This year, in my clients' homes and in my own home, I'm trying to buy fewer new things. Instead, I'm encouraging clients to shop their homes for pieces they already have that we could give new life to, either by sprucing it up or using it in a different space. For example a family heirloom dresser that's just catching dust in the basement could be repurposed as a bathroom vanity. I'm also sourcing more vintage and antique pieces because they add so much character to a space, are sustainable, and will continue to stand the test of time.
For 2025, I'm shying away from sourcing small decor items or mass market pieces. Instead, I'll be looking for more sustainable and multi- use items. For example, I'm interested in design materials made locally, like metal brackets and handmade vases. For larger furniture pieces, I'm interested in those that have dual purposes - like a modern, solid stool that can function as an end table, plant stand, or extra seating when needed. Overall, I'm focusing on a shift towards creating more authentic, functional spaces.
This year I will avoid fast furniture. This means planning for high-quality furniture in terms of construction and materials used. Why? I find that high quality item brings enduring benefits. One is resilience. The better the construction, durability ease of repair (solid wood vs. veneer, for example), the longer a piece lasts. Another reason is cost. Fast furniture is a design trap. What looks good today will likely only last a few years because it is designed that way. Replacing furniture when it breaks down or for upgrading to a latest trend costs more money in the long run. I also find that buying more expensive furniture results in more conscious choices, which brings its own benefits. For one, I don't exceed my budget. I find new ways of using or upcycling existing furniture to improve other areas of the home layer by layer, all while finding ways of enjoying the history behind a piece to further enrich my home. At the same time, I keep in mind my overall goals, defining what quality items I want so that my overall scheme works over time - and for decades to come. And I focus less on flash and trends and more on enduring design. I find that quality purchases also mean more to me. I am less prone to replace them because I devoted so much time and effort to them. - Ross Robinson was an interior designer for six years on high-end residential properties and worked another six years in marketing and sales for home products. He has covered interior design and architecture topics for magazine publications and runs Rosstopia.com, https://www.rosstopia.com ), a site focused on home office design.
This year I'm ditching open kitchen shelving, because of its tendency to collect grease and dust. Instead, I'm opting for closed cabinetry with unique hardware for a cleaner look, while still including some glass-front doors to display select items.
In 2022, I'm avoiding anything that I consider to be mass production such as synthetic rugs, generic wall decorations, and fashionable pieces of furniture that get old quickly. Such items lead to overconsumption while offering the clients what they seek the most - style that is timeless. Instead, I am purchasing items made by artisans, which include handwoven textiles, unique ceramics, or vintage furniture. These types not only enhance the style of the space but also aid local firms while maintaining cultural traditions. To elaborate, the last job used a local master's hand carving wood panels which became the breath of the designing. Such a stance guarantees an unusual image while allowing for an adequate emphasis on durability, quality and context. Readers can utilize this approach by contacting local crafts or minimizing the inclination to buy trendy but meaningless items.
Fast Furniture: Cheap, mass-produced furniture that lacks quality and durability is falling out of favor. These pieces are often made with non-sustainable materials and tend to wear out quickly. Designers are moving away from this in favor of investments in long-lasting, higher-quality pieces. Excessive Decorative Items: Over-styled spaces filled with unnecessary trinkets and decor are being replaced by more intentional, meaningful pieces. Cluttered spaces can detract from the overall design, and many designers are focusing on clean lines and purposeful decor. I'm focusing on buying the following: Vintage and Antique Pieces: There's a resurgence in sourcing vintage or antique furniture. These pieces are often higher in quality, unique, and contribute to a sense of history and authenticity in a space. Custom, Handcrafted Items: Designers are increasingly investing in custom pieces or items made by artisans. These provide a unique touch, support local craftsmanship, and align with sustainable practices by reducing mass production and waste.