World-renowned fashion icon and trendsetter Iris Apfel has left some essential interior design rules to help us collectively move away from cookie-cutter, monotonous design and embrace our individual style. Although she was a trendsetter herself, she urged homeowners to refrain from following trends. Ironic? Not really. She effortlessly set trends while embracing her unique expression and doing what she loved. And she’s encouraging you to do the same. Just because the masses get their furniture from Ikea, and it seems nice and easy enough to assemble, does not mean you should.
Instead, Apfel urges homeowners to find what makes their hearts sing and look for unique pieces to bestow their home with a distinct feel and sensation that cannot be mimicked elsewhere. She states that you should “Express yourself, not what your neighbor has. There’s very little creativity left. It used to be that people wanted some individuality, so when you walk into an apartment you know whose apartment it is.” To a woman who lived and breathed creativity, seeing the world turn monochromatic and less colorful seems like an attack on individual artistry. However, we can easily honor the visionary Apfel by bringing home more character and imagination.