Have you ever come across the terms "cottagecore" or "grandmillennial" and wondered, "What on earth are they talking about?" Well, you're not alone. It seems that every season, younger folks such as millennials and Gen Z-ers are coming up with new takes on interior decor and giving them funky names!

However, we're not complaining. It's great to see a variety of new decor styles outside of the usual farmhouse or industrial designs. Some of these contemporary looks are actually so beautiful, we'd love to copy them in our own homes. Here's a quick introduction to new interior designs popularized by Gen Y and Gen Z. Trust us, you might love some of these!

 

1. Grandmillennial interior style

What is grandmillennial style?

This term combines "grandmother" and "millennial," meaning it's all about taking traditional, vintage, homey decor and putting a young twist to it. Think chintz upholstery in a modern white room, or a floral china collection in a streamlined dining room. Far from antiquated, this interior style -- also called "granny chic -- lends a nostalgic comfort that you'll hardly find in minimalist rooms.

Common elements of grandmillennial decor:

Dainty floral prints, pastel colors, ornately carved details, vintage collections, plush seats, skirted furniture, heavy drapery

Examples of grandmillennial interiors:

Wall art pictured above: Personalized "This Is Us - Crazy, Loud, Love" Premium Canvas

 

Wall art pictured above: "The Best Things - People, Places, Memories" Premium Canvas

 

2. Dark academia interior style

What is dark academia aesthetic?

This look is modeled after those mysterious, softly lit halls and offices of longstanding academic institutions (real or fictional). Imagine a professor's office at Oxford University or a hallway at Hogwarts. They're replete dark wood finishes, artworks, and of course, lots and lots of books.

Common elements of dark academia decor:

Moody color palette, dark wood furniture, classical artworks, antique implements (like typewriters and globes), old books, bust sculptures and stone figurines

Examples of dark academia interiors:

Wall art pictured above: Personalized "Family Name - Color Choice" Premium Canvas

 

Wall art pictured above: "Papa - The Man, The Myth, The Legend" Premium Rustic Canvas

 

Wall art pictured above: Personalized "Texas Family Name" Premium Canvas

 

3. Cottagecore interior style

What is cottagecore style?

Cottagecore is a visual aesthetic that emulates life in an idyllic countryside cottage. In fashion, it's marked by dainty floral dresses reminiscent of Little House on the Prairie. In interior decor, cottagecore is all about quaint pastoral living, punctuated by lots of flowers and shabby-chic furnishings. Learn more about cottagecore -- and its cousin, cabincore -- in our blog post here. 

Common elements of cottagecore interiors:

Charming flowers (in bouquets or as prints), aged wood furniture, vintage homeware (especially ceramics and tea sets), linens, billowy curtains

Examples of cottagecore decor:

Wall art pictured above: "Home" Heart Design Premium Square Canvas

 

Pillow pictured above: Personalized Name Pillow With Floral Print

 

Wall art pictured above: "All These Dogs" Premium Canvas

Personalize this artwork with names of your pets -- check it out here!

 

4. Japandi interior design

What is Japandi style?

 "Japandi" is a portmanteau of "Japanese" and "Scandinavian" (a.k.a. "Scandi"). These two styles are similar in that they're simple and minimal, but traditional Japanese aesthetics are known for rustic, nature-inspired minimalism while Scandi style is more about streamlined form and function. Quick way to get it? Picture a Zen house with Ikea furniture. 😀

Common elements of Japandi interiors:

Organic materials like stone and light wood, clean lines and shapes with minimal clutter, graceful botanicals (no grandiose flowers)

Examples of Japandi decor:

Wall art pictured above: "Difficult Roads Lead To Beautiful Destinations" Premium Rustic Canvas

 

Wall art pictured above: Personalized "Couple's Names Joined By Love" Premium Rustic Canvas

 

5. Coastal grandma interior style

What is coastal grandmother aesthetic?

Millennials and Gen Z are really loving 'grandma' styles! Coastal grandmother is an elevated version of the beach cottage aesthetic. It incorporates colors of the sea and sand in breezy, light-filled rooms, but in a way that a sophisticated homemaker would do it. Less driftwood, more wovens; less fishy design, more crisp linens. For instant inspiration, look no further than Diane Keaton in "Something's Gotta Give"!

Common elements of coastal grandmother interiors:

Neutral seaside color palette (white, sand, beige, light blue), rattan or wicker accents, bleached wood furniture, linen slipcovers, lots of natural lighting

Examples of coastal grandmother decor:

Wall art pictured above: Personalized "Food, Family, Love" Premium Canvas

 

Wall art pictured above: Personalized "My Greatest Blessings Call Me..." Premium Canvas

 

What do you think of these newly popular interior styles? Which one is your favorite? Leave a comment!

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