The concept of a personal sanctuary within the home, often characterized by traditionally feminine decor, is emerging as a trend, with women creating 'girl lairs' as dedicated spaces for relaxation and self-expression. This trend is seen as an evolution from the previously popularized 'man cave,' reflecting a broader shift in how individuals utilize their living spaces.
Victoria Robinson, a trend expert at Hillarys, noted that 'girl lairs' are less about isolation and more about curating a sanctuary that can encompass various areas of the home. She explained that this trend is fueled by homes needing to serve multiple functions, such as home offices or multi-purpose living areas. "When your kitchen is also your office and your living room is where everyone gathers, having a space that's entirely your own can feel incredibly valuable," Robinson stated.
Interior design experts suggest that personal touches are key to creating a 'girl lair.' This includes incorporating favorite colors, treasured keepsakes, soft textures, and ambient lighting. Window dressings like soft curtains or Roman blinds can enhance the feeling of privacy and coziness. "Ultimately, I don't see the girl lair as the female equivalent of the man cave. I see it as women giving themselves permission to take up space in their own homes and create somewhere that's designed entirely around what makes them happy," Robinson added.
Social media has showcased various interpretations of the 'girl lair.' Examples include entirely pink tiled bathrooms, dedicated spaces for shoes and perfumes, and areas for skincare routines, candles, tech, or books. London-based Sasha shared a "Sunday reset" in her 'girl lair,' which involved tidying and self-care rituals. Another user, Matilda, displayed her entire flat with feminine decor, including flowers and colorful furniture, while user Interiorwithmex featured a space with organized storage for personal items.
Sergiu Tulbur, Head of Product Innovation & Design at OPA Living, views the 'girl lair' as a reflection of a genuine shift in consumer behavior rather than just a fleeting social media trend. "We monitor consumer behaviour and interior trends closely, and what we're seeing is a move away from designing homes solely around shared spaces," Tulbur said. "Instead, people are carving out rooms that are unapologetically personal and built around their own routines, interests and wellbeing."
He further commented that while the name might spark debate, the underlying desire for dedicated spaces that support rest, creativity, and identity is gaining momentum. "Whether you call it a girl lair, something subtler like sanctuary or simply a room of your own, the desire for dedicated spaces that support rest, creativity and identity is something we're seeing gain momentum across generations," he added.
To create a 'girl lair,' interior design experts recommend features such as soft ambient lighting from table lamps and candles, using warm glows rather than harsh white light. Candles with floral scents like rose, jasmine, and lavender are suggested for winding down, while vanilla or sandalwood can add warmth. Creating a gallery wall with personal interests and memories can also add personality.
Styling a nightstand with decorative elements like perfume bottles, trinket trays, and photos, along with an inspirational quote, can provide a positive start to the day. A dedicated space for reading, with thoughtfully styled bookshelves, is also encouraged. Incorporating soft furnishings such as textured throws, plush rugs, and layered blankets and cushions can enhance the cozy and luxurious feel of the space. Natural fibers like cotton, linen, and wool are recommended for a Scandinavian aesthetic, while sheepskin rugs and velvet throws offer timeless warmth.