In the interior design world, trends often come and go faster than you can say “open floor plan” or “red thread theory”—but why? Sometimes, the shift in fads is a sign of the times or a byproduct of a major pop culture moment. And other times, trends can be dictated by the younger demographic like Gen-Z, which can often be met with opposition.
“As a millennial, I feel like it was not that long ago that everything our generation wore or liked was polarizing, with a lot of older generations criticizing our trends,” San Francisco-based designer Noz Nozawa explains. “I don’t know if anything outside of the natural cycles of generational trends is happening here with Gen-Z trends, many of which I think are great.”
But while the Gen-Z decorating trends we see splashed all over social media can be polarizing, Nozawa and other designers are choosing to keep an open mind about these youthful fads. “We can reconsider that Gen-Z trends are a breath of fresh air in many ways. I enjoy following along with what this newest generation of adults has their gaze turned toward,” she says. It keeps me from feeling jaded.”
Thanks to having an open mind, many designers have found Gen-Z inspired trends they not only tolerate, but like. Below, four designers share the fads and phenomenons with enough appeal to span generations.
A Chintzy Comeback
With a revolving door of interior design trends, it’s almost a guarantee that what was on trend before will make a comeback years later. Nozawa says she’s particularly fond of Gen-Z’s fascination with chintz decor, specifically pointing to their use of bows and scalloped details.
“I truly think the Gen-Z embrace of bows and scallops could catch a break from the ire of my fellow ‘elder’ designers,” she says. “These are such sweet, soft elements to bring into a space.”
When it comes to bows and scallops, there’s a fine line between “fresh” and “frumpy.” To keep this trend from feeling like Grandma’s chintz, Nozawa says it’s best to pair these sweet details with a modern element. “A bow or scalloped edge can be weird or unexpected—like a scalloped edge on a fiberglass or solid wood seat,” she says.
Italian Hollywood Regency Bow Wall Sconce
The Curvy Craze
From bulbous “bubble” furniture to a mirror with a squiggly silhouette, Gen-Z is eager to embrace all their home decor curves. Turns out, Birmingham, Alabama-based designer Fran Keenan is also a fan. “I love the wink of whimsy, the squiggly line, the rounded edge, sculptural pieces,” she shares. That said, Keenan says too many curvy details can make a room look “like a movie set.” Her advice? Tread lightly on the trend and pair your rounded decor with more traditional pieces.
“It is nice to have these [mixed] with other things to keep them from feeling staged and ‘of the moment,'” Keenan shares. “I love doing a room with traditional bones and swapping out an expected [lampshade] for a rattan mushroom or coolie shape.”
COOSA Mushroom Rattan Table Lamp
Thrifty Finds
Similarly, New York designer Tara McCauley appreciates Gen-Z’s love of yesteryear—especially their penchant for vintage shopping. “The activity of hunting for the perfect vintage find lends itself to video content,” she says. “It’s cool to see young people excited about going to estate sales and preferring something unique over something that’s mass manufactured.”
Gen-Z’s interest in antiquing can be dubbed the antithesis of “dupe culture”—which favors cheaper, low-quality furniture and decor—and McCauley encourages shoppers of all generations to practice patience. “Get excited about the hunt, learn what you can about the backstory of what you’re buying,” she says. “Do your research on pricing so you feel confident that you’re making a worthy investment, or maybe even getting a great deal.”
Price point and aesthetics might be two reasons to buy a vintage find, but McCauley urges shoppers to be honest with themselves when purchasing an item that will need to be repaired. “I’ve been guilty of buying something that needs tender loving care and letting too much time pass before finally admitting I needed a professional’s help from the beginning,” she says. “A good local restorer is an invaluable resource.”
Vintage Uzbek Suzani Textile
Pattern Play
Why settle for one pattern when you can enjoy several? Gen-Z decorators tend to skew toward the bolder end of the design spectrum—and New York designer Kevie Murphy is on board with the maximalism movement.
“Gen Z isn’t afraid to bring in statement pieces and layered patterns on patterns—it injects energy into a space,” she explains. “Design can be playful and still feel intentional, creating rooms that are as vibrant and unique as the people who live in them.”
Murphy commends young decorators for their “fearless use of bold colors and patterns,” but insists that quality is still a non-negotiable. “We love working closely with our long-trusted vendors and artisans to transform what may be trendy elements into timeless, crafted pieces,” she explains.
Riomar Slipper Chair
Tiny Table Lamps
For Jessica Davis of Atelier Davis, the brightest design trends don’t necessarily have the biggest. In fact, the Atlanta-based designer is partial to the rise of miniature lamps. “Gen-Z loves some ambient lighting, and this is something I can get behind,” Davis says. “Lamps in unexpected places really do add a great deal of ambiance to a room.”
Petite lamps give even the most assuming areas like a kitchen countertop or coffee table a glow up, so Davis recommends looking for a rechargeable, portable fixture. “They give you so much more flexibility when it comes to placement,” says Davis, who cites Pooky Lighting and Ballard Designs as two favorite sources. “You don’t have to worry as much about whether there is an outlet nearby.” She also recommends using LED bulbs whenever possible as they “won’t draw much power.”
To bring this Gen-Z trend into your non-Gen-Z home, Davis also recommends looking lamp shades and bases made with softer, more traditional materials. Her advice? “Think of doing a wicker or marbled paper or floral shade.”
Smaller Pod Cordless Table Lamp
Kelsey Mulvey is a freelance lifestyle journalist, who covers shopping and deals for Good Housekeeping, Women’s Health, and ELLE Decor, among others. Her hobbies include themed spinning classes, Netflix, and nachos.
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