“Commission or revenue may be earned by Hearst Magazines and Yahoo through these links. Understanding the lingo of Gen Z can be a challenge for many, unless you are a parent, born between 1997 and 2012, or constantly online. At ELLE DECOR, we stay up-to-date with trends, from Charli XCX’s Brat summer to the latest TikTok crazes. Gen Zers are particularly vocal about home design, with homeownership rates surpassing older generations according to 2024 Redfin statistics. To stay on trend with Gen Z-approved home decor in 2025, consider these four data-supported trends.
Lavish and Ornate: Gen Z’s love for opulence is driving a resurgence in rococo style. The Pinterest Predicts 2025 Trend Report suggests a rise in frilly aesthetics, especially in ornate table settings. Gen Zers are embracing vintage finds from thrift stores and antique shops to mix old and new elements in their decor, creating a luxurious yet tasteful look.
Cherries: Food-inspired design elements, like cherries, are gaining popularity. Gen Zers are incorporating playful and whimsical touches, such as cherry-themed decor, into their homes. This trend adds a fun and colorful twist to interior spaces.
These trends showcase Gen Z’s unique approach to design, blending nostalgia with modern flair. By incorporating these elements into your decor, you can stay ahead of the curve and create a space that resonates with the younger generation’s tastes.”
In the coming year, cherries are set to make a big splash in the world of home decor. According to Pinterest, searches for “cherry vibe” have surged by 325 percent, while “cherry bedroom” and “dark cherry red” have seen increases of 100 percent and 235 percent, respectively. TikTok is also abuzz with cherry-themed content, from Christmas trees adorned with cherry ornaments to DIY tutorials for disco ball cherries.
One reason for this trend is that cherries are bold and life-affirming, appealing to the design preferences of Gen Z, who favor bright, mood-boosting colors. Designers have observed a shift towards richer colors with jewel undertones. Moreover, Gen Zers are unafraid to inject fun and personality into their living spaces, moving away from traditional design rules.
WGSN, a top trend forecasting agency, predicts a rise in fake food interior design next year, encompassing items like trompe-l’oeil candles and furniture. Cherries align perfectly with this growing trend. Painting your walls cherry red, adding cherry throw pillows to your bed, or incorporating cherry-themed decor items can infuse your space with a sweet and juicy vibe.
In terms of lighting trends, Gen Z is moving away from harsh overhead lights and towards softer, more ambient lighting options. Shower lamps, popularized by content creator McKenna Barry, are gaining traction for creating a dreamy ambiance. Designers emphasize the importance of using a variety of light sources to enhance mood and atmosphere, such as sunset lamps, floor lamps, and tabletop firepits.
To create diffusion and a cozy atmosphere, consider using fabric lampshades, plug-in wall sconces, and other lighting options. The focus is on creating lighting that is easy on the eyes and evokes a sense of warmth and comfort in your living space.
Each evening, the hunt begins. Gen Z individuals are on the prowl, scouring antique stores for hidden treasures. In the serene setting of Sheila Bridges’ upstate New York home, a particular vignette catches the eye, showcasing the allure of secondhand steals.
Despite misconceptions held by some older generations, the design preferences of today’s youth, particularly Gen Z, are far from haphazard. Lee, a keen observer of this trend, notes the meticulous curation that defines Gen Z spaces. Every piece of furniture selected is a deliberate choice, reflecting a thoughtful approach to design.
Central to this approach is the emphasis on secondhand and vintage finds. Rather than flocking to mainstream retailers for new pieces, Gen Z opts to explore platforms like Facebook Marketplace in search of unique, sustainable alternatives. Lee articulates the underlying rationale: the desire to experiment with different styles while also championing eco-conscious practices through furniture recycling.
The significance attached to secondhand items extends beyond mere aesthetics; it carries personal narratives and sentimental value. For Lee, nearly every item in their apartment has a backstory, like the cherished desk that once belonged to their grandmother, a former English school teacher. These pieces not only enhance the visual appeal of a space but also infuse it with history and emotional resonance.
The growing popularity of vintage furniture acquisition is palpable across various platforms, with social media channels like TikTok showcasing the transformative power of #furnitureflip projects. This trend underscores a broader shift towards appreciating and repurposing antiques, regardless of whether the end result aligns with traditional design sensibilities.
Interestingly, the allure of vintage furniture transcends generational boundaries. Designers of all ages are embracing this timeless aesthetic, as evidenced by insights from Anthony Barzilay Freund of 1stDibs. Vintage pieces, spanning decades from the 1920s to the ’90s, continue to hold universal appeal, seamlessly blending into contemporary interiors.
At its core, this resurgence of interest in vintage furniture reflects a broader ethos of sustainability and conscious consumption. Just as Gen Z individuals shun fast fashion in favor of timeless styles, they similarly eschew mass-produced home goods in favor of one-of-a-kind pieces with character and history. The environmental implications of this shift are profound, offering a sustainable alternative that also injects charm and individuality into living spaces.
In a world saturated with homogenized design trends, the allure of vintage furniture lies in its ability to tell a story, evoke nostalgia, and stand the test of time. The patina of a well-loved side table, passed down through generations, speaks volumes compared to its mass-produced, generic counterpart. By embracing the beauty of imperfection and the richness of history, individuals of all ages can infuse their homes with character and soul.
As the demand for vintage finds continues to rise, propelled by a newfound appreciation for sustainability and craftsmanship, it is clear that the allure of secondhand treasures transcends mere aesthetics—it represents a
