Anyone who has an interest in interior design has seen the evolution of a popular trend and its resulting downfall. When it first appears on the pages of magazines or other publications on the peak of innovation, it’s fresh, vibrant, and thrilling to see its debut. You’ll only find these crazes in the trendiest of interiors, with homeowners those often on the forefront of exciting new trends. Slowly these trends start appearing in more and more homes in a more diluted fashion, though these homes are less stylish. Still, these pieces are used as a method of showing off awareness of current trends. Finally, the trend makes its way to low budget stores (you know a trend is on its way out when you see variations in the dollar store) where the quality is nowhere near what it once was.
So what do you do once this trend has completed its life cycle, but you’re not ready to let it go? It’s time to reimagine some of the most popular trends on the decline and find new ways to keep the original intent and inspiration alive in your home. Our designers have shared some tips for finding ways of breathing new life into tired trends.
First up— wall fringe. Chances are if you’re under the age of 40, you or someone you know has a piece of decor like this hanging on their wall – whether it be a boho addition to your bedroom, a pared-down living room accent, or a sweet way to dress up your bathroom. While we thought this new trend was cute as ever at first, it has now become trite and tired. Because we don’t want wall fringe to become the equivalent of ‘live laugh love’ decals, here are a few ways to keep this trend around, but elevate it to another level.
Interior designers have taken note of the fringe trend and created pieces of furniture with fringed bottoms, like couches, stools, ottomans. This addition, however subtle, can make all the difference, and bring a modern feel too bland furniture, too. Fringed accents don’t need to be limited to large pieces, either. Baskets and small decorative items can take on a fringed look and instantly become more of a statement piece. Fringe seems to be a trend that rears its head every decade, so designers are constantly thinking up new ways to reimagine a familiar theme.
You’ll also want to observe the quality of your pieces. What you’d think of as a more traditional wall hanging can get a fresh feel by purchasing one from a local handmade vendor that works with high-quality materials, or a unique vintage piece that has years of history behind it. Opt for a higher quality piece than the ones found at chain retailers. Although they may look slightly similar, you’ll be able to see the difference in quality. You’ll possess a unique, authentic piece of art that will last longer, and be more special than a throwaway retail item you’d eventually swap out. Down the line, your piece may even increase in value.
A gallery wall is something we’ve all seen in homes, stores, and exhibits across the nation. However, what was once a unique idea has now been oversimplified—making every collection of frames now considered a ‘gallery wall,’ and the term becoming quite reductive. Why not make it more complex for a fresh upgrade on this tired trend? After all, the word ‘gallery’ should give you a push towards that artistic installation aesthetic, like a real gallery. Include all different types of pieces of art, without limiting yourself to solely prints or photos. Incorporate more dimensional elements or unique objects that can fit within the confines of a frame. Don’t be concerned with keeping your pieces too similar
If you’d like to stick to two-dimensional pieces, like art, photos, and prints, you can also use subtle hints of color to discreetly tie all the elements together instead of simply creating a hodgepodge of decor. Strategically choose pieces that have the same color scheme, or contain a slight hint of a unifying color, and you’ll see the whole wall come together as a cohesive piece of art. For example, a red theme can be made prominent by the use of red frames, and unique pieces that all contain a visible, striking inclusion of red threaded through the area.
It’s also time to reclaim the reclaimed furniture trend! Reclaimed furniture is an umbrella term commonly used to describe furniture with a rustic, unfinished look. However, all pieces seem to have a similar look, color, and finish that doesn’t bring much originality and often doesn’t even match the rest of your decor.
If you’re set on going with reclaimed pieces, we suggest sourcing from local vendors that produce quality, customized work. Small changes in construction, design, and finish can make your pieces more unique than anything you’d find in a massive store or showroom, and allow for layering of new styles.
You can also consciously decide to choose a different stain or color for your reclaimed wood piece (like black or grey) to reap the benefits of a new angle. A muted color transforms it into a more neutral piece, gives you more freedom with coordination, and modernizes it, too. Our designers also suggest adding more polished hardware to liven up your reclaimed piece when applicable, like brass and metal, instead of the traditional matte hardware. A mixing of more rustic and modern elements always prove to be inventive and interesting.
As trends get watered down, it can be far easier to swap them out for the newest fad instead of imagining how to rework them. But that can be costly and tedious, and leave your home without an anchored feeling to it. Instead, opt for one of the aforementioned methods of renovation. With the right eye for design and an imaginative look to the future, you’ll be able to create a new interpretation of a tried and true interior design staple.
