When did our living rooms become film sets and our bathrooms start auditioning for likes? This is the world of Instagram and Pinterest, we end up spending hours on these platforms. Gone are the days when we only used to look for comfort in our homes; now, they need to perform. Yes! Walls are backdrops, bookshelves are stage sets, and every corner of the home has the potential to go viral.

Yes, this is the era of the Main Character Home– a phenomenon where people design their spaces less for themselves and more for the approval of the internet. Years ago, our homes used to reflect personal taste and lifestyle needs; today, they increasingly mirror popular aesthetics and trends seen on social media.

What Is a Main Character Home?

The term “Main Character Energy” originally emerged from social media to describe someone who lives as though they are the protagonist of a movie. Now, that mindset has migrated from fashion and behaviour to interior design. A Main Character Home is photogenic from all corners– bright colours, unique furniture, funky mirrors, and perfect lighting. Every corner is made to be “Instagrammable.” These homes look great in photos and videos, even if they don’t always feel great to live in.

Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok are full of beautiful rooms and DIY makeovers. Although it’s fun and inspiring, at the same time, it pushes everyone to follow the same trends. If you scroll through home decor content, you’ll see the same colours, furniture, and designs repeatedly.

That’s because the algorithm, the way social media apps decide what to show you, promotes what’s popular. Therefore, people start copying what they see, hoping their own homes will go viral too, but it often turns out to be a bad experience for them in the end.

Let’s say you buy a bright orange sofa just because it’s trending online. It looks amazing in pictures, and you think it will make your living room look stylish. But once it’s in your home, you realise it’s too loud, doesn’t match anything else, and you hardly sit on it. You might even feel the need to edit its colour in your Instagram photos. Stories like this are common. People choose open shelves because they look good in posts, but are hard to keep clean. Or they buy unique chairs that look cool but are uncomfortable to use. In the end, we sometimes forget that our homes are for living, not just for looking good on a screen.

How to Find The Right Balance

Decorating your home to look nice is not a bad thing. It can be fun, creative, and even help you feel proud of your space. But there’s a difference between creating a home that reflects your personality and one that copies what’s popular online. If we’re always chasing likes, are we really making our homes for ourselves? Or are we just putting on a show?

So, what’s the solution? How can we design a space that serves both purposes– a space that feels like you and is nice & aesthetic too?

Design for Your Daily Life, Not Just for Looks

First and foremost, you need to realise that home is about comfort. Before picking furniture or decorating a room, think about how you actually use the space. Do you work from home? Do you often host guests? Do you need a quiet reading corner or a kid-friendly area? Your home should support your routine and comfort. A room that looks perfect but doesn’t fit your lifestyle may look aesthetic for some time, but it will soon feel frustrating. Therefore, design for your daily life, not just for looks.

Think Long-Term, Not Just for the Feed

Trends come and go quickly, but home decor should ideally last years. Before buying something just because it’s “in,” ask yourself: Will I still like this in a year? Is it practical and comfortable? Go for timeless, good-quality pieces that bring you joy beyond the next few likes.

Choose Colours and Items You Truly Love

At the end of the day, it’s your home and not of those who like and comment on your posts. Pick colours, textures, and items that make you feel calm, happy, or energised. Pick colours, textures, and items that make you feel calm, happy, or energised.

Prioritise Comfort and Emotion

If you have to pick one, what would you pick? Comfort or Perfection? A cosy sofa that welcomes you after a long day is far more valuable than a picture-perfect chair that no one sits on. Always remember that a handmade rug, your grandma’s vase, or your favourite books on the shelf make a home feel real. And that’s what truly matters.

The Bottom Line

Trends will fade, but comfort, personality, and authenticity never go out of style. So instead of chasing perfection for the camera, design a space that feels like you. After all, the best kind of home isn’t the one that gets the most likes, it’s the one you love coming back to every single day.

(We’re always open to hearing from our community! If you have any feedback or believe your contributions should be recognized, please get in touch.)

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TGH Editorial Team

Our team of authors at The Global Hues comprises a diverse group of talented individuals with a passion for writing and a wealth of knowledge in their respective fields. From seasoned industry experts to emerging thought leaders, our authors bring a wide range of perspectives and expertise to our platform.

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