How to Find Your Personal Interior Style – And Stop Chasing Trends
- runesdatter6
- Sep 29
- 4 min read
I’ve always had mixed feelings about trends.
On one hand, they’re fun and inspiring- they spark new ideas and help us see things in a different way.
But on the other hand, trends can be a trap.
If we build our entire home around what’s popular right now, there’s a big risk we’ll end up with a space that feels generic- or worse, outdated after just a few years.
As an architect, I care deeply about creating homes that stand the test of time- not only in looks, but also in function.
And to achieve that, you have to dare to go your own way and create a personal style that truly reflects you.
Why Trends Can Be a Trap
A home decorated purely by trends will, of course, look beautiful. But if it lacks personal grounding, it will rarely feelright over time.
Do you ever find yourself constantly rearranging furniture or buying new things because you’re not satisfied?I believe that once you find your own style, you’ll feel calmer and more at peace with your home.
It’s a bit like walking into a showroom- you might be impressed, but you don’t necessarily want to sit down and stay there. A home should be more than beautiful; it should reflect the people who live there and feel authentic.
My Love for Secondhand Finds
I’m a sucker for vintage markets and secondhand stores. Over the years, I’ve collected lots of treasures that seemingly don’t match- but because I love each piece for its own reason, they somehow fit together perfectly.
If you don’t know your personal style yet, this is a great place to start:Buy (or save) things you instantly love- even if you don’t know exactly where they’ll go. Over time, you’ll start to notice a pattern.
I’ve made plenty of “misses,” but I’ve found even more gems.
Now, I’m not encouraging mindless shopping. You don’t need to buy everything that catches your eye- but take pictures, save references, and start recognizing what connects your choices. Over time, you’ll start to understand yourstyle.
The Architect’s Perspective: Why Harmony Matters More Than Hype
When I work on projects- whether my own renovations or with clients- I never start with colors or furniture.I always start with function and context.How is the room used? Where does the light come from? What kind of life will be lived here?
Trends rarely consider your specific home. That trendy beige paint will look completely different in northern light than in southern light.The oversized sofa that’s “in” right now might not fit a small living room.
As an architect, I look at the space holistically- proportions, light, materials, and flow.When those elements work together, we can build upon them with mood, expression, and personality.
My 5 Tips for Creating a Personal Style That Lasts
1. Start by Defining How You Want the Room to Feel
Ask yourself: How do I want this room to feel? Calm, energizing, social, safe?When you know the answer, it becomes much easier to choose colors, materials, and furniture.This is always where I begin as an architect- with the function and the feeling, before I ever draw a line.
2. Use Color as a Personal Tool
Color is more than decoration- it affects our mood, our perception of space, and how we feel day-to-day.When I create color palettes, it’s never about copying trendy hues. It’s about building harmony that fits both the peopleand the place.
My experience?When you choose colors based on how they make you feel- not what’s trending- you create a home that feels timeless and uniquely yours.
👉 Want to learn more about color? Check out my Color Guide.
3. Bring in the Personal — Not Just the Perfect
A home never feels truly yours without traces of your story.It could be inherited furniture, art made by someone you know, or a chair you found secondhand and adore.
As an architect, I can tell you that these pieces often become the finishing touch- the detail that makes a room feel whole.
4. Mix Old and New
A space becomes more interesting when contrasts meet.I love combining modern solutions with materials that carry history- it creates rhythm, warmth, and soul.
When everything is new, a room can feel flat.When everything is old, it can feel heavy.But the mix? That’s where the magic happens.
5. Think Long-Term- Build the Foundation First
As an architect, I always work with longevity in mind.Choose materials that last, furniture you truly love, and colors you won’t tire of after one season.
When you have a solid foundation, you can easily change the smaller details- pillows, art, or decor- whenever you crave something new.
Creating a moodboard can be a great tool to stay on track and maintain a cohesive vision.
Min egenMy Own Experience with Building a Lasting Style
When I tore down my apartment and started from scratch, I was so tempted to just recreate something I’d seen on Pinterest.
But I stopped myself and asked:“Will I still love this five years from now?Is this me, or just something that looks cool online?”
Sometimes the answer was yes- and that’s fine! Other times, it was no- and that’s when I knew I had to look deeper.
I took the time to figure out what I really wanted. I tested paint colors in the actual light I live in.I mixed new designs with pieces I’ve inherited. And I chose solutions that felt right- even if they weren’t “mainstream.”
The result?A home that doesn’t just look beautiful- it feels like me. And that’s the most important thing.
Conclusion
Trends can inspire- but they should never dictate your entire home.When you build a personal style, you create a home that stands the test of time- one that always feels like yours.
For me, it’s about finding balance: between function, feeling, and personality.
👉 Want to learn how to use color to build your own personal style?
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