HGTV's Jenn Todryk Weighs In On Cautiously Approaching Design Trends

When it comes to home design and decorating, it's easy to be swayed by what everyone else is doing. However, one expert who advises against this is star of HGTV's "No Demo Reno," Jenn Todryk. As fans will know, the gist of the show is that any space can be transformed without needing to commit to a full-on demolition (and spending a ton of money in the process). Todryk's philosophy? Work with what you've got. As she shared in an Instagram post, even in instances where existing structures feel less than ideal, there's always a simple way to upgrade the space. Speaking of older homes and seemingly outdated interior design features, she urged, "Find the little bits of charm within the home and amplify them by making cosmetic changes as you can." 

With that in mind, it's not exactly surprising that the HGTV personality isn't advocating for people to jump on every home design trend that has five minutes of fame on social media. In fact, while she's all for updating spaces, trends are usually the furthest thing from her mind when designing a space. So, where does she suggest looking for inspiration instead?

As Jenn Todryk explained in an interview with Texas Monthly, in the age of social media, home and interior design trends fall in and out of favor in the blink of an eye. Enter, the case for honing in on your personal interior style. Todryk has long urged her audience to create oases that feel right for them, their needs, and their aesthetics. In one Instagram post, she pointed out, "Your home should be a special space to you, a sense of safety and comfort and ultimately be decorated to bring you joy!" She's also remained vocal about doing so, even if what makes you happiest goes against the trendy decor choices seen on social media. As she explained in a blog entry on The Rambling Redhead, "Things will always be changing, usually just as you get on board with whatever trend is now going out, and that's okay! Your house is for YOU. Do what makes you happy in it." 

Another perk of doing what you love instead of following what everyone else is doing? Timelessness. As Todryk mentioned in her blog post, by prioritizing her style, she continues to love her past homes — which probably wouldn't have been the case if she'd simply curated the spaces based on trends. 

While Jenn Todryk is all about creating spaces based on personal style, she's also not altogether against trends. In fact, she's very much for incorporating them in small ways, provided they feel right for the person using them. Todryk's top tip on trends? Stick to decor, rather than all-out design. As she explained in her blog, "It's cheaper than a renovation and something you can have fun updating throughout the years as trends come and go." That could mean painting a room a popular color or adding in things like houseplants. Alternatively, opt for accessories like throw pillows that can tie into a trend without requiring a total overhaul. 

Once again, however, she's quick to caution against feeling a need for every accessory to be a trending one. After all, as she reiterated in a blog post on spring decor, the most important thing is to fall in love with the space. "Mix and match! Have fun with it. If it brings you joy in your home, then you're doing it right," she wrote. Interior decor and design trends can be fun, and there's no need to shy away from them if you genuinely love the aesthetic. However, the most important factor will always be curating a place that feels perfect for you — trending or not.