Why I Don’t Decorate Based on Trends Anymore, and Instead Decorate My House on a Budget
Like many other moms who are just trying to keep up on the day to day life, I have stopped decorating based on fleeting trends. If you sometimes feel bad for not having that perfectly curated home, or instagrammable organization… you’re in the right place because I don’t think you need that in order to have a home that is cute, stylish AND functional.
You might be someone who has already tossed trying to follow decor trends to the wayside, but this post will walk you through how you can still have a cute home that you like without having to try and live up to that craziness. Please read to the end to discover what I use instead. No peeking allowed! In the process, you might find your new favorite way to decorate your home without breaking the bank.
Background: Trends and I
Back when I first became a mom, I was young impressionable and social media was just taking off.
I felt SO much pressure to not only have a clean house, but to also have a perfectly curated and decorated house.
Live, Laugh, Love is the running joke of my era, and I never actually got the chance to post one of those signs in my home. I wanted one so badly, but just never found it in the budget OR found a good space for it in my home.
I used to feel so bad about not having those trendy decor items in my home, but now? I am SO happy I never did because it led me to making my home feel more like our own, and for way less money and waste, too.
5 Reasons Why I Don’t Decorate Based on Trends Anymore
Reason #1: Trends Contribute to Waste
Sorry, not sorry, to start with such a serious topic, but when you follow trends, you also have to think about the broader impact on the environment. For me, constantly buying new, trendy items and then discarding them created a lot of waste and clutter. Shifting to a more intentional, budget-friendly style helped me reduce my environmental footprint. My friend from The Sustainable Minimalists a really great podcast episode and blog about how we can be more eco-friendly. It’s worth checking out right here!
Reason #2: The Cost of Trends is Rising
When I first dabbled in trendy decor, the cost of those items was quite reasonable. But over time, prices for these items have skyrocketed. Home Design Weekly explains how the costs have increased due to higher production costs and changing market demands. Although I understand these factors, I realized that investing in timeless, quality pieces was more budget-friendly in the long run.
- Timeless Alternatives: Alissa Jacobs is an expert in all things home decor and wrote this really great blog on imperfectly decorating your home and I just love the permission it gave me to stick to the simple decor I love, and is the perfect combination of timeless decor I can freshen up as I please.
Go check out her blog The Case For Imperfect Styling right here
And, sometimes we just need some permission to KEEP some things we know we will love.
Reason #3: Personal Preference for Timeless Style
This one is all about personal preference. Honestly, I was getting bored with the constant cycle of updating my decor to keep up with trends. Sometimes, the best reason to look for a new approach is to refresh your space and keep your creativity flowing. I felt like I had plateaued with my trend-based decorating style. Not only was I uninspired, but I also felt overwhelmed by the constant changes. Now that I’ve embraced a timeless approach, my home feels more cohesive and inviting.
Reason #4: The Stress of Staying Trendy
It’s tough to admit, but I felt a responsibility to stay on top of trends because I was sharing my decor journey on social media. My journey toward focusing on what truly makes me happy rather than trying to keep up appearances was a significant factor in this shift.
Reason #5: Budget-Friendly, Timeless Decor Works Better
Okay, here’s the crux of it. The new approach I’m using involves decorating with timeless, budget-friendly pieces. This method just works better for my needs, especially when it comes to creating a cohesive and functional space on a budget. Below are some features I love most about this approach:
- Timeless Appeal: These pieces never go out of style.
- Versatility: They work well with various styles and themes.
- Budget-Friendly: Affordable options that don’t compromise on quality.
What I Do Instead of Following Trends
As I mentioned, I now focus on purchasing timeless decor pieces and investing in quality over quantity. This approach works better for me because:
- It Saves Money: Investing in classic items means I don’t need to constantly replace decor.
- Less Stress: I no longer feel pressured to keep up with every new trend.
- Enhanced Style: My home feels more cohesive and reflective of my personal taste.
However, I’m not just asking you to take my word for it. My client Julie says:
“Switching to timeless decor has transformed my home. It’s so much easier to maintain and feels so much more like ‘me’ now.” Making the switch to timeless and budget-friendly decorating has made a huge difference in my home’s style and my overall peace of mind. Seems like a no-brainer, right?
