It’s stressful keeping up with fleeting trends, isn’t it? Whether you’re trying to design your home based on Instagram posts, match your rooms to Pinterest mood boards, or fit in with what’s big in the homes of TikTok influencers. So forget about them.

Homes are supposed to be full of quirks and imperfections. Those staged photos you see on social media aren’t realistic; homes are messy, homes are lived in, and, most importantly, homes are loved.

What Does It Mean to Have an “Imperfect” Interior?

First things first, imperfection doesn’t mean neglect or chaos. It doesn’t mean failure or something to hide away in shame. Instead, it’s about letting go of rigid styling rules and embracing personality, spontaneity, and comfort. Think about the natural variations of knots in real wood flooring, a chipped and faded mug that your kid made you years ago, or a relatively unflattering sofa that’s the comfiest thing you’ve ever sat on.

Your home doesn’t have to be perfect, it doesn’t have to match, it just has to matter to you. It’s the art of styling in a way that feels real and not staged.

The Japanese philosophy, Wabi-Sabi, embraces this beautifully by valuing transience, patina, and asymmetry. Allowing this idea of imperfection to evolve. Then in the West, there’s a surge of trends like intentional clutter, whimsical maximalism, and non-aesthetic homes. Yes, it brings us back to trends, but these are different. They’re not about buying the next best thing that interior designers are adding to their homes. These are about prioritising emotional connection over visual perfection.

Why Do Imperfect Interiors Make Us Happier?

This societal must to strive for flawless designs and picture-perfect homes is too much. It’s an unnecessary stress that leaves no room for spontaneity and comfort. Imperfect interiors then make us happier because they’re forgiving. They allow for mistakes, time, and fun.

Instead of tiptoeing around your own home to keep everything spotless, you’re encouraged to relax and love your lived-in home. A home that evolves with you reflects real life; think of scuffed walls, shifted furniture, and rugs worn by time. These mirror the natural comings and goings of your home, making it feel more personal.

Without perfection breathing down your neck, you’re allowed to be creative. To treat your home as a canvas for experimentation. You want a contemporary home, but love traditional elements? Go for it, opposites do attract. Can’t choose between yellow and pink walls? You’d be surprised at how well they work together. Worried people will think that parquet vinyl flooring will be too bold? Who cares! As long as it makes you happy, you’ll be able to figure it out.

Imperfect Trends on the Rise

Taking a step away from trends doesn’t mean they can’t inspire you. Some trends are better viewed as interior design approaches; offering you guidance, not instruction, for designing the best home for you. Some of these are even rooted in ancient philosophies, so they’ve got to have some good tips if they’re still relevant!

Wabi-Sabi: This Japanese philosophy embraces the idea that beauty can be found in everything and that nothing is perfect. It values simplicity and mindfulness while embracing natural materials and life cycles.

Whimsical Maximalism: This aesthetic combines the boldness of maximalism with a sense of wonder and whimsy. It’s a playful style that reflects your personality and individuality, encouraging a “more is more” mindset with bright colours and quirky furniture.

Dopamine Décor: This trend is about triggering your happy hormones. It’s about decorating purely for joy so that when you walk into a room, you instantly feel a rush of happiness. Fill your home with elements that boost your mood; bright colours, lots of lighting, and a range of textures go a long way.

Intentional Clutter: A common misconception about intentional clutter is that it’s messy and chaotic, when in actuality, it’s a deliberate and curated design. Each item is placed with purpose and it creates a lived-in and welcoming home, where everything has meaning.

Non-Aesthetic Homes: These homes are about living authentically. With an emphasis on practicality and functionality, these spaces celebrate imperfection and individuality. They’re supportive and genuine spaces that you don’t need to be strict with or worry about maintaining trends.

Perfectly Imperfect

Remember, perfection might look good in a magazine or showroom, but it lacks warmth and character. It’s the difference between a house and a home. One’s lived in and loved, while the other’s a prop. Imperfect interiors bring joy and comfort into our lives, they allow our homes to become safe spaces for us to unwind and relax without adding unnecessary worry. So let your home reflect the real you and not social media.

Author Bio:

Sophie Marlowe is a digital content writer and outreach executive for Luxury Flooring. She specialises in crafting engaging blogs on home improvement and home decor with a focus on flooring. Sophie writes handy how-tos, easy guides, and helpful comparisons, letting the reader be informed and inspired to take their home to the next level.

Eduard Kochetov