The Wide-Reaching Consequences of Design Trends In Social Media
I just read this great article about how design trends are accelerating at a faster rate due to the millions of posts on social media. I’m a victim myself of ‘doom-scrolling’ on design sites, I think as a professional it helps me see what’s out there, and what people are talking about in the design arena. The article I’m referring to had some great insight into why the trends we seek are going in and out of favor so quickly. One architect, Damian Samora, stated:
“The accessibility of design through TV shows and social media has created a lot more self-declared experts. And there is an expectation that high design is fast. These types of renovations take time, however – typically four years from design to construction. But people don’t necessarily have the appetite for four years anymore.”
Four years – FOUR YEARS. That’s not a long time. And with kitchen and bath design, it’s crucial that whatever we design and install has staying power and is made with quality materials, as these rooms are generally around for at least 15-20 + years.
‘Fast Design’ and Its Impact On the Environment
Given all the choices we have now for home design products at any price point, it’s important to realize that it makes an incredible impact on the environment. Fast design often relies on the continuous extraction of raw materials to produce trendy, low-cost items. This can lead to the depletion of natural resources and habitat destruction.
The transient nature of trends in fast design encourages consumers to frequently replace items to stay current, leading to a significant amount of waste. Many of these items are not designed for durability or recyclability, ending up in landfills where they can take decades to decompose, if at all.
How can we shut off the “incredible trend machine”? We can’t. I’m saddened by the rapid acceleration of conspicuous consumption. But I’m also heartened to realize that all the years that I’ve been practicing and talking about sustainability, it’s become more mainstream. I believe we are on the path to a more sustainable planet. There was a lot of talk at KBIS about it from hundreds of manufacturers, from recycled products to the use of organic and biophilic design. So thankfully, this is a “trend” we hope will never leave!
Also “trending” at the show was personalization and how you can create a luxury or budget space for your client by reflecting their individual taste and experiences. This is a great way to get your clients more focused on their personal choices, not what’s on social media.
I think we have to try to get across to our customers that it’s OK to look at photos on social media, but staying grounded and focused on their particular project is essential. It’s like taking a kid to a toy store and telling them they can only get ONE thing.
Focus on quality and durability over trends, and aim for designs that are timeless and long-lasting. As an example, here’s a kitchen that I did in 1991.
Photo courtesy of Patricia Gaylor
Photo courtesy of Patricia Gaylor
An entire eco-designed kitchen with all sustainable or recyclable materials from FSC certified wood cabinets stained with no VOC stains, linseed oil and jute linoleum floor, recycled stone from a demolition and ‘stained glass’ clerestory window made from old bottles.
The perception that design trends are becoming shorter-lived is influenced by a variety of factors. While this can make it challenging to keep up with the latest trends, it also offers an opportunity to focus on creating a personalized space that transcends the fleeting nature of trends, emphasizing personal style and sustainability.
—By Patricia Gaylor, owner of Patricia Gaylor Sustainable Design Solutions
