Decor that reflects your personality and works for your lifestyle can transform your living space into a sanctuary that genuinely resonates with you. While keeping current with trends can be a consideration, trends come and go.
According to June Sedlak of Studio J in Dublin, furniture stores and interior designers can help develop a design plan that meets your needs, feels authentic to you and walks the fine line between ‘on trend’ and timeless.
Sedlak advised starting with your preferences before considering what’s trendy.
“Your style is more likely to stay consistent over time,” she explained. “Ground the room with a rug and artwork because they are the most personal and provide a color palette to build on.”
Discuss colors, textures and artwork you gravitate towards with your designer, Sedlak suggested.
“Choose shades and patterns that ‘speak to you,’” she said. “If the artwork is most primary, choose with the subject in mind; something you will enjoy every time you walk by.”
Lifestyle considerations help make the best use of your space and can help your team understand your needs, Sedlak said. Are there kids living at home, or are you empty nesters? Is entertaining a priority? How do you like to spend your downtime?
Curating decor that expresses your unique style and interests can make your home more than just a place to live, but a reflection of who you are, and increase comfort and sense of belonging, Sedlak noted. Some tips include displaying meaningful items; incorporating hobbies and interests, prioritizing comfort, lighting styles, textures and layering, plants, decluttering and considering atmosphere goals for the space.
Printiful, a print on demand company based in California, noted in its 2025 home decor market report that the home decor industry is set to be valued at $139 billion this year, including various items like artwork, textiles, decorative items, furniture and lighting solutions, as well as candles, wall art, decorative objects, vases and sculptures.
“There are trendy ideas that can be very useful and serve multiple purposes,” she said. “In homes that entertain regularly, the ‘gathering island’ concept is really big right now. You place a counter-height table behind the sofa, often with a few stools, providing a convenient place to work, as well as a gathering place for friends and family to relax while watching a movie or a game, or a place for hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Another nice trend is using cordless lamps instead of candles to create ambiance.”
Lisa Matkwosky is a freelance journalist.
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