Reasons You Should Avoid Trends When You Renovate

PLAN

Jan 5

Written By Jennifer Gardner I Interior Design Firm

There’s no doubt about it—renovating your home is a significant endeavor. One of the fun parts about deep diving into the process is the research. You’ll find yourself collecting gorgeous magazines, bookmarking beautiful blogs, and spending hours saving inspiration on Instagram.

So, what’s the catch? While all this media will help guide you and spark great ideas, it will also keep you a little too informed about the latest and greatest trends.

My years of experience in the field have shown me again and again that it’s so much better to bypass the trends and embrace your own unique style. While the paint color of the month or the must-have sofa may stop you in your tracks, if they don’t feel authentically you, they may not feel natural in your space. During your renovation, the goal is to create a space that you’ll feel at home in for years to come!

I’ll be breaking down the reasons you should avoid following trends when you renovate. Plus, I’m sharing my time-tested tips for finding the look YOU love.

Timeless appeal

Let’s face it, you can never go wrong with a classic! Trends come and go, but classic designs endure. Opting for timeless elements in your renovation ensures your home won't look outdated in a few years. When we begin a new project in our studio, we spend time evaluating the age and architectural style of the home which helps us guide our client’s design decisions.

What are some features of classic design?

Neutral color schemes with pops of bold color
Furnishings with traditional silhouettes and modern finishes
Quality craftsmanship

Pro Tip: Every month, I share updated mood boards that showcase a variety of styles, including classic looks. Check out the latest edition here to learn more about the classic modern style.

Personalization

Your home should reflect your personality and style, rather than the latest fad. Customizing your space allows you to create a truly unique and comfortable environment that feels like you.

Embrace the WOW factor

Including a WOW factor in your renovation plans is a must! The WOW factor is that special something that makes your heart sing. It’s the appliance, art piece, or other feature that you’ve been daydreaming about since day one. The WOW factor can turn a space, like a kitchen or bathroom, into a one-of-a-kind experience owned entirely by you. Learn more about the process of bringing in the WOW here.

Budget-friendly

Trends often come with a hefty price tag. Going for classic styles and materials can help you stick to your budget and save for other important aspects of your renovation.

We’ve interviewed many experts in the renovation field who have shared their tips on how to make the most of your budget and find products you love at a more affordable price. Check out our Ask The Expert series here.

Here are some of my favorite resources for renovation materials and fixtures that are always in style:

TILE

LIGHTING

WALLPAPER

Longevity

Trends can quickly become tiresome. A design that's too trendy may leave you wanting to renovate again sooner than you'd like. A timeless design has staying power.

That doesn’t mean that you can’t add a little flair to your space (ahem, like a WOW factor)! Creative wall displays are a fun way to bring in some pizazz—without too much #renovationregret later on. From showstopping art pieces to thoughtful gallery walls, this finishing touch can be an ever-evolving look that grows with you.

Learn more about creative wall displays here.

Resale value

If you plan to sell your home down the road, a timeless renovation is more likely to appeal to a broader range of potential buyers, increasing your home's resale value. Trends are fickle, and what’s hot today, may look cheesy tomorrow! Create a space that will withstand the test of time (and, in the meantime, make it your own with art, decor, and more)!

Great style without the stress

Trends change rapidly, and trying to keep up can be exhausting. Staying true to your style simplifies decision-making and reduces renovation stress.

Pro Tip: Speaking of renovation stress, take steps to protect yourself throughout the process. I recommend:

Following The Ultimate Home Renovation Checklist. This will help ensure that no details slip the cracks as you embark on your renovation journey.
Create an Action List: Your Action List is very important, especially after you hire your general contractor (GC) and construction team. With this list, you’ll never have to stress about who is owning what task.
Hire a rockstar general contractor: Choose your GC carefully—the right fit will make a world of difference for you, and relieve a TON of renovation stress. Learn how to find a great GC here.

Quality over quantity

Invest in quality materials and craftsmanship rather than following trends. Your renovation will not only look better but also stand the test of time.

Not sure where your product sourcing journey should start? Here are some areas of the home I recommend investing in with intention:

Quality Kitchen Appliances
Quality Lighting
Quality Plumbing Fixtures

Environmental impact

Consider asking yourself: how can I renovate and practice sustainability? The reality is that ever-changing trends contribute heavily to a throwaway culture. Choosing sustainable materials and designs can reduce your home's ecological footprint.

Here are some fantastic vendors with sustainable practices and product:

Windows: Anderson Windows and Pella both are renowned for their energy efficient windows that help reduce energy consumption.
Paint: Brands such as Sherwin Williams and Benjamin Moore offer eco-friendly paint options with low VOC (volatile organic compounds) to minimize air pollution.
Reclaimed Wood: Companies like Elmwood Reclaimed Timber and The Reclaimed Wood Shop provide reclaimed wood for flooring, paneling, and more, adding character and sustainability to your projects.
Upcycled Furniture and Building Materials: Explore local vintage shops and reuse building material warehouses to uncover unique furnishings and materials that not only infuse your project with individuality but also contribute to a sustainable endeavor.

Create a home you’ll love for years to come

I KNOW that trends are incredibly tempting to try. Trends catch eyes for a reason! However, styles come and go so quickly, and one of the best ways to avoid #renovationregret is to choose a look that lasts.

Avoid following trends when you renovate, instead focusing on elevating a classic look with design, decor, and WOW factors that speak to your uniqueness (and are more sustainable too). At the end of the day, no trend will truly capture the magic that only you can bring to the table!

— Jennifer Gardner

Jennifer Gardner I Interior Design Firm

For over twenty years, Jennifer Gardner has helped homeowners transform their outdated spaces into beautiful sanctuaries. Based in Seattle, Washington, she is an award-winning expert in interior design, project management, and construction coordination.

Every homeowner has a unique dream for their space—and Jennifer specializes in creating customized designs that honor her clients and spark joy for years to come. This ideology is the foundation of her business, Jennifer Gardner Design, where she and her team work with homeowners to “create a YOU space together.”

From full-scale remodels to one-room redesigns, Jennifer works closely with the renovation team to execute each project with great attention to detail, ensuring that it’s completed on time and within budget.

She values collaboration with her clients, checking in every step of the way so that the final result feels authentic, timeless, and, well, just like home!

https://www.jennifergardnerdesign.com/