Gen Z Rejects Ultra-Modern Interiors for 'Grandma's House' Aesthetic

Gen Z is increasingly turning away from ultra-modern interior design in favor of a style experts are calling 'Grandma's House.' This trend sees the youngest generation of adults embracing dark wooden furniture, patterned fabrics, and a curated sense of clutter, reminiscent of 1970s aesthetics.

The shift marks a departure from the minimalist, grey-toned interiors that have previously dominated, with Gen Z instead favoring 'maximalism'—a style characterized by an abundance of ornaments, vintage floral lamps, and ceramics. This embrace of warmer, more eclectic styles is partly influenced by celebrities such as Kendall Jenner, who showcased her 'granny chic' mountain home.

High street retailers like Zara are reflecting this trend, offering items such as crystal glasses, floral crockery, and vintage-style vases. Interior design firm My Bespoke Room has observed this shift among their 18 to 30-year-old clients, noting a desire for 'classy clutter' and mid-century furniture updated with modern tones.

Over the past year, My Bespoke Room has completed 42 living room designs for Gen Z customers, with an average spend of £965 per project. Living rooms were the most frequent request, accounting for 48% of projects, followed by kitchens (26%) and home offices (15%).

While many Gen Z individuals still live with their parents, a recent study indicates that over a third expect to purchase their first home in 2026. This anticipated homeownership fuels their interest in interior design and decorating.

The trend favors eclectic tastes, with younger consumers mixing colors, patterns, and pieces from different eras. Favored colors include chocolate brown, burgundy, earthy green, and butter yellow, often combined with warmer neutrals and unexpected pairings. Dark timber, colored glass, ceramics, chrome, brass, and tactile fabrics are also prominent.

Instead of clear surfaces, Gen Z decorates with books, prints, candles, ceramics, and unusual lamps, creating a lived-in feel. There's a comfort in blending second-hand finds with new high-street purchases and statement pieces, such as a vintage table costing £40 alongside a £1,500 sofa.

Gen Z homes often serve multiple functions, especially in smaller properties, where a single room might be used for working, relaxing, entertaining, and storage, all while maintaining aesthetic appeal for social media. Inspiration for these designs is drawn from platforms like TikTok and Instagram, as well as interior design creators, restaurants, hotels, and second-hand marketplaces.

My Bespoke Room founder Laura Simpson noted that while Gen Z may feel they are creating new trends, many of their choices echo styles familiar to their grandparents.