So, at the end of 2020, and early in 2021, I kept reading articles and seeing videos about ‘the Colour of 2021’.  Various paint and colour companies around the world ‘decide’ or ‘predict’ what the forthcoming year’s most popular colour will be… how they do this is anyone’s guess…

The various companies came up with their own shortlist of colours. and there were quite a few differences, but, for 2021, the dominant colour choice overall was TerraCotta or something like it…   Why?  I can’t fathom….

For me, terracotta brings back memories of those old, dated kitchen floors which, if not sealed and re-sealed regularly, showed grease stains for the rest of time.

And there were retailers who, naturally, picked up and ran with this colour trend.  I saw many items in this colour in stores … cushions, vases, accessories, clothes… even some big-ticket items like lounge suites…

And, here we are, half-way into 2021, and I wonder how many of us fell prey to the trendsetting forecasters and bought items for our home in this ‘Colour of 2021’.  I’d be interested to know, if you did, how you paired it with other colours… were you happy with how you felt with it?  And, I wonder, how will you feel about that colour in a year’s time? Or two?

And then there are the people who tell us that this or that style is ‘out’ and another is ‘trending’….  Again, there’s that word…. ‘trend’.   No one has to follow a trend.  Follow your gut, I say… go with what makes you feel good.

And the ‘trend’ thing not only applies to homes and interiors, it applies to fashion as well…  do we all have to wear the same style of clothing this year, and dispose of it in favour of next year’s ‘trend’?  If, for example, you’re into vintage gear, good for you, I say.  Wear it with aplomb and hold your head high.

Be unique.  Never be afraid to be your own person and own your style.

My point about all this is that we are all unique individuals, and we don’t have to follow the herd.  The only thing herd-related we want at the moment, in this Covid-dominated world, is herd immunity.

Know who you are and what you like, what appeals to you, what draws you in.  And if you are having difficulty figuring out where your preferences lie and what your style is, do consult an expert.  They’re there to help you find your way through the confusing maze of styles, colours, options and a host of other choices that need to be made when it comes to making your home a welcoming cocoon that just makes you exhale and your shoulders relax  the moment you walk through the door….

And consulting an expert need not put a huge dent in your pocket… in fact, it may even save you money – see my blog on Reasons to Consult an Interior Designer… you’ll see what I mean…

So, the bottom line to the question in the title above is:

• Know yourself
• Be yourself
• Listen to advice and consider it, but, at the end of the day, it’s your decision!
• Stand for what you believe in and what feels right
• Go for it!