Interior design is often treated like a universal language. One where clean lines are “modern”, white walls are “tasteful”, and minimalism is “sophisticated”. But the thing is, everyone has their own unique sense of style and their own design tastes. Plus, most of what’s considered “good” design is shaped by a very specific cultural lens.
Social media often promotes the idea that beautiful interiors come with a rulebook. But these so-called rules are often rooted in Western, upper-middle-class aesthetics, which then enhances the false idea that you can only have a beautiful home if you have money.
Who Decides What “Good” Looks Like?
Design norms don’t appear out of thin air. They’re shaped by history, economics, and power. The dominance of “good taste” often reflects the preferences of a narrow group; historically speaking, this was the Western, white, wealthy, and professionally trained. Which is why so many high-end homes start to look suspiciously similar, regardless of where they are in the world.
Think about it this way: what’s stylish in London, might feel sterile in Mumbai or completely impractical in Lagos. A plush velvet sofa in muted sage might be the next must-have according to Pinterest, but in a hot, humid climate, it’s going to be an uncomfortable waste of money. Yet, global designs tend to export a singular aesthetic, which then ignores the richness of cultural context, lifestyle, and tradition.
Why This Push Back is Trending
Over the last few years, there’s been a shift in the world of interior design. People have begun to question the dominance of cookie-cutter design, to ignore trends, and to design homes for their needs, according to BuzzFeed. Alongside this resistance, movements like non-aesthetic homes, anti-trend decorating, and cultural revivalism have grown in popularity; encouraging people to create interiors that are personal, expressive, and don’t look like they belong in a showroom.
Social media has played a strange dual role in this as well. On one hand, platforms like TikTok and Instagram has influenced and pushed people to follow trends; picking them up and dropping them in a heartbeat. But on the other hand, it’s become a powerful tool for individuals to share homes that reflect their unique histories, tastes, and quirks. Going beyond the allure of fast trends.
How to Design Without the Rulebook
Prioritising Functionality: Design that looks good but doesn’t work for you and your life isn’t a good design at all. If pristine white floors make you nervous, swap them for something practical that you’ll love, like a warm herringbone parquet, and if an open-plan layout doesn’t work for your lifestyle, then don’t force it and keep your layout closed.
Let Culture Be a Source: Use elements from personal heritage, family tradition, or regional style as a source of inspiration, not an afterthought. Whether that means handwoven textiles, heirloom furniture, or local materials like bamboo, go for it. These aren’t just decorative; they add meaning and connection to your home.
Design for Climate: It’s easy to forget that homes should prioritise functionality when beautifully designed homes are just a click away from viewing. But what works aesthetically in one part of the world may be incredibly impractical or uncomfortable in another. For example, that beautiful thick wool rug you saw in a Highland cottage will trap moisture and start smelling musty in a humid coastal flat.
The Value of Breaking the Mould
Questioning the idea of a “universally good” home doesn’t mean ignoring trends and rejecting aesthetics. It just means making room for a functional home that’s unique to you. After all, the best interiors are the ones that haven’t been copied and pasted, says The Times. Imperfections, clutter, and elements of real, everyday lives are what make a house a home.
Rejecting the idea of one-size-fits-all in design is a mindset shift. It encourages people to think critically, design intentionally, and to trust their own instincts. Instead of asking whether something looks good, you should ask if it feels right, because that matters far more than the opinions and likes of strangers online.
