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Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of inform...
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Jun 10, 2026
How To Be Mad About Your House
Should I follow trends?
with KATE WATSON-SMYTH — Design expert, journalist, best-selling author. Creator of UK's #1 interiors blog and podcast.
Lesson 26 of 29
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It may be difficult for you to know whether a trend works for you or not. Kate discusses how to determine whether you like something for its own sake or as part of a trend.
From the Lesson Workbook
Should I Follow Trends?
If a trend feels somewhat familiar, it might be right for you. The more quickly a trend gets started, the faster it will die. Often, trends that come in more slowly will last longer.
Vintage brown furniture is becoming increasingly popular. Giving such furniture a new lease of life is a great way to upcycle it more sustainably. Even after the fashion wagon takes off, you need to love something.
Take your time with trends, let them wash over you, and see which ones you identify with.
Your Assignment
Analyze pictures of homes you like on social media and in magazines, and think about the following questions. Try to really understand what you like about the space and if it is only trendy because it is.
Do you like something because of the way it has been photographed?
Do you think this image works because of the way it has been styled?
How does this trend make you feel? Do you feel comfortable or familiar?
Trend Cycle
Innovators
Early adopters
Early majority
Late majority
Laggards
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Interior and exterior confidence
Create Academy has been such a great resource. I'm in the middle of renovating a bungalow with a very large garden and the courses have offered a wealth of information to dive into and explore new ideas. I'm...
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Absolutely love Create Academy
Absolutely love Create Academy! The instructors are extremely informative, and it is beautifully filmed. Create Academy is great value for money and plan on renewing my subscription yearly because there are ...
SG
May 31, 2026
Magic in small spaces
Butter's creativity is stunning! Her ability to incorporate brilliance in small gardens is magical!
Carla
May 30, 2026
Your Instructor
Kate Watson-Smyth
Design expert, journalist, best-selling author. Creator of UK's #1 interiors blog and podcast.
Kate Watson-Smyth is an award-winning design journalist and author of the best-selling Mad About The House book series. She has spent the last 20 years writing extensively on interiors and design for publications including the Financial Times, The Independent and The Sunday Telegraph. Her home has been featured in The Wall Street Journal, Elle Decoration and Livingetc, and her acclaimed website, MadAboutTheHouse.com, is officially voted the UK’s No1 interiors blog.
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