How to be Distinct in a World Where Everything Looks the Same

In the Arena
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I came across an interesting concept the other day - the concept of “millennial gray” and the overall homogenization of interior design. In case you are unfamiliar, “millennial gray” is a light, neutral gray that skyrocketed in popularity about 10 years ago when millennials started to purchase and rent their own places. There are many theories behind the rise of millennial gray. Some claim that it is a natural pendulum swing away from Tuscan-inspired designs that were popular in the 90s and 00s. Others blame mass-production furniture retailers like Ikea and Target that capitalize on mass appeal. Others still blame rental culture. If you are limited in terms of living space modifications due to the fact that you are renting rather than purchasing, it is safer to stick with an adaptable neutral palette. But regardless of which millennial gray theory you subscribe to, you cannot deny that everything, everywhere is starting to look the same. 

Corporate offices, homes, public space…everything new has a similar, “builder’s grade” look to them. I am willing to bet that I could plop you in a strip mall in nearly any American suburb, and it would look the same as every other American suburb.

So what can we do about it?

Easy. Dissent. 

In a world where everything looks the same, take a chance and stand out. Be the person that people look twice at because you don’t fit the schema. That may sound drastic, but there is actually a lot of freedom in how you go about this. Some people choose to dissent with their fashion. Others, with their homes. Me, myself? I prefer a subtler approach. I like to take something so mundane and so minimal, that at first, you may not even realize that customization is an option. 

I sign my name with a brown-ink fountain pen. 

If you ever come across a contract or a letter with my name on it, there is a 100% chance that my name is signed in brown ink. 

I do this for a couple of reasons. First, in an increasingly digital world, I prefer to keep my signatures analog. I find digital signatures to be too easy in a really alarming way. If I am going to put my name on something, I want to take the time to truly comprehend it, and I am more likely to do that if I am physically putting pen to paper. Second, I find that brown ink stands out. People notice it. They remember the deals I am a part of and they remember me by extension. It is a subliminal networking tool. Third, I just think it is cool, and who doesn’t want to be cool?

So if you find yourself languishing in a world of hegemony, take a chance and break the mold. It doesn't have to be groundbreaking or attention-grabbing, it just has to be yours.