Recently, I've been looking at a lot of different "trendy" designs for Ukrainian homes.
Of course, I may have my own reservations or preferences regarding design. But that's a matter of taste, I suppose. The main thing is that the homeowner likes it and feels comfortable.
In my opinion, truly cool and quality design is not as common as one would like. Most projects always look artificial to me—"plastic." And this is due to an overwhelming amount of artificial laminated surfaces.
Suspended ceilings have become popular due to their affordability and quick installation. We already have plastic on the ceiling.
Wall panels in decoration are becoming increasingly popular. They hide cabinets, wardrobes, or technical niches behind them. Sometimes, they're just used to decorate walls. However, often, it's either some trendy plastic or laminated chipboard again. So, now we have artificial materials on the walls too, with an artificial "wood-like" texture.
The floor is also either laminate, ceramic granite, or vinyl.
This is complemented by chipboard furniture, artificial fabric "trendy colors," and, in addition, some cheap reproductions or posters.
And we end up with a completely plastic room from all sides. This so-called “trendy design” is actually saturated with products from the modern construction market, aggressively promoted through all possible sales channels to ensure you use them.
But such a room is not for living. It's actually just as hard to exist in it as in the gaudy "pshonka" style, which everyone is now mocking.
How to prevent this?
Actually, it's quite simple. If you are in the design development stage or planning a renovation, review the finishing materials that are being offered to you.
It's better to avoid suspended ceilings. In my opinion, it's better to simply paint the concrete white than to have a stretched plastic bubble overhead, which also "takes away" ceiling height.
Try to use less laminated chipboard. Replace it with veneered chipboard if your budget allows. And if you use laminated, at least don't choose a wood-like texture. It looks cheap and artificial.
Leave some walls exposed. Don't cover everything with panels or plaster. Leave part of a concrete or brick wall visible. Just paint them, and you'll have a cool, live, genuine texture in the cheapest way.
If possible, avoid artificial flooring like vinyl or laminate. These materials are unpleasant to the touch of bare feet. I say this as someone who has lived with laminate flooring for 20 years. It's better to buy the cheapest parquet board with real veneer or just pine board rather than laminate.
I have nothing against ceramic granite or tiles. Especially if they are used as underfloor heating. But please, don't choose glossy surfaces or marble imitations. Opt for something calm and plain.
And you will get a completely different home.
But what to do if the renovation is already done?
If the renovation is already done, but you want to dilute the abundance of artificial materials—add wooden furniture. Let it be something inexpensive. Shelves, a pine rack, a wooden table. But from real wood.
Wood brings life to the interior. It adds authenticity and warmth that modern artificial materials lack.
Review your decor and paintings on the walls. Sometimes, removing cheap reproductions is enough to liven up the interior. If you have a poster with garish tulips or a cheap painting with wolves on the wall—take them down immediately.
Hang your own large photographs, print photos from your travels. It will be much better than cheap pseudo-art.
The key to a lively interior is natural materials, real textures, and living memories. It's not about the cost.
