The other day a Reel came up on my FB page demonstrating “Underconsumption Core” which showcased repairing a broken glass laundry jar with glue and then proudly displaying the fixed usable piece like it was a just unwrapped Birthday Gift. 

I was a bit bewildered, and surprised that fixing a jar was a “thing”, but then again - I’m a Boomer;  I glue everything, in fact I have a bag in my hall closet with my glue gun and assorted glues always at-the-ready.   So I did a bit of research and it is an actual trend popular on TikTok. Young people have unveiled the concept of using less, fixing the broken, thrifting and using what they have.

I do think this trend is a result of the pandemic period when logistics were an issue, the ease of hopping into the car to shop wasn’t an option and people learned that home was the safe haven from the storm. Here’s some researched info about the trend:

Underconsumption Core: A Trend Towards Minimalism

Underconsumption Core is a term that has gained popularity in recent years, describing a trend where people prioritize minimalism and reduce their consumption of material goods. This shift is often driven by factors such as environmental concerns, financial considerations, and a desire for a simpler, more meaningful life.

Key characteristics of nonconsumption core include:

• Minimalism: Embracing a lifestyle with fewer possessions, focusing on quality over quantity.

• Conscious consumption: Making thoughtful decisions about purchases, considering their environmental and social impact.

• Experience over possessions: Prioritizing experiences and relationships over material goods.

• Repair and reuse: Extending the life of items through repairs and repurposing.

• Sustainable living: Adopting practices that minimize waste and reduce the ecological footprint.

Using What You Have to Decorate

Of course I was excited to see this new trend because it’s not new to me, nor my business. When it comes to home design and decorating, my goal with all my clients is to always use what they have 1st before buying new. Let’s rearrange, reupholster, change the color, update and refresh to re-style a home instead of making drastic changes or buying everything new. Here’s my core:

Interior Redesign-  (One Day Makeovers) I take what you have and give you a fresh new look in your rooms by using all your stuff. In just a day, your tired space becomes fresh and new, but still celebrating your favorite pieces..  Your room becomes balanced, functional and unified. Best of all, you get instant gratification, validate your existing pieces, and ready the space for family and friends. 

Color Consultation- Since I’m already familiar with your things, I’m  right by your side in expertly selecting and creating a new color palette.  From paint color to fabric or wallpaper suggestions - Gone with the 10-20 year old hues, let’s update with color choices in-tune to your belongings and personal style.  

Shopping, Procurement &  Design Services- If you'd like to refresh and add to your furniture & collections, we can make suggestions or ease your load and shop for those new pieces -  Whether brand new, or found (Resale, thrifted, or one of my secret haunts) there is no better shopper. 

Need more Traditional Design Services such as window treatments or more?  My  talents and resources can add those finishing touches to your space or work with you and your contractor to make needed or wanted updates.

Why has Underconsumption become so popular?

• Environmental concerns: Growing awareness of climate change and the negative impact of consumerism on the planet.

• Financial challenges: Economic uncertainty and rising costs have led many people to reevaluate their spending habits.

• Mental health benefits: Research suggests that a simpler lifestyle can reduce stress and improve overall well-being.

• Social trends: The rise of social media and influencers promoting minimalism has helped to popularize the concept.

Repurposing and Recycling:

• Furniture: Repaint or reupholster old furniture to give it a new look. I have a current client that loves her seating and rather than buying new, we’re reupholstering to update and give her favorite pieces a new life. 

• Textiles: Create throw pillows, curtains, throws from found or shopped textiles. Granny’s quilt into throw pillows, a beautiful hand crocheted bed coverlet, with a stain, dyed and used as a tablecloth. 

• Artwork: Reframed what you already have, thrift art to use the frame or reinvent it being crafty. 

• DIY Projects: Transform everyday items into unique decor pieces. The internet is your friend.

• Color Palette: Focus on accent colors to update your room without repainting. If painting the walls is not in your budget, or too timely, use a new 1 color palette in accessories to update your room. 

• Lighting: Refresh lamps with new shades, or upstyling a shade with new fabric or wallpaper ( get that glue out!)

• Plants: Add greenery to liven up your space and improve air quality. Beautiful trees and plants can be found on FB Marketplace or your local FREE page. I got a lovely Norfolk Pine tree a few years ago free since it outgrew the giver’s home. Popped it into a new container, trimmed it up a bit, and it’s a great addition to my Breeze Way. 

Personal Touches:

• Family Heirlooms: Display cherished items to add sentimental value.

• Travel Souvenirs: Incorporate mementos from your travels to create a unique ambiance.

• Collections: Showcase your collections, whether it's books, art, or vintage items.

While embracing the Underconsumption Core trend can be a rewarding approach to life, it's important to find a balance that works for you. It's about making conscious choices and finding joy in the simple things. Need help with making your old stuff look refreshed and rejuvenated?  I can help - my design consultation time will help you weed through all your design dilemmas, give you insight on how to repurpose and use what is already there, and guide you on how to celebrate your home with style and panache. - Julea

Upcoming Specialty Educational Workshop - November 9th/10th 2024

HOUSESTAGER™ PRO A two day home staging designation workshop. This comprehensive home staging specialty class will focus on preparing a resident occupied property for the real estate market. This 2 day intensive is focused on technique, the 5 steps of room arrangement, and lifestyle design formulas.

HOUSESTAGER™ PRO This 2 day educational intensive will focus on the building blocks of the science, psychology and art of staging a seller occupied home. Best practices to increase the marketability for the ideal buyer utilizing the seller’s current belongings. What stays, goes and how to up-style a space with supplementing shopped and/or rental furnishing and accessory props. Learn core updates that can bring the home up to par for today’s buyer. Styling lessons on room layouts, creating focal points, accessorizing, and the importance of color in selling a home. Price: 1475 Location: Frankfort, IL For more details https://interiorstylist.net/house-stager-pro