Since I was a kid, I had a passion for architecture and design in anything, from clothes to furniture. However, trends in design and architecture change through the years and so does our taste as we grow.
As a teenager, I would read design magazines, cut out pictures, and crumple pages with furniture and décor that excited me. I would create homemade albums out of these, and even now would flip through for inspiration. And as the years go by, and still looking at past trends, I suddenly realise that some of them don’t look relevant anymore. Additionally, my preferences have changed over the years.
My dream home in my twenties would have been full of color, and by color, I mean bold shades, even neon ones. It would pair vibrant colors with vintage and 70’s pieces, that I still love, trying to create contrasts. As I got older, I still love colors and vintage items, but would use them in moderation.
Nowadays, I prefer a neutral background, would use more natural materials like wood and stone, and would paint the walls in white or cream color to create a neutral canvas. I still want color in my life, but in small details, and I’d rather make a statement with a designer lighting or a unique piece of furniture that will be the focal point of a room.
I’ve always liked mix and match and using different materials, but in a more subtle way, following a period of maturity. This doesn’t mean I will be content in a dull environment. That’s simply not for me… but I’m trying to combine everything while styling in an elegant way. Let’s not fear change, nor is it alarming if we don’t always like the same things. For most people, home is their sacred place. And our home should reflect who we are at any time.
Taking this into account, I would advise that how you shape your place should always reflect who you are and should be filled with things you like at the time. You should not care about current trends nor listen others’ advice on how to decorate your home. Some practical tips may make sense, however what you really need to do is listen to your gut feeling and try to embrace ideas that you really love. Even if you collaborate with an architect or interior designer to create your own space, you should be adamant about what you want to include or not in the decoration.
And if your place doesn’t feel right anymore, then you might want to consider to move out or renovate the place. Be bold so you get the results you wish and embrace the change. It always pays off even if buying a new place or renovating one isn’t cheap.
In Greece, we buy or inherit a home and we stay there for the rest of our life. I wonder if this is a good practice. What works now might not work after forty years. And if it is not about the location, might be about the décor. Which means, even if you don’t want to move out, I doubt if you would fancy the same sofa 50 years later. And even if you were smart enough to invest in a timeless piece of furniture, no-one can guarantee you that this won’t worn out.
The conclusion is that you should embrace any changes in our place, from time to time. Choose for your home what you really like, and if you can afford to invest in high-end design, go ahead, but keep in mind that in thirty years, that designer armchair might not look the same appealing, so you don’t need to overdo it, especially if your budget is limited. Even small changes work wonders. Just allow to your place to evolve along with you.
Until next time!!!
Design geek in Athens