Generations invariably beget different trends and fashion cycles. This is true in all aspects of life, including interior design. The choices that seem appealing and ground-breaking to a particular generation often become a subject of ridicule for their successors, a pattern that has held true from the Baby Boomers onwards.
Baby Boomers, for example, were known for the carpeting in their bathrooms, and they had a peculiar habit of hiding beautiful hardwood floors under linoleum. Generation X came up with the concept of the Tuscan kitchen — filled to the brim with honey oak cabinets, stark sponge paint textures, and such. The all encompassing, signature design elements of the millennials can be summarised by the pervasive chevron prints and the ubiquitous moody tapestries that seem to have found their place in every room. All of these trends may have been the pinnacle of style during their respective eras, but they have since evolved into a source of rolling eyes and stifled laughter.
Now, we shift our gaze towards the Zoomers (Generation Z), and ponder what stylistic choices they’ve made that they may come to regret in the near future. We have consulted seasoned interior designers for their take on this, and they’ve shared their predictions about the Gen Z interior design trends that are most likely to solicit cringe reactions in the future.
A distinctively Gen Z trend that might be nearing its expiry date, according to the designers, is the usage of ‘Squiggle Mirrors’. While some views suggest that vintage versions of these squiggly mirrors might maintain their cool appeal, it’s the replicas that are expected to become outdated.
Then there’s the design darling of the Zoomers – the Mushroom Print. It is likely that this trend might come to be associated primarily with this generation, primarily because of its overuse, be it on wallpaper, poufs, pillows, and more.
‘Scalloped Everything’ is another design element that’s been flagged by experts. Scalloped tiles, mirrors, lampshades, furniture; the designers caution that using this design element excessively might ruin its charm. Using it sparingly, on the other hand, can make something feel sophisticated and original.
The next trend predicted to fall out of favour soon is the Coastal finishes. Timeless when used appropriately, but could stick out like a sore thumb when used out of context or in formal estates, like cane, rattan, and whitewashed furniture.
‘Bubble Furniture’ or ‘Chubby Furniture’, as it is commonly known, is another Gen Z favourite that some experts believe is rounding its course. Consumers are predicted to grow weary of excessively rounded and bulbous shapes in furniture design.
Adding to the list are bows, food-themed decor items, and ‘All In’ aesthetics, that represent a serious commitment to a specific look. This Gen Z decorating obsession is often represented in a Barbie Dream House color palette.
Cow print, in all its cartoonish glory, is the last design trend expected to fall from grace soon, even though it is currently experiencing a surge in popularity.
In conclusion, interior design, much like any other form of art, is a reflection of the time it stems from, a mirror reflecting the social milieu. These predictions serve not as a deterrent or a directive to avoid certain trends, but as a nudge to encourage Gen Z (and all other generations) to create personal, timeless interiors that wouldn’t easily fall prey to the cyclic nature of trends.
