"If there’s one thing the internet adores, it’s a niche aesthetic. A new trend seems to sweep through our social media feeds every few months, igniting fleeting obsessions. In the past year alone, we’ve seen the mob-wife aesthetic dominated by eclectic animal prints, bow decor inspired by balletcore, and the quiet luxury movement that sparked a minimalist renaissance. With countless aesthetic trends emerging—alongside more established design styles—it’s more complicated than ever to find and execute your decor style. However, there’s one decorating idea that simplifies the process: buy what you love to look at.
What does “buy what you love to look at” mean?
Popularized by a TikTok sound clip that originated from fashion designer Betsey Johnson, the concept is as simple as it sounds. “Buy what you love to look at, what you love to live with, and throw it all together, and it’ll work because you love it,” Johnson said in the original video. In other words, forget about adhering to a specific aesthetic or decor style and create a home that reflects your individuality by curating pieces you genuinely adore. These items will work together naturally because you love them all individually, even if they don’t align with one cohesive style.
This mindset is the antidote to chasing fleeting microtrends or boxing yourself into one design style. As multifaceted individuals, it’s impossible to define all our interests and personality traits in a single category, so why limit ourselves in our design choices? Part of the challenge in discovering your style is the expectation that it should fit within one primary aesthetic. In reality, you likely appreciate elements from a variety of styles.
You might think you’re already doing this—I mean, no one deliberately buys things they dislike. However, adopting this mindset isn’t just about buying whatever you like. It means elevating your approach to shopping by not settling for items that are just “good enough” or simply “work.” Instead, aim to build a collection of pieces that feel special and make you happy. The result? A home that feels uniquely yours, not a replica of a Pinterest board or something you saw on the internet. While using social media as inspiration can be beneficial, copying something verbatim risks creating a space that doesn’t speak to you or your interests.
How can you incorporate this decorating idea into your space?
1. Clean out your home
Assess your current space and pinpoint the pieces that bring you joy. If an item doesn’t align with your tastes, consider ways to upgrade or repurpose it. Or let it go entirely by donating it or selling it on Facebook Marketplace. Once you’ve determined what you like and pared down accordingly, it becomes much easier to move forward.
2. Don’t chase perfection
Not only is perfection an unrealistic goal in the first place, but the most beautiful homes aren’t ones that look too prim and perfect to live in. A space that is a little imperfect feels warm, authentic, and inviting. Overly polished homes can feel sterile, making it hard to connect with them. Focus on creating a space that feels like you, not one that tries to capture unattainable ideals.
3. Use personal trinkets as decor
Sentimental items or keepsakes often make the best decor, and you probably have tons lying around your house. With the right frame, items like ticket stubs, old photographs, or even a napkin with a meaningful note can become gallery-worthy art. Display your favorite five-star reads on your coffee table, showcase a beautiful bottle of perfume, or collect an impressive matchbook collection to set out. The more personal, the better. If you love it, why not put it somewhere you’ll see it every day?
4. Don’t be afraid to mix styles
Exclusively decorating your space within one design style can be limiting and unnecessary. If you like the bold patterns of grandmillennial decor and the modern, sleek silhouettes of contemporary designs, for example, don’t be afraid to pair them together. Interior design styles can be helpful for inspiration, but if they start to constrain you, set them aside. A home that tells your guests something about you is always more impactful than one that adheres strictly to a set of rules.
5. Shop slowly and intentionally
Curating a home like this takes time, and the easiest way to inadvertently create a bland room is by rushing your purchases. Don’t buy the first thing that catches your eye. Instead, take your time shopping and focus on bringing home only items you truly love. Often, the best finds happen organically—like finding mementos on your travels or unique thrift store treasures—not from impulse-buying the latest thing to hit your favorite retailer’s “New In” section.
Lauren Blue, Lifestyle Staff Writer
As a Lifestyle Staff Writer for The Everygirl, Lauren ideates and writes content for every facet of our readers’ lives. Her articles span the topics of home decor, delicious recipes, hobbies, travel itineraries—and everything in between. When she isn’t testing the latest TikTok trend, she can be found scouring Instagram for beautiful homes to feature on the site.