Retirement is a time to reflect, travel, and, of course, completely reimagine your living room for the seventh time—because why not? You’ve earned it. But instead of sticking with “coastal farmhouse” or “modern minimalist,” why not lean into interior design’s stranger side?

Let’s talk about Transitional style. It’s the mullet of interior design: business in the front (classic shapes), party in the back (modern materials). You’ll find clean-lined sofas paired with ornate mirrors or a neutral palette that somehow includes both beige and chrome. It’s a quietly rebellious style that says, “I want elegance, but I also own a lava lamp.”

Next up: Brutalism. Yes, like the buildings. Think heavy, sculptural furniture, raw concrete surfaces, and a palette that goes from storm cloud to moodier storm cloud. Brutalism in home design is gaining traction among retirees who want their homes to look like they could double as Cold War embassies—edgy, dramatic, and oddly soothing.

And don’t sleep on Japandi—a hybrid of Japanese minimalism and Scandinavian warmth. It’s all clean wood, low furniture, and quiet colors that whisper, “You are calm now.” It’s perfect for creating a peaceful space for morning tea or afternoon naps disguised as “meditation.”

Your adult kids may not understand why you swapped their childhood playroom for a terrazzo coffee table and a brutalist credenza—but isn’t that part of the fun?

Here’s the thing: discovering and investing in delightful rabbit holes like this is easier when you have a solid financial foundation. When you’re confident in your retirement strategy, you can spend more time exploring your taste (and your weird side) and less time worrying about market swings.

So whether you’re choosing between antique sconces or pondering a Japandi-Brutalist fusion room (we salute you), we’re here to help ensure your finances are as balanced and intentional as your home. Click HERE to reach out to one of our professionals at TradeWell™ Tax & Financial today for a complimentary review of your finances.