Every now and then, social media throws up a little nugget of wisdom that sticks. The latest? A simple mindset shift known as the “Let Them” theory.
At its core, it’s all about releasing control and choosing peace. Someone talks behind your back? Let them. Someone doesn’t like your outfit? Let them. It’s the viral permission slip to stop people-pleasing and start living.
But what if this TikTok-born self-help mantra held the key to something more than emotional freedom? What if it could help create a home that truly feels like you with no apologies, no overthinking, no unnecessary compromises?
Welcome to “Let Them” interior design. A decorating philosophy that champions confidence, authenticity, and a big dose of IDGAF energy.
Let Them Judge Your Maximalist Wallpaper
Remember when everyone was doing grey everything? Grey walls, grey carpets, grey sofas. It was the unofficial colour of “I want my home to look like a showhome but not actually be one.”
Now, if someone still loves grey, great – let them! But if you’ve been craving bold wallpaper, mismatched patterns or a deep emerald green ceiling, what’s stopping you? The fear that someone won’t like it? The “what if I get bored of it in a year?” voice?
The “Let Them” approach says: let them have opinions. They will anyway. Your home isn’t a showroom for passing guests or a Pinterest-perfect space to impress the algorithm. It’s your sanctuary. If maximalism speaks to your soul, speak it loudly with clashing prints, statement art and all.
Let Them Think You’re “Too Much”
There’s often pressure to tone things down in interiors. To follow the rules. To keep things “tasteful” or “elevated”. Translation: Beige. Bland. Safe.
But if your vibe leans more disco ball than Danish minimalism, why pretend otherwise? Neon signs in the hallway, a gallery wall that breaks all the layout guides, or a leopard-print rug in the kitchen; if it makes you smile, it belongs.
“Let Them” thinking encourages decorating with intuition, not permission. The moment a space makes you feel joy, that’s the moment it’s done right.
Let Them Raise an Eyebrow at Your DIY Projects
Not every home needs a team of professional designers. In fact, some of the most charming, personality-packed spaces are built on weekend DIYs and boot sale finds. But there’s a weird stigma around imperfection as if a room only counts if it’s Instagram-polished.
The “Let Them” mindset flips that. So what if your upcycled sideboard has slightly wonky handles? Let them raise an eyebrow. That uneven paint line? It tells a story. Your story. A home made with love, laughter and learning curves will always beat one made for likes.
Let Them Think It Doesn’t Match
Old-school design advice often revolves around “cohesion” and “flow”. Fair enough, nobody wants a home that feels like a chaotic flea market. But sometimes, people get stuck trying to make everything match when the better aim is to make everything mean something.
So go ahead and hang that kitschy framed tea towel next to your sleek Scandi bookshelves. If it sparks a memory or adds a layer of personality, it belongs. The beauty of eclectic design is in its resistance to expectation.
Let Them Wonder Why You Chose That Flooring
Flooring can be one of the most debated decisions when designing a home. Wood lovers will swear by planks, while vinyl champions will praise its practicality. But here’s the truth: you live on it. You clean it. You walk barefoot on it at 7am with a cup of tea in hand.
So if plush carpet feels best in your bedroom, let it stay. If bold patterned LVT hallway feels exciting, let it shine. The flooring police aren’t real. And your feet will thank you.
Let Them Think It’s Not “On Trend”
Trends come and go. In fact, by the time a look saturates social media, the style has often moved on. So chasing trends? It’s a losing game.
That’s why the “Let Them” mindset is so freeing. It allows room to choose timeless over trendy, or quirky over curated. It lets a home evolve naturally.
Sure, sage green and bouclé are having their moment. But if what you really love is burnt orange and rattan, then go for it.
Creating the Home You Actually Want
In the end, “Let Them” isn’t just about tuning out other people. It’s about tuning in to yourself. Trusting your taste. Making choices that feel aligned, not approved. And creating a space that holds your weirdness, your warmth, your life.
So let them critique. Let them suggest alternatives. Let them raise an eyebrow. Just don’t let them move in rent-free. Your home, your rules. Let that be the only trend worth following.
With a Master in Architectural Studies from University of Pennysylvania, Marwa Haydar has pioneered living spaces since 2005. Her expertise, initially honed in a prestigious architectural firm, is evident in her approach to creating environments. Marwa became part of our team in 2019 and has since been a driving force in our home improvement section, known for her practical yet stylish solutions. She’s been spearheading our design workshops since then, infusing her passion for teaching into her work. In her leisure time, Marwa enjoys exploring historic architecture and is an enthusiastic pottery hobbyist, further enriching her understanding of form and texture.
