psa: homes have personality again

Yes, you heard that right—homes have personality again.

In recent years, we’ve been moving away from functional, overly minimal spaces toward more curated interiors filled with character.

I think this shift largely comes from Gen Z’s criticism of modern, mass-produced homes. There’s growing resistance to the idea of stripping away the character older homes have just for the sake of uniformity or resale value. Enhancing a home’s existing character with an updated finish feels far m

ore appealing than creating something bland and impersonal.

Much of the dislike for gray, monochromatic living spaces can be traced back to the 2010s trend known as “millennial gray.” This style rose alongside the popularity of fixer-uppers, where the goal was to renovate homes as quickly and efficiently as possible to sell or rent. The result was often large, open living spaces with cool-toned walls, gray wood flooring, and muted colors throughout the furniture and decor.

Because of the lack of color and experimentation, these spaces often don’t feel lived in. It’s hard to get a sense of who actually lives there—if anyone at all.

Now, we’re seeing a collective push toward bringing color, texture, and a mix of interior design styles back into the home. The spaces are still curated—but the feeling is entirely different.

I believe this shift is one of the reasons we’re seeing more people seek out vintage pieces and turn to thrift shopping. There used to be a sense of character woven into furniture and decor without sacrificing functionality.

Aesthetics will always be one of, if not the biggest, reasons for curating a space. It’s human nature to want to be surrounded by beauty. The difference now is that character and personality have to exist within that aesthetic—otherwise, what’s the point of calling the space your own?