5 Designs You Will Find In A Generation Z Home

Following nearly a decade of fashion upheaval, Generation Z, or Gen Z, are now beginning to own homes and, as a result, are completely changing the rules of interior design. The same tenacious rebellion that now defines the rules of composition for outfits is now being brought into living spaces with long-established and cherished designs being entirely displaced for more radical aesthetics.

So, if you’re thinking about styling your home with a minimalist decor, one that is embellished with understated features, and a statement Chesterfield sofa, then it might be worth refreshing your ideas with a new wave of inspiration.

Alternative Lighting

It’s often easy to spot a Generation Z home from the exterior because, at night, the windows are likely to be illuminated with various colours, from blues and reds to greens and oranges. This isn’t because there is a disco occurring inside but because homeowners are, instead, choosing to illuminate their living spaces with neon and colour-tinted bulbs. 

This has been partly prompted by the rise in streaming culture, where hosts, aka streamers, often showcase their spaces drenched in striking and stylish artificial lighting.

Maximalist Expression

Similar to alternative lighting, design elements that are considered to be plain, from minimalism to greige colour schemes are disappearing. Gen Z, likely also rebelling against the ubiquitous blank canvas of rented living spaces, are now filling their spaces with total expression, with multiple and bold colour schemes, extravagant embellishments, and numerous statement designs.

As a result, the muted tones of Japandi design are replaced with a nebulous interior design expression that is defined by maximalism.

Exterior Spaces

Since 2020, gardens have been a priority for homeowners, whether motivated by the need for a natural space or the interest in self-sustainability. Gen Z gardens are not, however, the regimented affairs that we might remember, those with trim lawns and neat flowerbeds. Instead, they are filled with wildflowers, log cabins, and vegetable beds. While it may look scruffy to a conservative onlooker, these outdoor spaces often require significant upkeep and support not only the kitchen with delicious ingredients but also the local ecology too.

Old School

Whether it’s the Gatsby-esque art deco furniture, the bespoke regencycore dining set, or a flash 1980s colour scheme, Gen Z designers are often found thinking about the past. Vintage and retro are defining tastes, with a definitive longing for halcyon days and the bold aesthetics of previous decades. 

While it might take some years to unravel the motivation behind this nostalgia, it is certain that, right now, many Gen Z designers can be found in antique shops.

Eco Living

Sustainability has permeated living spaces and modern homes are being defined by how they benefit residents’ carbon footprints. More living spaces are being designed with organic and locally sourced materials, such as wood and stone, with a significant emphasis on natural design. It is also common to see solar panels and composting systems established at home too. This affection for the environment is also leading to an abandoning of contemporary and artificial interiors, especially those made of single-use materials and plastics.