With so many social media channels and sources of various trending design style inspiration, at times I feel clueless about what followers favor now. It seems at any given moment, marketers push out messaging about what’s new (and it’s usually just re-packaging the same country or classic style with new language).
Trending Design Styles: What is Resonating?
Today’s discussion is of course biased. It limits itself to interiors receiving enthusiastic engagement on channels I frequent. The bias is curious. What my social media feeds reflect flows from a bunch of algorithmic mysteries! There’s so much pay-to-play content happening, cookie crazytown, and funnels I slip into that I suppose we must even hold this exploration loosely. It simply mirrors what I am seeing scroll on my screen. You’ll also find books below that only enliven my passion for interiors.
Cozy European Country Cottage Warmth
Tour this adorable 400 square foot NYC apartment and be inspired by what thrifting and curating can yield!
Classic Traditional Bespoke Luxury
Not everything trending in interior design is quite so easy to execute. Have you seen “cozy opulence” or “European luxury or “old money” hashtags lately? Anything designed by Cathy Kincaid has my facebook audience engaged and designhappy!
Rich architectural details, built-ins, antiques, custom-made furnishings, bespoke everything, and a mix of patterns and colors and texture converge in the traditional mix.
I’m also seeing many kitchen designs fetch strong engagement. Gone are those bright white modern farmhouse designs now that warm whites and mushrooms made a splash.
Old World Mood (and Oodles of Moody Flavors!)
I think it’s so curious that not so long ago, many AI designed interiors went viral despite being dead-giveaway-artificial! In fact, interiors photographers even latched on to this look with moody lighting and presets to create what I might describe as “somewhat eerie and vacant.”
But then POOF. Almost all of my followers fell out of love with that look. And AI. And anything that reminded them of perfectly vacant robot-made looks.
I wonder what this says about what’s happening in the culture. When folks were flocking to “empty-ish” interior AI looks, they seemed to enjoy imagining their personal belongings in the space. (And we already know how folks love scrolling rent/buy Zillow listings.) It is as if an image’s incompleteness invites projection.
So what does it mean that the time has past for all of that projection and manifesting? What has replaced that desire?
Because I’m wondering if it isn’t an earthy, feet on the ground, very tactile and natural vibe.
Earthy Modern Vintage Luxe
Earthy chic with a livable luxurious look is resonating with many now. Lots of wood beams and solid wood cabinetry, nods to the past, modern lighting, and splurges such as high end ranges or handmade tile.
Sometimes the “modern” aspect of the vibe is an open floorplan or uncommon architectural elements more than modern style furniture or art.
Earthy palettes, a reverence for natural materials, and handmade quality and craftsmanship also seem to appeal. This recently sold Spanish style home is a great example of such a color warm and timeless palette.
Modern European Country Simplicity
Some of us continue to enjoy a mix of cool and warm whites with shades of greige.
What keeps interior design styles such as French country, modern French, modern Belgian, Scandinavian, and European Country timeless yet in and out as a trend?
There are a host of explanations, but since the underlying sensibilities include honoring old traditions with little concern for reinvention, it makes sense this design direction isn’t always going to appeal to American audiences who seem to love WHAT’S NEW AND IMPROVED.
For me, there is something utterly comforting about falling in love with a look and feeling at home with it.
Come what may, as seasons and cultural trends shift, as technology revamps systems everywhere, as politics becomes increasingly complex and chaotic…
well at least the look we’ve established at home can help us to feel more deeply rooted.
Plus there are endless ways to interpret a given decorating direction and break design rules.
Parisian Elegance & French Chic
Wait until you peek inside this book by Mathilde Favier! We’re treated to the loveliest journey through Paris with the most charming guide, Dior Couture public relations director, Mathilde Favier.
Imagine making a friend in Paris who is passionate about beauty and holistic wellness and generous enough to share all of her favorite private spaces, shops, and fashionable addresses to see and be seen…
Then imagine your beautiful friend placed all of these beautiful Parisian people, places, and residences into one glorious scrapbook for you to reference as you wish!
You need not imagine any further. The scrapbook of your Francophile dreams exists in LIVING BEAUTIFULLY IN PARIS, where Mathilde Favier spoils us with lavish joie de vivre and beauty.
The photography by Pascal Chevallier is nothing short of breathtaking, and I read each and every word from Frédérique Dedet (which rarely happens where design books are involved!).
What an enchanting way to experience the wonders of Paris fashion, interiors, and the unexpected with Mathilde Favier!
Timeless Rose Tarlow Style
This book is pure delight, and I read every eloquently written word by Rose Tarlow!
The Private House has been called “an elegant manifesto for Tarlow’s approach of blending the personal with the aesthetic to create timeless, beautiful spaces,” and the elegance extends to how the designer articulates her process.
It’s a book unlike other design books within my library. Most interior designers I know are visual types and rarely wired for language. But Rose Tarlow? What a writer with an exceptional gift for storytelling!
Republished in its entirety from the 2001 edition, The Private House is surprisingly intimate yet overflows with design wisdom we can both trust and put into practice.
For example, in just two sentences, Tarlow beautifully articulates a meaningful approach to living well and (though it may ring dramatic) elevating your quality of life.
Tarlow writes: “Try using well-worn accessories, different in material and character; mixing important objects with simple, precious, primitive pieces can become part ofyour personal style. Serving a buffet in the winter at a table set with these special objects allows you to create a Dutch still life.”
In fact, I have found that such intention to create meaning for occasions is indeed sacred; it may open channels for connection, vivid memories, and opportunities to convey love and gratitude while we live life to the full.
I resonate with so many of Rose Tarlow’s sensibilities, impulses, and perspectives, and I know you will too. Since I am ever the hungry student of fine design and timeless style, I am devouring every morsel of the delicious feast served in The Private House.
Peace to you right where you are.
-michele
I independently selected products in this post—if you buy from one of my links, I may earn a commission.
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