We are in the age of post-structuralism when we both build upon and reject the ideas established before. Today, meaning is more fluid rather than universal. And such is reflected in our current ideals of art and design.
As decor ideas infiltrate online platforms today, somehow, interior design has become familiar yet unfamiliar at the same time. There is an abundance of information about the technical aspects of design out there, but most people don’t seem to need it.
Instead, they come to learn about design instinctively, from seeing videos and mood boards aplenty. With the emergence of sites like Pinterest and influencers-turned-designers, interior design has become less of science with rigid rules and became more of a flexible art form that is more instinctive and adaptable to one’s aesthetics.
Fluid Design Guidelines; More Personalized Styles
There was a time when every style needed to have a name: from Baroque, Gothic, to Romanesque. With globalization, non-specialists don’t seem to be so caught up with defining every branch there is. Perhaps one of the reasons is that contemporary styles are more diverse that it would be difficult to categorize.
Even the term “contemporary” style is an umbrella term used by interior designers. Not to be confused with modern design that sprung from the modernist movement in the late 1800s, contemporary design doesn’t refer to a particular period. It is a blanket term to refer to present-day styles and trends, which are constantly evolving. It may borrow from previous styles such as Art Deco or modernism, but it is not focused on any particular one.
Defined by Qualities, Not Rules
While there’s no clear-cut definition for contemporary design, there are a few qualities that have remained relevant throughout its evolution. Minimalism, clean lines, and earthy tones are its most noticeable features.
Amid the neutral and minimalist base, you may also expect some accent decors and textures that add character to a contemporary interior. Favorite accent materials include gold, steel, and other metals, as well as hemp, wool, and other natural textures.
Availability and Popularization
Besides being the subject of TV shows and web series, contemporary design has also created special lifestyle magazines, offering design tips and motifs, from color palettes to furniture finds.
Likewise, Pinterest and YouTube tutorials allow more people to design their interiors in cheaper and easier ways. DIY videos use all kinds of arts and crafts supplies, such as gold paper sheets, which can be used to achieve the metallic accent feature in high-end contemporary design without using real gold. Other alternative materials like repurposed wood are also at the center of many interior makeovers.
Interior Design Authorities on Social Media
Eminent figures on design on social media don’t necessarily have to pass the National Council for Interior Design Qualification Exam, which is traditionally how professionals acquire such authority.
Even without educational training, some influencers have proven their sense of style by creating content, from home makeovers to small DIY projects. They were able to expand on the fluid definition of contemporary design and defined styles that are uniquely their own.
1. Megan Batoon
Batoon’s claim to fame is her dancing ability. Lyrical and linear choreographies were all the hype in the early 2000s to 2010s, with the rise of dancers like Brian Puspos and Shaun Evaristo. Amid the dancers that populated every corner in California, Batoon created a unique style that made her stand out and garnered her a huge following on YouTube.
A few years later, she moved into more general content. Throughout the years, Batoon has maintained an aesthetic in all her uploads. The videos feature carefully crafted graphic design and color palettes. With such a sense of style, Batoon smoothly transitioned to DIY and interior design videos, which are arguably her most talked-about content today.
2. Julie Sariñana
Fashion influencers are also making a shift to home decor content. Among them is Julie Sariñana, known online as Sincerely Jules, one of the most popular fashion influencers today. While she is still mainly a fashion blogger posting OOTDs, she expands her aesthetic into a wider lifestyle range, including home decor.
On her Instagram account with 5.7 m followers, she occasionally features snippets such as pieces added to her home, bookshelf arrangements, and designs made by friends.
3. Sarah, the Thrifty Decor Chick
Sarah had an artistic upbringing in a family of builders and writers. She’s an all-around DIYer, from renovation to decoration. She started a blog to share her simple and inexpensive projects, such as planking a wall and creating a craft table.
While Sarah still posts extensive articles on her blog, she also made herself more visible by creating an Instagram account and actively posting interior shots.
Catering to All Kinds of Preferences
Technical interior design training will remain necessary, as there is still some degree of science involved. But influencers and Pinterest mood boards show how much more we can transform it as an art.
With the flexibility offered by contemporary styles and tons of resources online, there’s no limit to how much you can personalize home decor trends to make it your own.
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