Interior spaces, like fashion, reflect culture, world events, social movements, and personality.  Since we don't change our homes as often as our clothing, more thought and time goes into creating the perfect space, and our rooms tend to be works in constant progress. 

Favorites generally win out over trendy colors (I doubt we'll all be running out and painting our living rooms cobalt blue this fall), and the Color Association is predicting warm, muted tones for interiors this year.  Not a surprise that a soothing palate has become trendy in this time of environmental crisis, war, and economic struggle (Downer alert!!).  General consciousness is also manifested through the use of sustainable products: paints, flooring, lighting, etc.

SpaceLiftStudios mentioned that outdoor kitchens became very popular this past year, as well as indoor gardens.  Not only are homes becoming more environmentally friendly, they're literally becoming greener.

With the bohemian resurgence in style over the past several years, antiquing/thrifting/junking have become very popular means of decorating.  When I was growing up, I found antique stores to be still and stuffy, and with an older clientele.  Now, the apartment of a 22 year-old may look like a kitschy old lady's attic.

DIYTogether makes a great observation that the trend in decorating is to use traditional/classic shapes and styles with modern finishes, textures, colors, and materials. 

 It seems easier than ever to find vintage-inspired prints and patterns, and one of the most fun places for them is the wall.  Wallpaper isn't for the rural bathroom anymore now that some really exciting designers and visual artists have come out with their own lines.

If you're afraid to commit to a whole room or are living in a smaller space, just choose an accent wall.  Alternatively, you could purchase a funky frame and feature swatches of the print like artwork. 

Reupholstering is obviously an amazing and affordable way to revive a tired old couch or chair.  Think twice and that fabric can be also be decoupaged on cupboards, walls, and placed under glass on eating surfaces or coffee tables.

My favorite brainstorming technique comes from a childhood game I used to play, where friends and I would hold an object and try to come up with as many alternate uses for it as possible-- think: The Little Mermaid using a fork for a hairbrush. 

 For me, the trick to making a place feel like home is to fill it with my imagination, trim it with my conscience, and pepper it with trends.

"Home. The word circled comfortably in my mouth like bubble gum, swished around sweetly soft and satisfying. Home. Try saying it aloud to yourself. Home. Isn’t it like taking a bite of something lovely? If only we could eat words."  ---Sol Luckman

Images courtesy of Apartment Therapy, Design Sponge, and DesignPublic.