Interior Trends Uncovered: My Method for Staying Updated
Are you wondering which trends are worth following? I would not call myself a trendsetter (I prefer a timeless style) but I still like to stay updated. In this blog, I will share how I keep up with interior trends. So you will be inspired about the best sources you can use too. That way, the next time someone asks, “What about trends?” You will have the perfect answer. Without a visit to the fairs like Milan Design Week or Maison & Objet in Paris.
Trends at H&M: contrasting colors and graphic elements
Magazines and Books
For years, I have loved diving into interior design magazines. I prefer a physical copy, but since you can’t subscribe to every magazine you’d like (or afford to! 😉), digital subscriptions are a great alternative. These are my personal favorites. Even if I don’t use a particular style in my own home, I still enjoy exploring others. I find styles like classic interiors beautiful. You won’t often find bohemian style in my selection. It simply doesn’t appeal to me as much.
Some of my favorite magazines
- Scandinavian Living – This one aligns closely with my personal style. However, one thing I miss is pricing information. I always keep my iPad nearby to look up prices.It is the Dutch version of Danish Bo Bedre. The magazine is occasionally bundled with Urban Living, a magazine focused on small city apartments, lofts, and a younger audience.
- Stijlvol Wonen (Netherlands) – This magazine recently went through a transformation when it merged with Eigen Huis & Interieur. The result? A beautifully curated magazine focused on luxurious, high-end design.
- VT Wonen (Netherlands) – A great mix of stylish, practical, and creative interior ideas with a distinct Dutch touch. It’s inspiring for those who love an effortlessly cool and personal interior.
- Architectural Digest (USA) – A must-read for high-end interiors, celebrity homes, and the latest design trends from around the world.
- Elle Decor (International) – A stylish and modern magazine that bridges the gap between luxury and livable design. It features global trends, designer interviews, and beautifully curated interiors.
- Côté Sud, Côté Ouest, Côté Paris, Côté Est (France) – These four magazines capture the essence of French interior styles. They range from the relaxed charm of the South to the elegance of Parisian living.
- Est Living – An Australian magazine known for its sleek, contemporary aesthetic and a focus on high-end, minimalist interiors. It’s a great source of inspiration for modern, understated luxury.
- Milk Decoration (France) – A modern and trend-forward magazine. It provides a fresh take on contemporary interiors. The magazine often features creative and artistic spaces.
- House & Garden (UK) – A sophisticated and timeless magazine. It highlights beautiful homes, gardens, and design inspiration. The focus is on a classic British touch.
Some of My Favorite Books
When it comes to books, I usually read fiction on my iPad. However, for interior design books, I always prefer a physical copy. There’s just something about flipping through the pages that makes the experience more inspiring.
I’ve already shared a few of my favorite books in this blog post: Four Interior Design Books – Woonlookbook Favorites. More recently, I added Arranging Things by Colin King to my collection.
Online and TV inspiration
Websites, blogs, and social media platforms like Pinterest and Instagram are great for staying on top of interior trends. I follow designers, brands, and trend forecasters to see what’s new and evolving. It’s an easy way to gather ideas and spot patterns in what’s trending.
Netflix
- Dream Home Makeover – Hosted by Studio McGee, this show features a warm, modern-classic style. It has a touch of rustic charm.
- Tidying Up with Marie Kondo – Marie Kondo helps people declutter their homes using her famous “spark joy” philosophy.
- The Minimalists: Less Is Now – This is a thought-provoking documentary. It explores how embracing minimalism can create a more meaningful life. It can also lead to a more fulfilling life. When we are newly retired, one of the first things we do is clean up! This program can provide inspiration for that.
- Interior Design Masters (UK) – follows aspiring designers as they compete in creative challenges to transform various spaces. It’s an inspiring watch, showcasing different styles and problem-solving in real-life design projects.
On Instagram, I follow many interior stylists, you can find their names in Paragraph 3.
YouTube
- Windy City Rehab – Hosted by Alison Victoria, this show blends historic Chicago architecture with unexpected design elements. (More about an architectural weekend in Chicago in this blog post.)
- Nate and Jeremiah – I’ve followed Nate Berkus since his makeover days on The Oprah Winfrey Show.
- Red Elevator by Nina Takesh – Luxurious interiors with a Parisian flair.
- Sophie Paterson – Elegant and timeless design. Sophie Paterson, very luxurious and classic English style. It is not something for my home, but her Fromental wallpaper collection is stunning.
TV
- VT Wonen: Weer Verliefd op je Huis – A Dutch show where homeowners rediscover their love for their homes. They do this through creative makeovers.
- HGTV – A popular TV network. It features home renovation, interior design, and real estate shows. These shows inspire homeowners with practical tips and stylish transformations.
Pinterest is a great source of inspiration for interior trends, styling ideas, and product discovery. I follow a mix of brands and designers, including:
- Audo Copenhagen – Minimalist and timeless Scandinavian design.
- Ferm Living – Modern interiors with organic shapes and soft textures.
- Élitis – Luxurious wallpapers and textiles with artistic flair.
- &Tradition – A perfect blend of classic and contemporary furniture.
- Urban Nature Culture – Sustainable and nature-inspired home decor.
- Eyeswoon – Curated interiors and styling inspiration by Athena Calderone.
You can find more of my favorite pins and inspirations on my Pinterest profile.
Interior Designers and Stylists
- Pella Hedeby – Known for working with natural materials and timeless pieces. Website
- Cleo Scheulderman – She is versatile in different styles. Whenever her work is featured in a magazine, I can usually recognize it instantly. Website
- Alyssa Kapito – Creates elegant interiors with a focus on minimalist classicism. Website
- Vanessa Alexander – Prioritizes lasting impact over trends, resulting in effortlessly timeless designs. Website
- Kim van Rossenberg – I loved every production she did for VT Wonen with Richard Meerveld. I even recreated their desk for my guestroom. Website
- Colin King – A master of modern American design and styling, especially in the art of arrangement. Website
- Athena Calderone – Her Brooklyn and Hamptons homes have been a great source of inspiration for me. Now that she has moved to Manhattan, with a more Art Deco-inspired home, I’m excited to see her next steps. Website
Real-Life Inspiration
Inspiration is everywhere; you just must keep your eyes open. Visiting showrooms, beautifully designed hotels, and stylish restaurants allows me to experience trends firsthand. Seeing colors, materials, and layouts in real life gives me a better sense of how they work together. Plus, I love chatting with experts and fellow design enthusiasts, it always sparks new ideas!
Where to Look:
- Regional Fairs – Keep an eye on local newspapers and newsletters for upcoming design events. Dezeen also has a great design fairs guide.
- Paint Collections – Stop by your local paint store and ask about the latest color trends. Seeing them in person makes all the difference.
- Art Exhibitions – Art can be a huge source of inspiration. If you’re planning a museum or gallery visit, check my weekend tips calendar for ideas.
- Furniture Showrooms – Many furniture brands create beautifully styled spaces to showcase their collections. Browse my interior shopping blogs for recommendations.
- Hotels & Restaurants – Thoughtfully designed hotels and restaurants often showcase the latest in interior styling. Pay attention to color palettes, lighting, and furniture arrangements—these spaces can be a great source of ideas for your own home.
- People You Know – Inspiration can come from those around you! For example, I follow Vesper Interior Design because one of the founders is a friend of my daughter.
- Your Own Home – Take a good look around, what colors keep appearing? Do certain shades in a painting stand out? Are there materials in your space that align with trends you’ve seen in magazines? For example, chrome is making a big comeback. If you’ve transitioned to bronze and your chrome decor is tucked away in a cupboard, why not bring it back out? A simple swap like this can seamlessly incorporate a trend into your interior while staying true to your personal style.
Let’s Stay Inspired!
Whether online, in print, or out in the world, there’s no shortage of inspiration for creating a home you love. What are your favorite ways to discover new trends? Let me know in the comments or share your thoughts with me on Instagram.
