Design Isn’t Just About Trends—It’s About Time (Literally)

Design Isn’t Just About Trends—It’s About Time (Literally)

What 100 years of style taught me about finding my vibe, filtering out the noise, and finally designing a home I love.

It started with a lot of staring…

In 2019, like most people, I was suddenly at home. All the time.

And when you spend that much time in your space, you really start to see it—every scuffed baseboard, every mismatched chair, every corner that just didn’t work.

I had more time than ever to fix it… but still no idea where to start.

I thought I needed more inspiration.

What I really needed was a foundation.

So I went back. Not to the drawing board—to the timeline.

And that’s when everything clicked.

The big secret? Your favorite styles already exist.

Every piece of furniture, every pattern, every trend you see today?

It all comes from somewhere else in time.

When you study the past 100 years of interior design, you start to realize something really powerful:

🌀 There are only so many core styles. The rest is remix.

I Time-Traveled Through 10 Decades of Design So You Don’t Have To

When I created my Decades of Design series, I made it my mission to highlight the key styles that shaped each era in the US—and show what they look like today. 

Because once you understand the ingredients that make a style work, you can actually start using them in your home with purpose.

PLUS, you can use what you learn about US styles to explore every style around the globe.

No more guessing.

No more impulse buys that don’t fit.

Just clarity and cohesion on how you want your space to actually look and feel.

3 Things I Learned by Studying a Century of Style:

1. Style is NOT the same as trend.

Trends are fast and fun. Styles have structure. When you know what makes Boho different from Urban Modern, or why Mid-Century Modern always feels right, you start making smarter choices.

2. Inspiration is everywhere, but education is rare.

Most people don’t need more pins—they need to understand what they’re pinning and why it works. Knowing the “why” behind a room you love changes everything.

3. Personal style is about confidence, not rules.

Once you learn the 7 style elements—Function, Flooring, Furniture, Texture, Patterns, Lighting, and Accessories & Plants—you can confidently mix and match any era into a space that feels like you.

I only studied the last 100 years, feel free to explore more on your own.

My Favorite Decade Surprise (And One I’m Still Avoiding)

I’m still obsessed with the boldness of the ’80s.

Give me graphic shapes, punchy color, and anything Memphis-inspired, and I’m in heaven.

The one that never clicked for me? Rustic and Farm House.

I can appreciate it—but it’s just not for me.

💡 Learning to say “no thanks” to a style that isn’t for you is just as important as figuring out what lights you up.

So… what does this mean for you?

You don’t have to be an interior designer to create a home you love.

You don’t need a huge budget, either.

You just need to:

• Learn a little bit of design history

• Name what you like (and don’t)

• Start with a plan that fits your life

Whether you’re renting a studio, renovating your dream home, or just trying to make your tiny kitchen work—designing your space should feel empowering, not overwhelming.

And I want to help with that.

📘 Grab the Free E-Book

I turned my entire Decades of Design series into a downloadable e-book just for you.

Inside you’ll find:

• A decade-by-decade breakdown from the 1920s to the 2020s

• Easy-to-digest summaries of each era’s style

• Modern examples and original designs

• Space to reflect on your own preferences

• Where to start no matter what your budget or lifestyle is

✨ It’s free, it’s fun, and it will absolutely change the way you see design.

👉 Click here to download Design Through the Decades

Before you go...

If you’ve ever felt like your home doesn’t reflect you, start here.

Look back. Get curious. Pay attention to what makes you feel something.

Because creating a home you love isn’t about keeping up with trends—it’s about honoring your time, your taste, and your story.

Let’s make your space feel like home, once and for all.

💛 Nicole

Founder, Be Happy You’re Home