What is up with style having no personality?

12 years ago

I've looked at thousands of photographs on Houzz and most of the interior rooms are dull even though the finishes are high end. Maybe it is just the way they like to photograph houses, but most don't even look like anybody could live in them. It is always so welcome when I see a picture where the room has some personality and character. Is it the style now to keep anything personal out of homes? I rarely even see a book.

Featured Answer

studio10001

12 years ago

I don't know of any surveys to rely on for response, but I believe the nature of personalization is changing, which is a bit different than de-personalizing. Removing all signs of self from private environments seems unlikely to give up the ghost entirely, but certainly to find different expression - the next generation has fewer books, photos, CDs, etc., thanks (or no) to technology - but there is a simultaneous growth in the interest in cottage arts and genealogy that tempers that reduction of more traditional personal possessions. The economy, regionalism and green movements all favour a pull toward minimalism, and while it has proponents that remove all but what is used every day or is ephemeral, it is also only one of several popular ways of decorating, unthinkable by many - as this site can attest. Many posters are here, ironically, wanting to know how they can make their spaces more personal - which suggests to me that the need to imprint and stand out is in no danger of being lost, even if the tools we use are changing.

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Comments (11)

Curt D'Onofrio
12 years ago
Love books. These excellent ideas i found on houzz
http://www.houzz.com/ideabooks/19626406/thumbs/room-ideas
intoit
Original Author
12 years ago
Now that has some personality and character as well as being fun.
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unwantedadvice
12 years ago
@intoit, I think most rooms that will be professionally photographed will be devoid of personal items like family pics, etc. I like most of the photos and think many have personality just by their style or accessories. I guess it just depends on what you "see" as an individual looking at the photos.
studio10001
12 years ago
Using search terms will bring forward photos that are more specialized. Try 'artistic ' as a search term in ideabooks as a start.
intoit
Original Author
12 years ago
I guess this is a confusing topic. I was just wondering if depersonalizing a room has now become a style or trend. Have we moved away from more personal style?
unwantedadvice
12 years ago
I don't think so. I am not going to buy any piece of furniture because it is trendy or the latest "it" piece. Same for colors and fabrics, etc. But no I am not going to do decor that is decades old either.

I would buy for comfort and appearance and colors that I like and prefer. I am also not going to go out and buy new accessories every few years either because that to me is wasteful and not necessary. I will continue to use pieces I have and even items that are family pieces as well.

My personality, as well as others in the home, is definitely out there for anyone to see. I am not buying something that I think someone else would like, it's what I like and that is where the personality comes from.
intoit thanked unwantedadvice
studio10001
12 years ago
As a case in point, here is one of today's ideabooks:
https://www.houzz.com/magazine/what-to-do-with-old-family-photos-stsetivw-vs~21189778
unwantedadvice
12 years ago
@studio10001, you made great points with your comment and also with the ideabook. Well done. I do agree that with the computer age came less music paraphernalia and photos, etc. and a "less is more" attitude. There have been many times I wished I had embraced that concept earlier myself.

As I have aged I have pared down many items that once filled display and furniture pieces and I am glad I did that. No point in holding on to pieces and " things" that don't have much value whether sentimental or not.
intoit thanked unwantedadvice
intoit
Original Author
12 years ago
Studio 10001, thank you for your thoughtful insight to what might be taking place in the personalization of style. I certainly agree that modern technology has been a big influence in many ways. It often seems that there is a great deal of thought put into resale when many homes are designed and decorated I think this started with many of the HGTV shows about buying and selling homes. The advice that buyers needed to be able to see themselves in the sellers home meant that the decor should be minimal and the colors neutral. Good advice I think. The awareness of this may also play a part when individuals design their spaces even when they are not planning a quick resale.
I think the green movement is more about the economy of space and using it wisely so that the environmental impact is less. This would include recycling and reusing furnishings as well as using products that are healthy.
I guess my thoughts about this subject lead me to address cultural issues that influence our choices. Does the market manipulate our selections and influence how we see ourselves living in our environment? I think so. Perhaps being personal in our choices is very difficult and people have less time to determine their own personal style.
User
12 years ago
https://www.houzz.com/discussions/put-your-stamp-on-your-home-dsvw-vd~779548