How to avoid cookie cutter design in your home

Picking up from my last blog post about the interior design trends for 2023, one thing we’re going to see more of is individuality. This means expressing yourself through colour, texture and architectural features and less ‘cookie cutter’ design.

Two of the main areas I see ‘cookie cutter’ design are new builds (especially facades) and furniture/décor from big box retailers.

Below, I’m sharing some tips on how to avoid this when it comes to designing and decorating your home.

Credit- https://www.enduringdomain.com.au/

Go custom

When it comes to building your home, liaising with volume builders gives you limited wiggle room on custom design. Part of the reason so many new estates have cookie cutter homes is because it’s easier for builders and developers to smash out a heap of homes in record time. If possible, build with a local builder, or, if using a volume builder, look into colour schemes and materials that aren’t so commonly used. Of course, when building in an estate, there are limitations on how your façade can look, but if it’s possible to clad something in a unique and sustainable material or use a different roof pitch, then it may be worth spending the little bit extra to create a home that stands out in a beautiful way.

Credit- https://www.nooklifestyleandhome.com.au/

Shop around and support small business

I remember working at a big box furniture retailer almost 10 years ago (wow, that’s flown by). Back then, package deals were the hype. (Buy the dining setting with a matching buffet and coffee table for a discounted price!). What then happened is a lot of homeowners ended up with interiors that resembled a showroom, along with having an interior that looked very close to several others in the neighbourhood. Now if this is you and you’re happy with it, then good for you. You can add some individuality in other ways. When shopping for furniture, my advice is that you purchase pieces from different places but keep the overall scheme in check.

For example, the rug, coffee table and side table might be from one retailer. The sofa and dining table from another and lastly, the dining chairs and buffet from a third supplier. Each item may be slightly different but the timbers or hardware colour may be the same, therefore, linking each piece together to create a cohesive look for your space.

Supporting small businesses also means you’re less likely to have decorative items that are found on every second persons Instagram page. Kmart has it’s place but I am so sick of seeing the same décor item or hack on my feed 50 times a day.

Credit- www.homestolove.com.au

Focus on YOUR wants and needs, not others

When building, renovating or furnishing your home, you’re generally having a chat with mum, dad or other family members. Just remember that they can offer their opinion or expertise but they’re not the ones living in your home. Just because your brother painted his home in Lexicon qtr and it looked great, doesn’t mean you have to. If something inside you is telling you to take a risk and install a timber benchtop instead of white stone, then do it! We don’t all need white kitchens.

If you do have a white kitchen that is looking bland, your can inject your own personality through artwork, coloured or textured ornaments and ceramics and even through your appliances. Dulux have a renovation paint range now that you could use to paint over old boring splashback tiles if that works.  

There are many ways to avoid cookie cutter design and many ways to add some character if your home feels drab. I am constantly thinking about my home and changing things around, (mostly because I find it fun) and I love helping others fall in love with their homes again.

If you found this helpful, feel free to email me at chloe@designsbychloe.net and let me know what you’d like to learn about next.