.   And not subdued, pastel color.  Bright color.  I have yet to see a bright color I do not like.  I realize it can be overwhelming to some people, but it makes me happy.  And I like to walk around my house happy.  (Color, however, needs a neutral palate to pop from so it can stand out and really shine.  I’m still working on that part.  My neutral palates du jour are gray and white.)

 

 

 

2.  Thrifted Items

I would fill my house with thrifted items if I could.  I love the history that comes with something that has been used before.  I love the worn look.  I love the price.  And I love the way each piece can represent something else about me or my family in it’s own special way.  But what I love most is the process of restoration and redemption.  Taking something that someone thought was junk and making it beautiful again.  Making things new.  It reminds me of what Christ does for me every day.  Turning junk into beauty…

 

 

 

3.  Meaningful Words

 

I want our house to be filled with hope, life and encouragement.  I want us to be surrounded with words that feed our souls.  No cheesy cliches here, only powerful truth on our walls, in our frames and by our beds, so when we wake up and move around this home we can be reminded of what life is really about.  Family.  Love.  Hope.  Creativity.  Redemption.  Sacrifice.

 

 

 

 

4.  Books

I would love a stack of books like this!  If only my kids wouldn’t destroy it.  I’m sure there’s a shelf in there somewhere, right?

 

Books are like candy to me.  They are yummy and addictive and good.  I keep them everywhere.  In stacks on my shelves, on my nightstand,  in my bathroom, in my kitchen, on any surface that doesn’t move I probably have a stack or two of books.  I love using them as art.  We are what we read, in some respects, and they express fairly clearly who it is that lives in this house.

 

 

 

5.  Eclectic Combinations

The put together look of a catalog is utterly boring for me.  I love the idea of gathering found objects, heirlooms, thrifted treasures and other random things and creating an eclectic home that fully expresses me (not Pottery Barn or Crate & Barrel or even Urban Outfitters).  I want our home to speak volumes about our family.

I love the gathered and eclectic look of these rooms:

source: Vintage Renewal

source: Vintage Renewal

source: Knack Studios

source: Ninainvorm

The great thing about this style is that each piece in your decor says something about you – not about the store your purchased it from.  Does it look messy?  Yes.  Does it look imperfect?  Yes.  But such is life.  Messy and imperfect.  And I’m ok with that.

Above all, I think my house is a house full of imperfections.  Worn furniture.  Chipped paint.  Tattered books.  Tiny hand prints on windows.  Messy toys.  Pillows on the floor.  Train tracks across the living room.  Some may fight against these things.  Some may try to hide them.  Some may try to get rid of them.  But these are signs of life in a house.  You will find them here.  This house is full of life.