ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN

The twenty-something years are known as a time of self-discovery and new independence. Every young adult will wake up in their apartment leased in their name and have the realization that they are now responsible for their success- a realization as exciting as it is terrifying.

In that apartment, they get up each morning with the freedom to dress and express themself as whoever they wish to be that day. We use the art of fashion as a form of expression, experimenting with different ways we desire to be perceived by the world, but some of the most crucial discoveries are found in the ways we choose to express ourselves in our own living spaces. Though many young adults may feel overwhelmed by both the work and finances it takes to fill a living space, various modern-day interior design trends are more applicable to the demographic than some may realize.

One of the most prominent interior design trends seen in 2023 is the mixing of elements. This concept takes on various forms but can be generalized as the mixing of design styles throughout history. For example, mid-century modern combined with more natural or earthy interior elements and textiles. Living spaces are no longer expected to carry a specific or defined theme, but instead become more of a collection

Style: Ana Sullivan, Maggie Scheff

Words: Ana Sullivan

Photo: Natalie Vezina

Glam: Ava Cortiana, Maliyah Coleman

Spread Designer: Veronica Bryan

Model: Sophia Darvis cellaneous pieces that effortlessly coexist. The real beauty to be found in this trend is the rich sense of character it brings to a living space. Not only does it make living spaces exciting and unpredictable, but it gives us a deeper understanding of the human behind the design, making the space more personable and less predictable. This trend takes the pressure off young adults who often can’t afford to entirely refurnish new spaces, and allows them to instead gravitate towards pieces, textures, and mixed media that truly move them.

Another uprising trend we’ve seen in interior design is the emphasis on wellness spaces. This trend of course coincides with the rise in mental health awareness and healing, and can be seen in living spaces or in offices. This is embodied by the return of usage of natural elements in design, such as soft woods, greenery, and running water, as well as spaces with practical purposes for relieving stress and practicing meditation. College students are a demographic deeply affected by mental health, and many of the strongest mental health advocates are young adults. As Generation Z enters the workforce, wellness design will only grow over time, not only in homes, but in public facilities and workplaces alike.

Interior design trends are also showing a rise in multi-functional spaces. This trend can be directly correlated to remote work becoming more common due to the pandemic as well as the expansion of technology in workplaces. Society is seeing less of an emphasis on single purpose rooms, and instead making the most of spaces for various usages. This trend works greatly in favor of both college students and anyone else looking to make the most of smaller spaces. This removes previous limitations of living spaces, and adapts to the concept of home and work life balance. With this new evolving purpose of living spaces, everyone will be able to create their own sense of ‘home’ in whatever living space they have.

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