Forget about fast interiors. We want quality design and DIY

While new looks are arriving for 2024 fast interiors and fast DIY are most definitely on the way out

Sat, 20 Jan, 2024 - 11:49

Carol O’Callaghan

I LOVE this quote by the American interior designer, and one-time prot é g é of Oprah Winfrey, Nate Berkus: “Trends exist to make people feel badly about what they don’t have.” Ouch!

So what about encouraging a trend for appreciating what we already have, especially when we have so much already, a thought which occurred to me as I did a massive sorting out and rearranging of furniture and pictures at home in the first week of January to coincide with slinging out the Christmas tree?

And sure, if you wait long enough, the furniture that seems out of date now will be back in fashion eventually. Just look at the much sneered-at 1980s brown furniture you couldn’t give away for the last 20 years and how it’s now being snapped up from charity and vintage shops.

To confirm the notion, Instagram threw up this particularly lovely quote from Wholesome Meets the Internet, and it says it all as the antidote to trend fatigue and the pressure to buy new, must-have looks being dangled in front of us.

“Even if I’m having a bad day, I can boil water in a beautiful kettle, make coffee in a gorgeous cup, stir it with a cute teaspoon, sit on a lovely couch, in a living room that smells divine. ‘What a tragic day, but look at this teaspoon.’”

Catherine Carton tackles a chimney breast wallpaper project in her own living room.

Wholesome indeed and virtuous, especially after maximalism, marble, shiny metallics and saccharine Barbicore raging through 2023 now seem out of touch with the world. Simplicity is welcome, I say, and someone who does it with flair and practicality is Ireland’s queen of DIY, Dainty Dress Diaries’ Catherine Carton, who sees fast interiors, including those sometimes masquerading as sustainability-friendly DIY, as having had their day.

“One thing on the way out is viral TikTok DIYs,” she says. “People favour quality, long-lasting pieces in their homes over viral tiled tables. Social media can be awash with Poundland hacks, budget DIYs and trendy pieces that won't stand the test of time, and some are made with low-quality materials.

"Think of fast fashion but for interiors; fast interiors is out. People are more cautious with their hard-earned money, so if they buy materials for a project, they want good quality and for the project to stand the test of time.”

High-quality DIY projects stand the test of time. Catherine Carton’s panelling project adds a touch of luxury finish to her walls.

Slow, quality DIY is something she sees being led by the cost of labour and materials rising and DIYers improving their skills, says Catherine:

“More people are tackling larger DIY projects, Ikea hacks like turning bookcases into built-in units, small tiling projects, and even laying flooring. With the internet full of DIY videos, people are definitely getting braver with their DIY skills and choosing to pick up the paintbrush to save the pennies.”

Interior designer and author Natasha Rocca Devine says she’s glad to see the back of several looks, prompted by her love of mid-century modern, sustainable design and what she says is a newfound passion for upcycling, inspired by her participation in Virgin Media’s hit showThe Salvage Squad, where she revamped design-challenged rooms on a budget.

Interior designer Natasha Rocca Devine sees the end of brutalist design, taxidermy and animal skins.

“The 2023 trends I really disliked include brutalism, taxidermy or animal skin rugs. I love animals and comfort so don’t like anything cruel or cold in any home or space,” she says.

“I also like elements of luxury but don’t opt for extreme pieces such as blobs or large-scale furniture which take up too much space and are not aesthetically pleasing, or small furniture which is not suitable for any family home.”

Jennifer Sheahan: The best way to cut clutter? Avoid buying it

When it comes to colour or lack of it, Natasha sees a once-ubiquitous combination as out of vogue: “White and grey are definitely moving out, They’re hard to maintain for day-to-day living, especially with a family with children or pets.”

No question, warm and fuzzy is welcome, but not so much the outdated and what Natasha terms “hard to manage” trends.

For a touch of luxury in a family-friendly space, the Marks & Spencer x Swoon Figeroa velvet sofa is €2,017.

“Carpeted bathrooms, raised beds or 1970s pine are fine if they are existing but not great for long-term choices in a new home,” she says. “Ultimately, your home is about keeping a balance between your style, budget and the space you and your family and friends can enjoy.

"Also, bearing in mind the light, or lack of it in winter in Ireland, ensure your space is suitably lit, functional and inspiring all year round.”