Why Everything’s Starting to Look the Same—and Why Your Home Shouldn’t

The Road Trip Revelation

I just got home from a long drive—a ten-hour trek to the beach for a family vacation. Somewhere between the gas station snacks and the endless chain restaurants, I realized something that’s been bouncing around in my head for a while: no matter where you are in the country, everything is starting to look the same.

We passed the same strip malls. The same Starbucks, Chick-fil-A, Target—places that I appreciate and frequent, mind you. You could blink, cross a state line, and not even notice the difference. Somewhere along the way, the distinct flavors and character that used to define different towns and regions have started to fade.

And as a designer, I’m seeing the same thing happen in our homes.

How We Got Here: The Homogenization of Design

Between Pinterest, Instagram, and the rise of the home staging industry (which I have respect for), design has started to feel a little… copy-pasted. The same wallpapered walls. The same wood tones. The same boucle chair in every corner.

Social media platforms are designed to reward what’s popular. And that means the more something is saved and shared, the more it gets shown. Over time, we’re all looking at carbon-copy trends—and calling them inspiration.

Even in home staging, where the goal is to create broad appeal, there’s a tendency to strip out the soul of a space. It’s no wonder so many homes start to feel like variations of the same Pinterest board.

Why This Matters

Here’s the thing: design isn’t just about what’s pretty—it’s about who you are.

But right now, the dominant aesthetic we see everywhere is being presented as the way to have a beautiful home. And let’s be honest: that particular look often comes with a steep price tag. It can easily require thousands (and thousands) of dollars to recreate, especially when every item in the photo has been sourced from designer retailers or custom fabricators.

So what happens if your budget doesn’t stretch that far? Or if you’re working with a mix of old and new? Or if your life is filled with kids, pets, family dinners, and cluttered countertops?

You start to believe that maybe a stylish, well-designed home just isn’t in the cards for you.

And that’s the part that causes me pain. Because it’s not true!

Design isn’t about copying a single look that gets the most likes—it’s about creating a space that supports you, inspires you, and tells your story. You don’t need endless funds to have good design. What you do need is intention, a clear sense of what matters to you, and a little creativity.

Some of the most meaningful, welcoming spaces I’ve ever stepped into were layered with pieces that had nothing to do with trends—and everything to do with memory, personality, and soul. They aren’t perfect—they’re personal!

That’s why this conversation matters: because everyone deserves a home that feels like theirs. Not a filtered version of someone else’s idea of success.

The Case for Personality-Driven Design

Good design is lived-in! It’s layered and local. And it’s authentic.

That doesn’t mean chaotic or cluttered or design-less—it just means rooted. It means honoring your life, your stories, your rhythms. It might mean mixing the new with the old. Or keeping a hand-me-down lamp because it reminds you of home. Or saying no to a viral trend because it just doesn’t sit right with who you are.

I love creating spaces that feel deeply considered but never generic. Spaces that grow with you. Spaces that tell the truth about the people who live there.

What I Do Differently

If you’ve ever looked around and thought, “I want something more than this cookie-cutter style,” you’re not alone—and you’re not wrong.

When I work with my clients, the goal isn’t to recreate a Pinterest-perfect space. It’s to create a home that’s perfectly yours. That means asking better questions. Listening to how you actually live. Digging into what makes you feel most at ease, most inspired, most at home.

Now—if the current trends really resonate with you we can absolutely chase that design plan. But we’ll do it in a way that feels true to you. I’ll make sure the result isn’t just a copy of what’s popular, but something that reflects your personality, lifestyle, and priorities.

Because at the end of the day, good design isn’t about fitting into a mold. It’s about creating a home that feels deeply and unmistakably like you.

An Invitation to Design with Heart

What would your space look like if it didn’t have to impress anyone but you?

Start by asking yourself: What makes me different? And how could my home reflect that instead of trying to keep up with what’s popular?

If you’re craving a space that reflects your personality instead of the latest trend, I’d love to help you bring that vision to life.

That’s the kind of question I love digging into with clients. Because when we stop designing to keep up, and start designing to feel at home, that’s when something truly beautiful happens.

Let’s create a home that doesn’t look like everyone else’s—but one that feels just right for you.

Whether we’re working virtually or locally, I’ll guide you through a process that puts meaning and comfort at the center of every decision.