I’ve got into this terrible habit lately of following luxury interior Instagram accounts. That doesn’t sound particularly concerning straight off the bat but it’s gotten to a point where I don’t think there’s a picture of a European mansion, super car or private jet interior that I haven’t liked on social media.
The other concern I have, apart from this obsession with aesthetics, is that I’m at risk of homogenising my own personal style.
We’re constantly inundated with imagery of luxury and expense, but realising that we don’t have to apply these principles to our own lives sure is refreshing.
A lot of the time I find these types of thoughts are centred around the home – pictures of unrealistically beautiful living rooms, five star kitchens and ultimate bedrooms, but it’s important that we don’t see these images as benchmarks.
Here’s what I think is key to remember when browsing through social media feeds that feature lifestyle imagery, which might look appealing but that might not actually be doing you any good.
1. Re-understand what luxury means to you.
Luxury isn’t a matter of success and excess. It’s about being able to afford the ideal balance of style, scarcity and functionality. Whilst a Ferrari might look absolutely beautiful, in terms of what it grants you, unless you’re a speed demon you’re probably not going to want to spend all of that money on it. Wouldn’t you rather have an item that was good quality, unique and fit for purpose as opposed the most expensive thing around?
2. Find your interior style and run with it.
When it comes to furniture and interiors, creating a space where you feel comfortable is key. You don’t need to spend too much money on expensive pieces, but instead you could focus on a few key items such as a sofa or TV unit. One of my favourite stores to browse is Interior Secrets, which was founded in 2009 to provide Australian consumers with access to modern and designer pieces at Australia’s most competitive prices.
3. Remember that seasons change
Trends are always coming and going, which is why you should focus on accumulating not the latest and the greatest, but rather a few timeless pieces that can be mixed with the old and the new. Contemporary minimalism always seems to be a great base on which to build your home.
Finally, all of this will come together if you trust your eye and go with what you believe works best for you. Leave the excess to Instagram – focus on making your home your own.
This post was written with support from Interior Secrets.
