Hans Lorei on why good design should make you nervous
Forget forgettable interiors. In the big year of 2025, we’re all getting rather bored of picture-perfect interior design – and I, for one, am totally on board with the idea of ‘going for it’ more in my home.
According to TikTok creator and designer, Hans Lorei, ‘good design should make you a little nervous.’ Why? Because it is time to embrace an interior design style that feels bold, exciting, and slightly out of your comfort zone in order to make your home more unique.
And his message is certainly resonating. Here’s Hans’ viral cheat sheet for really going for it with your interiors.
Playing it safe in interiors can often end up holding you back. The rooms that stay with you are often the ones that make you feel something – whether that’s through brave use of color, curious objects, or styling that makes your home weirder.
‘You could stand to go for it a little more in your home,’ says Hans. ‘There’s a lot of nice rugs and tables out there, but when you put them together, are they doing anything? Is it a lively conversation – or is it just safe?’
If you’re too cautious, you risk ending up with a space that’s nice enough, but certainly not memorable. A small amount of tension or drama is what gives a room its character.
The good news is you don’t have to overhaul your entire home to get there. Here are a few key areas where daring design pays off.
1. Choose furniture that excites, not just comforts
(Image credit: Pelican House / Lucy Williams / Milo Brown)
For many of us, it is tempting to play it safe with sofas, chairs, and tables that are neutral and comfortable – but unique interiors come from pieces that do more than simply blend in.
Furniture is the anchor of a room, so you should look at it as foundational pieces, but if your choices are too safe, everything else falls flat. As Hans puts it: ‘I know they’re comfortable, but does this world really need another cloud sofa? What if you found something instead that gave you a slightly nervous tingle, that warmed your blood?’
His point is clear: furniture shouldn’t just be about function, it should also bring personality and a sense of excitement to your space. So instead, direct yourself toward a sculptural table, a statement sofa, or a side table in a bold lacquer – even if it is just one bold choice to elevate your scheme.
2. Use color and pattern to spark joy
(Image credit: Birdie Fortescue)
‘Is there sculpture in your table? Is there joy in your rug? Are you going for it?’ Hans asks.
The beauty of a space with unexpected color combinations, vibrant wallpaper, or one that forgoes matching furniture is that it doesn’t look like everyone else’s. Of course, decorating with neutrals and traditional decorating ideas will always have their place, but if everything blends, nothing stands out.
If you’re nervous about a bright piece of furniture or a patterned wall covering, start smaller with accent pieces. This could mean opting for a sculptural light fixture over a safe flush mount, or a richly patterned rug instead of another beige one underfoot.
Even a simple move, like painting an accent ceiling in a subtly contrasting color or swapping in some patterned cushions, can add dimension and personality. The point isn’t to encourage bold maximalism for the sake of it, but choosing details that tell a story and create a mood.
3. Upgrade everyday details with bold design
(Image credit: Birdie Fortescue)
Everyday architectural details, like railings, fireplaces, and shelving, deserve the same attention as furniture and decor. Instead of defaulting to a basic builder finish, think about how you can inject personality.
‘Maybe you’re redoing your stairs and putting in a railing. You could do this [pointing to a simple black railing] or you could go for it because you’re going to be looking at it for years and you want to do something that you’re proud of,’ Hans suggests.
‘Speaking of warm, what about instead of weird blue glass chips inside of a black rectangle, we designed a fireplace that would make your Renaissance era ancestors less likely to disown you. That would be going for it,’ he adds. ‘You could do another fake wood floating shelf, or you could go for it and build a contrast alcove with a little sizzle.’
Sometimes the most forgettable parts of our homes are the ones we live with the longest, but once they’ve seen a little upgrade, they can become the real stars of the show.
Shura Light Burl Nightstand
The burl wood trend has been around for a few years and is one of the chicest ways to add some retro warmth to your space. This hardwood nightstand from Anthropologie also boasts a sculptural shape, too.
Vetiver Hand-Crafted Shag Rug
Handmade in India using a hand-knotting technique, this diamond-patterned shag rug is sumptuously soft thanks to the 90% wool composition. This will give you endless comfort and style underfoot.
Silver-Colored Metal Wall Sconce
A candle sconce is such an easy way to dial up the ambiance in a room without needing to add wiring for extra lighting. Just dropped in the 70s-inspired H&M fall collection, this chrome trumpet-shaped candle holder is a unique affordable find.
Kirby Grasscloth Wallpaper
Roll & Hill Lorna LED Pendant
Inspired by the Art Deco movement, this sculptural pendant light has been made using hand-blown glass shades with fluting to bring a sense of old Hollywood glamour to contemporary spaces.
Pink Checked Velvet Cushion Cover
Patterned pillows don’t need to be multi-colored or floral to make a statement. For more modern decorators, this soft velvet checkerboard cushion cover from H&M adds a warm pink touch to your pillowscape.
‘A good rule is, if you’re a little bit nervous, it’s probably a good sign,’ Hans concludes the video with. Playing it safe might feel comfortable in the moment, but over time, it can leave a home feeling boring. By choosing pieces that excite, we create spaces that aim to spark joy every day.
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