I believe every designer who has ever trusted a trend — fallen in love with it for a while, or worse, considered it perfect and placed it in the category of “forever” — has, sooner or later, faced disappointment.
As in love, it is not always returned. And even when it is, committing to trends is rarely a good idea. It can lead to stagnation, creative blockage, or, at times, simply becoming outdated.
More often than not, such experiences turn into a lesson in humility. And that’s a good thing — because awareness grows from it.
Of course, some choose to remain within a fixed aesthetic. This is especially visible in fashion, where relics of the past sometimes walk the streets as if they had stepped out of the sets of Sztos, Rojst, or Tulipan — references that, for many, evoke the 1970s to 1990s.
So how do we develop a sense of awareness — an ability to distinguish between what is temporary and what endures?
There is no single answer, but through experience, I have come to recognize a few constants.
Technology
It is often the driving force behind trends that truly last. A good example is the miniaturization of lighting. Today, general or technical lighting can be almost invisible. Minimal forms have become the standard. Regardless of whether an interior leans toward classic or rustic, the technical layer follows its own logic. Comfort is not up for debate.
Materials
Nothing new here: what lasts is what is real. Materials that do not pretend to be something else. Matte stone, natural wood, balanced tones of white and black. Wallpapers with textile-like textures, subtle patterns — like the iconic Dots by Arte.
Vintage
There are no limits here. Original modernist and mid-century furniture, authentic lighting, Murano glass, high-quality Persian rugs. These objects carry history — and history does not age; it simply shifts context.
Style
Minimalist forms with oriental roots, the raw honesty of industrial elements — these are languages that have stood the test of time. Because it is hard to resist objects that age beautifully.
A golden quote:
If I had to define what never becomes outdated in a single word, it would be honesty. Because what is honest — in material, form, and intention — remains relevant.
