The ‘Comfort Decorating’ Revolution: Why We’re Ditching ‘Insta-Worthy’ for Spaces That Feel Like Us

The pandemic didn't just change where we work; it fundamentally changed how we see our homes. Confined within the same four walls, a renovation boom was born—but it's not just about fresh paint and new furniture. A new philosophy called 'comfort decorating' is taking hold, prioritizing a personal sanctuary over picture-perfect aesthetics.

This shift is backed by hard data. According to home renovation platform Houzz, a survey of more than 70,000 people revealed that Americans remodeled their properties in record numbers. The survey found that 53% of homeowners renovated during the pandemic, with spending on projects jumping by 15% in 2020 alone. The top reasons? 44% said they finally had the time, while 36% cited having the financial means to move forward.

But this goes deeper than just having the time and money. It's about recognizing the profound impact our environment has on our well-being. "Our homes can be incredibly important tools for shaping our daily experiences," said Lindsay T. Graham, a researcher at UC Berkeley’s Center for the Built Environment. The way our homes are organized, decorated, and furnished can evoke a wide palette of feelings, from stress caused by clutter to restfulness inspired by certain colors.

This focus on feeling good is the core of 'comfort decorating,' a trend taking the design world by storm. It's about choosing furniture, art, and an overall vibe based on coziness and familiarity, not just what will look good on a social media feed. As Austin-based therapist Grace Dowd told Apartment Therapy, “It’s more important than ever to fill your space with things that make you feel like yourself, even if they’re not ‘Insta-worthy.’”

Nostalgia and sensory pleasure are key pillars of this new approach. That old teddy bear, a family heirloom, or a seashell from a past vacation—these objects matter because they remind you who you are. Choosing items that evoke feeling rather than just looking polished gives your home meaning and turns it into a refuge from a difficult reality. "Running your fingers along that tattered quilt or even smelling it can ground you in the present moment, which can help to alleviate anxiety about the past or future,” Dowd explains.

For those feeling inspired but overwhelmed, Instagram accounts like Before&After Design, with its 1.6M followers, offer a vast gallery of transformations. But the ultimate lesson of comfort decorating is simple: your room doesn't have to be perfect. It just has to be filled with things that make you feel good about yourself.