As a Gen Z interior designer, I love incorporating color but can’t get on board with pot lamps. Ninon/Getty Images; BM_27/Shutterstock
As a Gen Z interior designer, I see a lot of trends that I think are timeless and some that I don’t.
I can’t get enough of the thrifty furniture, checkerboard pattern, and bold lighting choices.
On the other hand, I’m not a fan of stark white decor, pot lights, or animal print.
As a Gen Z interior designer, I love helping people leverage the latest trends to create a comfortable space.
Since studying interior design in the US, Florence, and London and graduating last summer, I’ve built a following on social media by sharing many of my favorite Gen Z-approved decorating tips.
Here are some Gen Z trends that I think are timeless, and ones that I recommend ignoring.
I love the way Generation Z uses color.
Mix neutrals and colorful colors together. Prizemaker/Shutterstock
Incorporating colors is one of the least expensive and most impactful tools for designing your space.
My favorite trick for creating a timeless space is to use larger, neutral-colored furniture, like a sofa, and add brighter colors with smaller items that can be easily swapped out. I love adding colorful pillows, blankets, plants, table lamps, and artwork.
I’ve noticed that Generation Z particularly loves dark greens, vibrant blues, and cheerful pinks. The right shapes can really make your space look amazing, and if you are someone who likes to change up the decor, switching up colorful accessories is the most convenient way to create a new look.
Used furniture is the way to go.
I love the look of thrifty, well-made furniture. Nana_studio/Shutterstock
One of my favorite trends in interior design right now is appreciating used furniture that I used to love.
You can get beautiful, high-quality pieces for cheap through Facebook Marketplace, furniture exchange sites, and estate sales. Keep an eye out for upholstered chairs, dressers, coffee tables, and dining chairs.
If vintage furniture makes you want to cringe and run the other way, I encourage you to give it another look. Inspect quality, design and consider potential.
You can also update older pieces to make them stunning: remove the paint and display a natural wood finish or apply a coat of paint and use some fun, modern fabrics.
Bold lighting options are your best friend.
I’ve seen Generation Z using oversized lighting fixtures. Andreas von Einsiedel/Getty Images
Think of lighting as your way to make your space literally sparkle. Nowadays, I’m seeing more Gen Z people choosing bold and interesting lighting options.
Whether it’s oversized chandeliers in the entryway, sweeping floor lamps in the living room, or bathroom backlights that make you look like a supermodel, I’m here for it all.
Lighting is another art form, so be bold.
I can’t get enough of checkered patterns.
I think the choppy pattern is the new bar. Alexander Zweiger/Shutterstock
One of my favorite trends is the checkered pattern because I think it’s a fun way to add a sense of fun to a room. I’m a big fan of checkered rugs, pillows, and flooring in the entryway.
I argue that the checkered pattern is timeless not only because it has a long history on consoles, but also because there can be a lot of variation in the actual pattern. Funky colors and wavy designs are especially popular right now.
In my opinion, a volatile pattern is a high bar.
On the other hand, I cannot support cheap, mass-produced furniture.
Mass-produced parts can wear out quickly. Andrew Angeloff/Shutterstock
Aside from a few pieces here and there, I want to say goodbye to cheap, mass-produced furniture. In addition to looking cheap, many mass-produced pieces are not made to last.
In particular, I suggest staying away from high-traffic furniture that can deteriorate quickly. For example, a cheap sofa will sag over time and a coffee spill can stain a cheap table.
I’m done with the stark white decor.
Stark white rooms can seem sterile. Heixterson/Getty Images
Stark white has taken over the design world, but in my opinion, it is on its way out. Although stark white walls can make a room look large and clean, they can easily make your space look sterile and harsh.
Choose soft white and combine it with warmer elements such as natural wood and soft textures such as blankets, rugs and window treatments.
Walking into a room with lights on makes me feel nervous.
Pot lights don’t add much warmth to a space. BM_27/Shutterstock
At some point, designers fell in love with pot lamps, but I’m not a fan.
Pot lights or recessed ceiling lights are a great way to light up an entire room but they often fail to be warm and inviting.
Make sure to change the type of lighting within your space. This could be through table lamps, cabinet backlighting, or even installing lighting inside art pieces. I promise you will see an instant dramatic change in your space.
I’m ready to say goodbye to animal print.
In my opinion, animal print often looks vulgar. Marco Poblacin/Shutterstock
I’ve never been a fan of animal print — well, let’s ignore that year in my childhood when I was obsessed with the movie “Cheetah Girls.”
There are so many interesting patterns and prints you can use in your space, but for me, zebra stripe doesn’t do the trick. I think animal print can make your space look tacky.
If you’re looking for a pattern, I’d go with something a little more colorful, like checkers.
