
5 Gen Z Design Trends That Won’t Last Much Longer, Designers Say
Every generation brings with it a new set of home design trends. You may remember how a decade ago, millennials were known for their love of what became known as millennial pink, displayed tons of plants everywhere, and had a penchant for all things brass, for example. Now, the focus has turned to Gen Z and their stylistic choices, which tend to lean colorful, playful, and quirky. However, which of these looks will actually stick around over the next few years, and which aren’t going to last for much longer?
To find out, we spoke with three interior designers who share five different types of Gen Z home decor styles that they’re already tired of and don’t foresee remaining in vogue down the line. Some of their takes might even surprise you.
All Metal Lamps
Why not use your lamps to make a major design statement? Adnan Anwar, the founder of Adnan Anwar Design, is tired of metal lamp shades that are the same color as the base from both a functional and aesthetic perspective.
“I hate that these lamps do not cast ambient light in a room; it’s impractical,” he says. “Shades are such a great opportunity to personalize a lamp.”
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Pastel Tones
Danielle Davis, the founder of 56th Street Design Studio, is all for selecting colors that make you feel happy and comfortable at home. At the same time, though, she doesn’t anticipate that the pastel shades that many Gen Zers are gravitating toward will stick around for much longer.
“Warmer tones are gaining momentum, offering a more timeless and versatile aesthetic, and I predict they’ll have a lasting impact,” she says.
Anwar expresses similar sentiments regarding Gen Z’s use of a mostly lavender, mint green, turquoise, pink, and butter yellow palette at home.
“It is starting to feel very unoriginal, off balance, and impersonal,” he says. “It also isn’t grounded by the punctuation of black or richer colors, and there is a cartoonish quality that makes it feel immature versus playful.”
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Disco Ball-Inspired Decor
Disco balls may have risen to popularity in the 1960s, 70s, and 80s, but they’ve come back in full force within recent years. That said, it may be time for them to go back into retirement once again, according to Juliana Ghani, the founder of G. Atelier Design. Ghani personally thinks it looks cheap and overdone.
“From mirrored planters to side tables to even tiny apartment-friendly disco ball mirrored kitchen backsplashes, it’s just too much,” Ghani says.
Not ready to call this look quits? Stick to one disco ball styled on a shelf or hanging in the corner of your living room for good measure, then tuck away the rest of your disco-inspired decor.
Fruit Motifs
Anwar, Davis, and Ghani share that they have all seen enough of the fruit motifs in Gen Z design, which has boasted plenty of cherry prints on everything from sheets to dishware, along with strawberry-shaped footstools, and more.
“This is a very sweet 90s trend, and I anticipate that it will eventually fade from popularity,” Davis says.
Ghani, a Gen Z designer herself, would prefer to see a little more elegance in her peers’ spaces. Although she loves a playful touch, she believes the trend has become a bit juvenile.
“I think it’s time to bring a bit of sophistication back to design,” Ghani says.
Checkered Print Decor
Checker print also has a retro look to it and has started to pop up everywhere once again in recent years. However, Ghani has already seen too much of this design and thinks that it’s time for a change.
“I’m ready to see it gone,” she says, noting that while she still loves a checkered tile floor, she’s had enough of checkered rugs, pillows, and wallpaper.
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