If you really think about it, homes are more than just four walls and a roof; they’re supposed to be a reflection of the people who live in them. Yet, in recent years, there’s been a troubling trend in home design where personality and uniqueness are getting lost in the mix. It sounds ridiculous, right? For a lot of people, when they want to turn their home from drab to fab, they’re supposed to go with what they want, but lately, it’s been about other people's opinions and the idea of boosting property value.
For the most part, nowadays, you can walk into any new home or scroll through home decor Instagram accounts, and it’s hard not to notice a certain sameness that pervades everything.
The same goes for shows, magazines, and sometimes even content like Architectural Digest will show sameness! So, what exactly is causing this epidemic of cookie-cutter homes? Well, let’s dive into the factors sucking the soul out of our living spaces.
There’s the HGTV Effect
Now, needless to say, HGTV has undoubtedly had a massive influence on how people think about home design and decor. Shows like House Hunters and Fixer Upper have turned basically everywhere in the nation of home improvement enthusiasts, but there’s a darker side to this obsession. The push for "neutral" spaces has led to a generation of homes that all look alarmingly alike. It’s not just HGTV either; even in other countries, this whole “neutral” style is pushed too by TV shows and networks in other countries, magazines, and so on. So, it’s not just North America.
Neutral is the New Bland
Homebuyers, influenced by what they see on HGTV (and other media) often gravitate towards safe, neutral colors like beige, gray, and white. These colors are pushed as being versatile and appealing to the most people, making them a no-brainer for resale value.
But this obsession with neutrality is where the problem starts. When every room in a house is a variation of gray and white, it starts to feel like you're living in a blank slate rather than a home with any real character. So basically, neutral is like the new bland, right? HGTV show hosts and real estate agents aren't helping either.
They often make harsh remarks about personalized decor choices, essentially shaming homeowners who dare to inject a bit of their personality into their living spaces. Heaven forbid someone loves a bold color or an eclectic mix of furniture! The result? A growing number of homes that play it so safe they lose any sense of individuality.
All Furniture Looks the Same Nowadays
Another major culprit in the quest for characterless homes is the furniture industry. So, let’s face it: a lot of furniture today looks like it came off the same assembly line, whether you’re shopping at IKEA or splurging on high-end brands.
The minimalist, blocky design that IKEA popularized has become the standard for modern furniture, but it’s not just IKEA anymore. You see, that’s the crazy thing! You’re even going to find that high-end brands have jumped on the bandwagon, offering their own versions of the same clean lines and simple shapes.
While there’s nothing inherently wrong with minimalist design, when every piece of furniture looks like a carbon copy of the next, it strips away any potential for uniqueness in a home. Couches are the perfect example, almost all couches on the market seem to have that chaise design to it, where it’s two or three cushions, and then a chaise. The same goes for sectionals too, and they’re so blocky.
So, it seems as if nowadays, if you walk into ten different houses, there's a good chance you'll see the same Eames-style chair, the same Scandinavian-inspired coffee table, and the same tufted sofa in various shades of gray. It’s like living in a showroom rather than a home with a story to tell.
Fast Homewares
Fast homewares, much like fast fashion, have become a huge part of our consumer culture. Have you ever noticed that you’re seeing the same designs for items at Target, Walmart, and even Amazon? Have you noticed that fast fashion brands like Zara and H&M are selling decor now?
Well, that’s fast homewares. It’s tempting to fill a home with these items because they’re accessible and often look good—at least for a while. These are mass-produced and often lack the quality or uniqueness that gives a home character.
The Influencer Effect
Social media has given rise to a new breed of influencers who dictate what’s “in” and what’s “out” in home decor. They already exist with fashion, but now exist with home decor too. Have you noticed certain trends that have been super popular over the last few years, like Modern Farmhouse, Danish Pastel, or even Cottagecore?
Well, those are mainly due to influencers pushing it. But what’s the problem, though? Well, the problem is, when everyone’s chasing the same aesthetic, individuality gets lost in the process.
Why Originality Matters in Home Design
All of these factors are contributing to a wave of homes that, while stylish, lack character. And that’s a shame because a home should be more than just a well-decorated space; it should be a reflection of the people who live there.
Does it actually feel like your home? Do these items actually feel like something you could love for decades to come? When you walk into a home that has character, you can feel it. There’s a warmth and a story behind each piece in the room.
How Can You Break Free from the Monotony?
So, how can you break free from the monotony and add some much-needed character to your home? Well, there are a few things you can do to make it happen!
Embrace Color
Seriosuly, don’t be afraid to stray from the neutral palette. You should add some bold, rich colors that can add warmth and personality to any space you want. It can be a statement wall, colorful furniture, or even just a few vibrant accessories; color is an easy way to make a home feel unique.
Mix Old with New
Incorporating vintage or antique pieces into your home can instantly add character, plus they’re usually way more affordable than buying new items and usually last way longer too. It’s fine to buy new decor too, but layering and combining both can add a bit of depth.
Invest in Quality
This is piggybacking on right up above. Antiques are known for their quality, and fast homewares are usually poorly made. But it’s not just about decor itself—it’s basically anything that goes into your home—and it should be high quality. Quality doesn’t necessarily mean expensive—it just means choosing items and fixtures that are well-made and have a unique design.
But this also applies to larger architectural elements, like doors and windows. For example, instead of having a boring window or a generic patio door (like those ugly sliding glass ones), instead, you could look into patio door replacement services or changing out door knobs, adding ornate pediments, or some faux stain glass film to your window. All of these make a huge impact (as long as they are high quality), and doing these alone will massively make your home stand out and have character.
Ditch the Trends
It’s easy to get caught up in what’s trendy, but trends come and go. Instead, focus on what you genuinely love, even if it’s not “in” at the moment. Now, you really need to keep in mind that nowadays, micro-trends are a thing, so basically, every other week, something is in and out; it’s just way too much money being thrown at it that’s definitely not worth it.
But overall, a home filled with things you love will always have more character than one designed to impress others.
