“More Funk, Please”: Saying Goodbye to Interior Design Trends That Drain the Life Out of Your Home
1/21/26
Estimated reading time: 7 minutes
As an Interior Designer in Indianapolis, I’ve seen a growing surge of desire for warmth and our own personality in our homes.
The best request I’ve ever heard from a client was simple and unforgettable:
“More funk, please.”
We were working on a Mid-Century Modern–inspired interior design, and I was gently testing the waters to see just how committed my client really was to stepping outside the box. What I discovered was refreshing: they were done with safe, lifeless design trends and ready for a home that felt expressive, personal, and alive.
Certainly, they didn’t want another beige-on-beige house.
They wanted personality. Their personality.
Key Takeaways
- Clients increasingly desire homes that reflect their personality, moving away from generic trends.
- Interior design should showcase individuality, not just follow popular styles like grey walls or minimalism.
- Hiring an interior designer offers expertise in functionality, historical styles, and personal design vision.
- True interior design solves unique challenges, balancing different tastes and ensuring a cohesive space.
- Intentional design starts by asking how your home can reflect who you truly are, rather than merely what’s trending.
Table of contents
When Interior Design Trends Start to Feel Soulless
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room:
The greys, browns, and stark whites that have dominated Midwestern homes for over a decade are in the past.
During the surge of black-and-white farmhouse everything, I remember my entire firm joking, “If we get asked to paint one more house white, we’re going to lose it.”
I regret to inform you—we lost it.
Minimalism has its place. Neutral palettes can be beautiful.
But when design trends become a default instead of a decision, they strip the soul right out of your home.
Your Home Should Reflect You—Not a Trend Cycle
As an interior designer, my job isn’t to copy what’s trending on Pinterest.
My job is to translate your personality, lifestyle, and needs into a functional, beautiful home.
And I say this lovingly:
I’ve never met a single person whose personality truly screamed, “Grey walls and matching grey furniture forever.”
(Before you think of someone…be nice.)
We are all uniquely made. So why are our homes starting to look like carbon copies?
Design is not one-size-fits-all.
Without a doubt, your home shouldn’t look like your neighbor’s…even if you share the same floor plan.
And if you’re wondering how our process works to make your home unique, read our blog “How Virtual Design Really Works…”
Why Hiring an Interior Designer Changes Everything
Even in neighborhoods where every house is identical on paper, the people living inside them are not.
A professional interior designer brings:
- An understanding of historical and modern design styles
- Knowledge of design principles, scale, and flow
- Training in functionality, safety, and livability
- And most importantly an outside perspective
Design isn’t just about making something “pretty.”
It’s about creating a home that feels like you belong there.
Real Clients. Real Design Struggles.
Here’s what interior design really looks like behind the scenes:
- Janet loves traditional design, but doesn’t want her home to feel like her grandmother’s.
- Lauren wants a basement that works for movie nights and kids who play hard without knowing her design style.
- Sadie wants a welcoming living room, but she and her husband have completely opposite tastes.
- Kelly wants her bedroom to feel calming. But, the idea of adding another white furniture piece gives her anxiety.
These aren’t problems Pinterest can solve.
They’re perspective problems, and that’s where a designer steps in.
Pinterest Inspiration vs. Personal Design
Maybe Pinterest has helped you find inspiration.
Maybe scrolling endless reels has helped you almost define your style.
Or maybe, without realizing it, you’ve started living in someone else’s style and not your own.
We are more saturated than ever with other people’s ideas, trends, and aesthetics, all trying to recreate them on our own.
But what if you paused long enough to ask:
What if my home reflected who I am, not what’s trending?
That’s where intentional interior design begins.
And yes, sometimes that means asking for a little more funk.
Will you let me help you find your personal interior design style? Let’s get started today!
From The Bungalow,
Emma Maxwell
Principal Interior Designer
Bungalow House Studio
P.S. If you’re craving a home that feels personal, functional, and full of life but don’t know where to start look no further! I offer professional design guidance that meets you exactly where you are.
An interior designer helps you translate your lifestyle, personality, and needs into a cohesive, functional home. Beyond choosing furniture or colors, I consider layout, flow, scale, comfort, and how your space needs to work for your everyday life. My goal is to create a home that feels intentional, personal, and livable—not just visually pleasing.
If you feel overwhelmed by choices, stuck with a space that doesn’t feel right, or unsure how to define your style, working with an interior designer can save you time, money, and frustration. Many clients come to me saying, “I know this isn’t working—but I don’t know why.” That’s exactly where professional design support helps most.
This is more common than you think, and it’s completely okay. You don’t need a clearly defined style to work with an interior designer. Through conversation, observation, and guided decisions, I help uncover what you’re drawn to and how to make it work cohesively in your home.
Not at all. While I believe homes should feel full of life and personality, that looks different for everyone. “More funk” doesn’t mean loud or chaotic, it means thoughtful, personal, and expressive. Whether your style is subtle, classic, modern, or eclectic, the goal is a space that feels like you.
Yes! This is one of the most common reasons people hire an interior designer. My role is to find common ground, balance preferences, and create a design that feels right for both of you without compromising function or comfort.
No. Interior design services are just as valuable for single rooms, small spaces, or homes that don’t need major construction. Whether you’re furnishing a living room, reworking a basement, or refreshing a bedroom, thoughtful design can make a meaningful difference.
Pinterest is great for inspiration—but it doesn’t consider your room size, budget, lifestyle, or existing pieces. Interior design turns inspiration into a realistic, cohesive plan that works specifically for your space. Instead of guessing and second-guessing, you get clarity and direction.
Yes. I offer interior design services for homeowners anywhere in the US. Depending on your needs, services may include in-home design, virtual consultations, or guided design plans.
The process typically begins with a consultation where we discuss your space, goals, lifestyle, and challenges. From there, I create a tailored design plan that may include layout recommendations, material selections, and styling guidance—always with function and personality in mind.
Getting started is simple. If this post resonated with you, that’s usually the first sign we’d work well together.
👉 Book a free design consultation
👉 Learn more about our interior design services
