TikTok has done wonders for interior inspiration. With one swipe, it’s possible to go from Japandi calm to Barbiecore chaos in under ten seconds. But in this hyper-stimulating swirl of trending sounds, viral DIYs and aesthetic “must-haves,” it’s easy to lose sight of what truly feels like home.
That’s where the art of “deinfluencing” comes in. What started as a pushback against overconsumption in beauty and fashion is now rippling through interior design, encouraging people to think twice before following the crowd and instead create spaces that feel genuinely personal, lived-in, and long-lasting.
The Problem with Trend-Driven Décor
Trends aren’t inherently bad. They can spark creativity and help people discover what they like. But when every home ends up looking like a carbon copy of someone else's highlight reel, individuality gets lost.
Designing around what’s “hot” this month can also lead to burnout and decision fatigue. That viral statement lamp or curve-hugging boucle chair might be everywhere now, but will it still spark joy in a year? Or will it just end up on Facebook Marketplace with the rest of last season’s regrets?
And let’s not forget the environmental toll of trend-chasing. Constantly replacing furniture and accessories feeds into fast interiors: a cycle of mass production, short lifespans, and even shorter attention spans.
What Does Deinfluenced Design Look Like?
Deinfluencing your décor doesn’t mean swearing off all trends or living in a style vacuum. It means being more mindful, more selective, and more connected to what you actually love.
Prioritising Function Over Aesthetic: That wildly impractical ghost chair might look stunning in a photo, but if it’s about as comfy as a park bench, it’s not worth it. Same with that pristine white carpet that might look dreamy online, but if muddy pawprints or spills are a regular feature, then you’ll want something durable like engineered wood or luxury vinyl tile. You need to think about how you live in a space. Do you host movie nights? Work from home? Have pets or kids? Let your lifestyle, not your For You Page, guide your choices.
Embracing Sentimental Value: That vintage mirror from your nan, the faded rug from a holiday market, or the wonky shelf you built yourself, are all pieces that tell stories. They might not “match” perfectly, but they hold memories and meaning. That’s far more valuable than a cohesive beige aesthetic.
Choosing Timeless Over Trending: There’s a reason classics stick around. Natural wood, neutral palettes, quality textiles, and clean lines will always have a place in design. Layer in trend-led accessories if you like, but make the bigger investments count by choosing longevity.
Mixing, Not Matching: Rather than copying a single style, draw from a mix of influences. A rustic table under a mid-century light. A maximalist gallery wall in a minimalist room. Eclectic spaces feel curated, not copied and they grow with you over time.
The Deinfluencer’s Checklist
Next time a piece pops up in your feed that you have to have, pause and ask yourself:
- Do I love this because it’s me, or because I’ve seen it 15 times today?
- Will it still work in my home if the trend fades?
- Is it comfortable, practical, or otherwise useful?
- Can I find a version second-hand, vintage, or from a local maker?
- Would I still buy it if no one else ever saw it?
If the answer to most of those is “no,” it’s probably best left in the digital basket.
Creating a Home That Feels Like Home
At the end of the day, deinfluencing décor is about intention. It’s about slowing down the scroll, quieting the noise, and turning inward. What colours make you feel calm? What textures do you reach for on a rainy day? What pieces have you carried from flat to flat, refusing to part with?
The most beautiful homes aren’t necessarily the most Pinterest-perfect. They’re the ones that reflect the people inside them; the quirks, memories, imperfections and all.
Think of deinfluencing as the interior equivalent of wearing your favourite old jumper instead of the latest high-street drop. It might not be on trend, but it’s comforting, familiar, and totally, unmistakably you.
So next time TikTok tells you your space needs a neon sign, cloud couch or matcha green fridge, take a beat. Your home doesn’t need to trend. It just needs to feel right.
Against the Algorithm: Creating a Home That’s More Than Another Trend