how to stop following trends and discover your own interior style 

moral of the story: love what you love and dig around to find out what that is

“I don’t even have a grandpa” was my favorite twist in this. Always love ❤️

I really like Allison Bornstein’s three word method when it comes it honing your personal style. She originally intended it for fashion but it can definitely be translated to design as well. It’s basically identifying 3 adjectives that signify your style essence and applying that whenever you go shopping or are curating your wardrobe or space. For example: vintage, sculptural, textured…or modern, minimal, colorful. It really helps cut down on excessive spending, clutter & trend-hopping when you’re always referring back to your unique 3 words! I also like it because it doesn’t boil down your personal taste to simply a marketable “aesthetic” or “era”, you know?

One thing to add: time! Layered interiors come from years of experience, trying different pieces out, keeping whatever works and constantly learning. Style doesn't happen overnight, it comes more into focus but its still a dedicated, lifelong chase. So, to your point, you need patience. Even trendy pieces that you didn't put much thought into can become part of your own personal history years later when the trend is long dead.

Also not being so fixated into labeling your style gives you freedom to connect with what you really like by intuition, because you are not consciously looking for a style that fits into a label and being distracted by it.

I have been saving interior decorating Pinterest pins for literally 10 years. I love scrolling all the way down on my boards and seeing if there's things I still like from like 5 years ago. I also unpin the ones I now found cringe and outdated. And that's how I have slowly been curating my personal style.

I’ve gotten my biggest interior inspirations from movies. I will and have rewatched movies over and over and over again just for the interiors. I agree that often the best inspiration is the spaces you find yourself in out in the world. Museums, cafes, bookstores, antique shops, boutique hotels …. Even paintings and photographs … anywhere, really. Just pay attention to details in the world around you and hone in on why you like what you like and it’ll come to you. I hate interior trends because it activates that thing we humans have for novelty. We just love novelty!! But like, do I really even LIKE burnt orange? No. No, I don’t, so why am I madly searching for burnt orange throw pillows? 😂 IG makes me anxious just for that alone. It activates that “I have to have it” thing in me and I really don’t like that feeling.

Something that's really helped me was I made a commitment to only buy second hand items. Initially I did it because I was freaked out about how much trash humans create but it turned out to be a great way to develop my "eye", it's the pieces I miss out on and can't stop thinking about months later that really point me in the right direction and it prevents me from impulse purchasing ✨

what is crucial is having personal items. regardless of what you're "into" at any moment, if you have things that you have a personal connection with or story for that will always make your home unique, special and home-y. also i've learned that taking a moment to think through your purchases is important and avoids waste and buyer's remorse. it will give you time to consider how the thing you want will work in your space and how you'll grow with it based on your lifestyle and taste. i keep a spreadsheet of my wishlist items and often when i review it i realize there is a lot i don't need and may not like for the longterm.

Life experience and a little self love is the key to letting your style unfold, whether it be interiors or fashion. Getting off social media and going out and living your life will enrich it in ways u can’t imagine. The more u unplug from the matrix the more u will connect with your creativity and soul 💗

I was always really happy with my personal style...but i had been watching alot of design and diy on youtube and started to become dissatisfied with my home...thinking it should be looking cleaner ,brighter and whiter and realistically,as a renter, i did not have the budget to change my entire colour pallette and also i used to love the look of my home.I then found caroline winkler who was refreshing and in one of her videos she mentioned you.And when i tell you the relief i felt to be reminded about personal style, pieces that last ,colour etc,it changed my whole attitude to back to what it had been and i began to love my home again.When i saw so much of your style line up with mine,i just began to feel more confident again and gave me the love back i had.I also really appreciate how you show there is value in designing your home the way you love even if you are just renting.So i wanted to thank you!

When I decided to try and shop mainly vintage it really helped because you see decades/ centuries of design instead of an amalgam of the last 5 years. Helped me stop buying pieces I didn’t love. And being ok with not having it all “done” at once.

Thanks Paige. I have been obsessed with interior design as long as I can remember. I used to draw plans for my bedrooms when I was 10 yo, then watched interiors show in my preteens and then transitioning to early interior creators (anyone remember KateLaVie?). Just this year, I finally bought a house I can make my own. And I'm literally so overwhelmed 🤣 there's been like 20 years of build up to this and I feel pressured from myself to make it look amazing.

Sometimes I feel like Pinterest, Instagram, TikTok could all be a bit confusing for people to develop their own style because they tend to mimic what’s in instead of having the foresight to know if that trend is for then or not. Many people I work with don’t know what their style is from what just looks good. For example one person I was designing for claimed to love and want a very japandi minimalist style, but everything she pinned on Pinterest was traditional with small touches of modern lol. We need to understand that just because it looks beautiful or nice, it’s not necessarily for you personally.

Honestly, just adding little bits of trends that you like can go a long way.

Paige, I so love that you appreciate vintage and inherited items. On the flip side, at my age, I have inherited SO many things (which I'm thankful for, don't get me wrong) but I'm VERY sentimental and struggle to decide what to keep and what to part with. It really stresses me out to be honest. A lot of items are no brainers and I would never get rid of them. But my mom and I spent a lot of time antiquing together and now I'm attached to waaaaaay too much really super groovy crap. It's definitely a balance. You're too young to be at the point where you have collected a shit ton of your own things and then inherited your parents, but I would love it if someone would do a video on their process of "sorting" through life's accumulation of belongings. It's a struggle...for me anyways. But I'm kind of special. 🙄

Instead of taking notes I take photos of everything I see if I love it in a restaurant or hotel etc and google lens it to find the source! Super handy and helps you learn about design in the process

I apply the rule I have when shopping for fashion/clothes. I put it in my cart and sit with it for a little while; I don't immediately purchase it. I also do this with ideas I want to do with my home. I sit on it for a little while and if it doesn't stick with me then most likely it was not what I really wanted to do. If it keeps nagging me, I know it's something I will really want to do. I am in the process of redesigning my home and it took a good while till I narrowed down the designs I really like. At first, I really liked that Dark Academia/cottage look but I have always been drawn to lighter (more light academia) tones. So I found that I gravitate more toward the vintage English Coastal cottage look. I hope that tip helps someone. Just sit on it before purchasing/designing. 😂

you are no doubt my number 1 inspiration for interior design! my housemates know whenever you have a new video because it'll be on the tv asap ahaha. thanks for the tips!

This is exactly the way that I have curated my home. Don’t get me wrong…I made the mistake of thinking I liked this style or that style and bought tons of crap that I ended up selling or donating, but time has taught me that buying good quality furnishings and bringing it together with art, decor and housewares that are meaningful to me is the best way. I also draw from friends homes as you mentioned and all the art in my home I have been very careful to collect with a discriminating eye. I have things from my childhood home that I absolutely cherish for the fond memories they have and the fact that they are also quality and have lasted over time. I agree wholeheartedly with your advice to take your time and find what you love and makes you happy. I once heard a designer on RU-vid say something to the effect of…my home is not decorated, it is a place where all the beautiful things that I love are on display.

Was waiting for this video. I subscribed because you were seemingly one of the very very few people who didn't follow trends (basically everyone tends to look the same now when I search for interior design on YT) and had a more thoughtful and unique view on things. You gave general advice that anyone could use despite their unique preferences so I've definitely learned some things I didn't before. It is probably the biggest hurdle I've had in moving forward because I didn't really know what I wanted and I still have a long way to go I think before it feels solid enough to proceed. Thanks Paige!

“Do I want to learn how to cook?” - Paige Wassel, 2022 I have a love/hate relationship with cooking. I relate.

It is flattering when someone likes your style. I got a lot of my ideas from my mother in law who was so artsy enough so that I couldn’t wait for the holidays to visit her in Connecticut.

Vintage, used, antique-y is my go-to, mostly because I only live in vintage spaces. I let the age of the home dictate the style. I start with something I love and build around it. Love your selections Paige!

I watch a lot of videos on how to develop your personal style in terms of fashion and clothing, but it’s nice to see the interior design version of it!

I'm so grateful I found your channel as you always inspire me and I appreciate your authenticity and grounded advice, such as buying good quality pieces.

Paige, I relate so much with this. After being out of school for the past 2 years, I am now finally getting to know my style. so I def agree. I am finally falling in love with some beautiful vintage pieces from my grandma lol so I get it. Happy holidays to you and your fam! ❤

Love your videos Paige. I can't miss one. Merry Christmas from Spain

Love how you advise that style takes time to curate! This is the best wisdom to share. It is amazing to shop secondhand when you are figuring out your style. Love your channel!

Took me about 30 years to define my own taste ! But now I’m really happy with it. Very good video, thank you. Merry Christmas to you and your lovely family

Thanks for the tips! I agree with using things that belonged to other family members. My dad recently gave me several of my grandma's paintings (she was an artist) that are about 80-90 yrs old. Theyre not trendy but I find them so inspirational and add coziness to our house. Its also cool to preserve some family history. Looking forward to more videos and I love your new place

Paige content and points you’re making are so imperative to designing your forever home or style. I have made some really bad purchases because I felt rushed to fill our new “1979” home. I believe I have finally found my authentic style. Recently gifted several antique pieces from parents home. Take care ! love your channel for how honest you are and points on how to use trends and not!!

I have found that if you don't have a style down, focus on color. Pick two or three and repeat them around the room with throw pillows, paint, a rug, etc. It automatically makes a room look put together and buys you time until you can settle on a style, collect decor and get or replace high ticket items like furniture. Also, paint your ceiling a color or wallpaper it. It's a designer touch. I know people love white walls, but stark white is not your friend if you don't have an eye for color and design. Finally, I'd say admit to what you like. When I finally broke down and faced that my style is British Colonial, I was afraid that meant palmetto tree paintings and Tommy Bahama. It doesn't. You can do your own interpretation, but being honest about what you truly like is doesn't just keep you from impulse buying, it'll keep away from some retailers altogether. I don't waste time on CB2, West Elm, or Pottery Barn now, for example. They're all lovely, but have nothing for me. Huge time saver.

Honestly watching every single one of your RU-vid Videos was healing :D i always loved different styles but wasn‘t able to combine them because i thought I had to follow a specific aesthetic. But that‘s what makes a place so unpersonal. Since I only buy stuff I really love and nothing that Just „matches“ with the Rest, I also don‘t feel the Need to redecorate ever 2 months anymore. So thank you Paige :))

Such wise advice. Thank you Paige! Yes, I would love to have you guide us through trends we should avoid :)

Sage advice, Paige, and I must say your reader comments are excellent too. Your channel gets better and better!

Paige, you know I look up to you. It has been almost 6 months since I got my first house and I’m still not moving in yet 😂 I am still staying in my rent house while carefully filling in my house and put so much thought to it. People are questioning and I don’t have the right word to explain. Now I’m just going to show them this video. Thank you! ❤ happy holidays!

Gosh this is so true. Don’t waste your money buying “throw away” furniture. It will fall apart after a few years. Buy good quality, well made furniture that will last a lifetime. I bought one piece at a time over years (I am 52). You can find good furniture 2nd hand for sure. Make sure it is solid wood, not particle board. And buy pieces that are timeless. Come to New Orleans Paige, I’ll teach you how to cook ❤

I randomly found your channel and now I am watching every videos of you Paige! I like your comment on interior and love your channel. I really enjoy it .

Happy Holidays Paige!

It’s not copying it’s actually a compliment and as you said sharing

Well said! Start with hand-me-downs or cheap thrifts, then slowly upgrade your style. Every time you move apartments, each apartment will need a different variables of furniture due to space constraints. Upgrade that one piece, each time. Eventually you’ll know more about yourself and your style.

This is a hard concept for me to understand, because I have always known what I like, some might call me picky, and I have a very strong sense of style. I still like watching trends because you might see something styled differently than you thought of, or it’s an opportunity to indulge in things you already like that are more readily available.

This was really helpful. It’s also refreshing to hear you talk about style rather than trends. I’m so over the all neutral kitchens and ultra trendy stuff vomited all over social media.

New sub here. I found your channel yesterday and I cannot stop binging your content! We definitely differ in style in some pretty big ways as I write this from my L-shaped couch, staring at the angled legs on my TV stand, refraining from switching out all the legs on my furniture with angled legs. (My husband has explicitly vetoed that. Lol!) That said, I think it's so important to have my style challenged. It pushes me to really reflect on what I like and how important certain style choices are for be to feel like I'm home. I love me some mid-century modern lamps and furniture, so I go a bit overboard and watch way too much mid-century modern decor content. I end up drafting a place that feels like a showroom circa 1965 rather than a home that feels like me. I forget that I want to mix in some traditional and art deco elements to remind me of my childhood with hints of boho here and there for some organic and textural elements that feel so homey to me. Thank you for helping me remember!

tested posi for covid today and lemme tell ya new wasselpa content is making everything better

My favorite pieces of furniture are the ones that I’ve thrifted or that have been handed down to me. They’re the most unique furniture items I own! Patience is insanely hard because when I get inspired to update a space, I want it done like immediately, but curating pieces over time is what will help my space feel unique and intentional.

This was EXTREMELY helpful! It can be so overwhelming taking in so much content and staying true to your own style. This gave me so much clarity!

Such good advice. Thank you!

Hi Paige great tips. love your channel and your straight forward, authentic approach to it all. would love a video on what to do when a style becomes so trendy that you start to feel like you shouldn't do what you have always loved - for example subway tile or wainscoting. Will some things outlast the trendiness and still look stylish in the future?

Hi Paige. I just bought a house and I have had so much guidance on how to decorate it thanks to your videos. Thank you for inspiring me!

Happy holidays Paige! 😘

I agree SO strongly with everything that you have said in this video!

100% en accord . Ce logement est tellement beau, impatiente de voir la suite !

Girl you are my research and I’m loving it

You’re one of the few authentic people on here and I love everything you post. If Ralph Lauren and Martha Stewart went broke and had a baby…… that’s my style! Merry Christmas you beautiful person! ❤

My style is eclectic southern cottage style. I love florals and natural colors, oversized stuffed furniture, and shelves full of books and knick-knacks. I love white furniture, antique white or pale nature colored walls with white-white trim, and white wainscotting. I just love a room that people where people can walk around and look at all your little things and start conversations about how their grandmother had a couch just like that. I've never been able to create my perfect cottage style home, but I've been collecting things for years, and now all I need is the overstuffed furniture.

You are definitely one of my inspirations!!

Every time I move into a place, I wait a bit to let that space tell me what "it" wants. Of course I have a bunch of stuff and most likely chose a place to live knowing that my stuff would look good there. But whenever I am packing to move and buy something for the new place (before I get there), it almost NEVER works.

Thank you, such good practical advise!

My design style is very eclectic. Mid century is the core of it but I add my flair to it. New and old can work together. I love color swung glass that I have thrifted. Swung glass has a simple beauty to it as well as modern. I love having things people have to hunt for.

I love Paige. I love that even when she says something like.. I want to learn how to cook.. she questions herself like.. do I want to learn how to cook? Am I being fully honest with my audience and myself? Uhm yes I do. Just so authentic. Great video and taking notes on every tip.

needed this!!

Oooo thank you so much for acknowledging that taste is acquired. I am an avid cook and so cooking comes easily… modifying recipes come very easily for me… acquiring my taste for design is new, a little uncomfortable, and kind of fun

It's exciting to know that the items around me had a life and a history before I owned it. Great tips!

Milanote is great for creating a mood board (can use your own pictures, include notes, links, pictures from online, etc. in 1 place)!

Great video and great points!!

I love it when you share your sources or IG's you follow. Thank you

This was a great and helpful vid!

Loved this!

I love you, thank you for again amazing video ❤

thank you for this! i would love to see your process. cooking is something I am naturally good at but decorating a space is not. It's hard to for me to visualize what I want and since I am a renter I have always just been lazy and didn't put any effort in. But now I realize I want to start making changes. I changed out the boob light fixture in my bedroom and I'm ready to make my place look cuter. I would love to see your tips on how to make a nicer looking rental bathroom. Thanks for making such helpful videos!

I'd love to see a vid on styling things with personal/sentimental meaning and fitting them in with your design style

Some of these tips are also perfect for finding out who you are in life in general (like don’t rush and stop following people who don’t inspire you)

Hey Paige. Merry Christmas! I'd enjoy a more in-depth video. Thanks! Maybe we should share some recipes with you! Nell 💚

I’ve known my decor style for a number of years. At times, I’ll try something new and trendy and it just doesn’t feel “right.” I always go back to my true style.

i like antiques so estate sales are the perfect place for me for amazing deals on really nice stuff🌈🌞

Paige! I’m trying to bring a little life into my tiny rental bathroom. I would love to see a video about decorating bathroom as I feel like, especially in smaller ones, you can really go a bit more out there in terms of style

Hey girl new follower. This is my first video from you and holy shit these tips were SO HELPFUL. I loved your points on taking time and incorporating things you've gained over years. Also how you mentioned its okay to get ideas from people you know but not replicate it exactly. I've always worried that I was "copying" them so I wouldn't do it. So the idea of pulling small bits of it and sharing your own resources as well is a great outlook on that concept.

Awesome video!

I am a little bit older...50+... I thought I had always my own style, but looking back there are always trends that influence me ☺🤷🏼‍♀️

I love the idea of spring cleaning including decluttering social media.

I have to restrain myself, if I don’t the house will always look like a rustic gothic castle 😂😂😂

Good advice!

*Pinterest Boards* . I would be lost without my pinterest boards. I especially like looking for color palette inspiration. It took me a few years to nail my aesthetic, a lot of thrifting and trial and error. My style is rustic, vintage and earthy. I like dark and moody and I'm not a minimalist or maximalist. I love a cozy vibe with my special treasures.

The only trends I will fully endorse are the small wall paint projects just because it's so easy to undo/redo and a single sample paint can is really cheap. However, it could just be my excuse for trying new things with big visual impact and minimal cost impact

I love Target for a lot of home decor items. I wouldn't furnish my whole house with Target stuff but a few items scattered around looks great. To be honest stylish decor can be found anywhere. Even at all the stores you bash on your channel almost every video.

Oh i adore Pinterest! I've been making up mood boards for so many rooms in our home!

Very important not to get impatient and just buy all your furniture right away. You'll end up with a house that looks like an ikea show room :D - souless. Also I wasn't trying to notice, but gucci main book? hahaha

Thanks for sharing Paige..🤨

Expose yourself to and absorb as much as you can of related aesthetic fields: art, photography, graphic design, architecture, etc. Travel. Live life. It'll come, eventually, but it's a process that can take years, and even when you've settled into your own personal style, don't lock that in for life. Continue to be open to new influences. Be willing to adapt your personal style to your circumstances. If you love Scandi, say, that can work in a Modernist, Mid Century Modern or even a Transitional dwelling, but not so much in a 200 year old farmhouse, a Victorian, or Arts & Crafts. Favour things that have stood the test of time, rather than chase trends.

Interesting! I've always thought you should start with the big furniture pieces so sort of have your "base". However, it has always felt really scary because of how expensive they are.

Please tell me were you got your t-shirt. I love the neck line!!!!

have you considered making an entire video about mid century modern? or maybe entire videos on specific interior design styles perhaps?

Great point to fill your space quickly until you can find and buy the authentic things you really want.

Very useful information! As far as cooking goes, maybe you can invest in some cool cookbooks to inspire your inner Julia Child. Plus they could act as a pretty good design element for your space.

I like to follow photographers who specialize in interiors on instagram. That way you have a wider breadth of design and images rather than one person's style. Also good to follow are thrift and second hand stores.

Video recommendation: "My Subscriber's Favorite Etsy Shops"

That’s the perfect white T-shirt. Please share where you got it!

Hi! I came across your RU-vid recently and you’re my new favorite RU-vidr 🧡 but on a side note, your white tee is THE perfect white tee- mind dropping the brand?