volve Your Aesthetic

by stephanie wallace | photos from pinterest.com

Home design trends are always changing, so there’s no reason your domestic spaces should ever feel stale or mundane. Is it time for you to rethink your home’s aesthetic? We’ve got four trends that are making a splash on social media.

Are you a big fan of Tim Burton or ’90s shows like Buffythe VampireSlayer and Sabrina the TeenageWitch? Well whimsigoth may be the trending aesthetic for you. It mixes edgy gothic inspiration with warm jewel tones, greenery and a mystical touch. The end result is a space that sets a mood without dipping into the macabre. Like a lot of trending styles, it takes a more maximilist approach to design. Think antique furniture, bold patterned wallpaper, vintage art and deep moody color palettes— all layered together. To add that magical touch, display items like stones, driftwood, feathers and dried botanicals.

While the name may conjure images of hospitals or science labs, the clean room aesthetic is a TikTok trend about creating minimal, uncluttered spaces, usually bedrooms. It originated with before-and-after videos of people tidying their rooms. Rather than focused on a single style, this interior design approach is more about organization. Start by cleaning your room, and once things are in order, keep them that way with regular tidying and deep cleans. Aim for an almost hotel room-like aesthetic with crisp linens, uncluttered surfaces and minimal decor. Things like closet organizers, hampers and trays to display individual items are great investments if you’re looking to adopt the clean room lifestyle.

Fans of a minimalist look need not apply. With cluttercore, more is more. Popularized by Gen Z, this aesthetic fills your space with things that make you happy in a bit of an organized mess—whether that’s art, collectibles, books or even plants. Instead of a focus on selecting items that fit a certain design style, the idea is to spotlight the things you already own. The result is a cozy, personalized approach to interior design. It’s similar to maximalism in its approach, but is more tailored to an individual’s interests than making a statement by mixing colors, patterns and styles. Don’t be afraid to start by creating a few isolated spaces for display, like a gallery wall or bookshelf.

Cottagecore’s more rustic cousin, cabincore is all about bringing the experience of the great outdoors into your home. Think woodsy locales, roaring fires and cuddling up under a woolen blanket. To achieve the look, start with incorporating natural materials like wood, leather and plants. To create a cozy cabin vibe, layer textiles like flannels, chunky knits and faux furs. Don’t be afraid to embrace darker, moodier colors and lighting, and focus on an earthy color palette of warm neutrals like cream and brown mixed with pops of color, such as forest green, burnt orange and deep red. If you’ve got a fireplace, make it the focal point of your space through furniture placement and mantel decorations like candles and plants.