Ever heard of Modern Heritage Design? It is a new description for a “trending” interior design style. It surfaced in design jargon last year and has been described as both a “beloved style” and a “breakout style,” funny. So that’s just it – it represents what is beloved from the past and breaking out in the newest modern design elements! 

But I don’t exactly think that is what was meant – as these two different descriptions came from entirely different articles that crossed my path from unrelated sources in the last few months. It really is a combination of both. Anything can be rationalized and explained to validate that which is merely a natural progression and appreciation for life.

I didn’t take this seriously at first and then the term began filtering through various articles and platforms cementing it in this year’s vocabulary and discussions about our field. Yet I have been surrounded by it my entire life and have been advocating for this my entire professional career. It is smart, creative, and eclectic. It is permission to mix it up. It is personal. It represents a life well lived…add a little wabi sabi and you have the perfect recipe for your own personal style and versions of it are everywhere! 

From well-worn resulting from repeated use and affection, to slick, exciting, and new, the story is about surrounding yourself with things that bring you joy. Gathering art and accessories, stones and feathers, pieces inherited or discovered, custom fabricated and well-curated trends collected in their day is a great way to express your own personal style over time! Break the boundaries of trends!!

Past to/with present – this is now a trend for 2026!! Ha ha. I continue to take exception with this “trend” being called a “new style.”  I find this amusing, yet a very valid observation about life.  It has always been about eclectic curating and NOT being guided or ruled by trends. It embraces all that is good about design. It is about GOOD DESIGN. 

It pays homage to traditional craftsmanship while melding with the newest creativity. Yes, it is permission to surround yourself with a vast array of beauty that feeds your soul. And isn’t that the comfort of home? 

The art of presenting these disparate things to make interiors current and fresh takes the proper curating, positioning, grouping, layering, contrasting and balance of any good design. But it is not cookie-cutter. It is not something that you can tear out of a magazine and emulate. The unique features are personal – they are yours. They come from history - yours or discovered - as well and “the now.” And to make it real should include very personal things collected over time. 

Human Made fine furniture, decorative details, fine finishes, with natural materials, all created a sense of comfort. When assembled as a historic scene can read not with the times and often too heavy and formal. But when balanced and integrated with modern elements, the mix is respectful and inviting. The contrast offers interest and an appreciation for fine things regardless of their origin in time.

It can be a daunting task to successfully incorporate history with the present, but the results are gratifying and extremely satisfying. It should result in a feeling of contentment. Sit in this space and reflect on what brought us to this place and where we are going.  Embrace the past and enhance for modern living! 

Design is constantly in motion, but it does not mean that it is necessary or at all desirable to forget, replace or discard the past. The very best designers, in any field, have a keen sense of what preceded them and why. How design evolved and where it is headed. Ready to find your “Modern Heritage Design?” 

 

Your Neighbor, 

Patti Harrell Hoech Licensed Interior Designer