Decorating Trends That Confuse Me, But Gen Z Seems To Love

As a seasoned interior decorator, I've had the pleasure of witnessing some truly unique and out-of-the-box home-decor trends embraced by the Gen Z generation. Here, I've curated a list of the top 9 quirkiest and most unconventional trends that have caught my eye. Brace yourself for a journey into the fascinating world of Gen Z home decor!

Colorful room with red arrows pointing toward orange ceiling; A room with checkered tile and red arrow pointing to tile As an interior decorator, I’m confused by Gen Z’s affinity for colorful paint and checkered patterns. (Source: lifestyle.miximages.com)

  1. Mushroom Obsession and Faux Greenery
    • I don’t understand why mushrooms are taking over Gen Z home decor. From stools to lamps, mushrooms seem to be popping up everywhere. (Source: triocean/Shutterstock)
    • Though I see it quite often on social media, I can’t get on board with the faux greenery of the Gen Z “fairycore” trend. Plastic vines and artificial wisteria hanging from ceilings remind me of the late ’90s faux-ivy kitchen aesthetic. (Source: Varvara Serebrova/Shutterstock)
  2. Checkerboard and Bold Colors
    • Gen Zers love bold color choices and patterns, revamping minimalist spaces with dopamine-happy shades. However, older generations are worried about the resale value of these brightly colored homes. (Source: irina88w/Getty Images)
    • The classic checkered pattern has made a comeback in bold, bright colors, but I fear it might become the chevron of Gen Z, quickly falling out of style. (Source: Bulgac/Getty Images)
  3. LED Light Strips and Tiled Furniture
    • LED light strips, once exclusive to gamer dens and nightclubs, now serve as versatile and personalized lighting options for Gen Z. But as a decorator, I still associate them with childhood bedrooms. (Source: Ground Picture/Shutterstock)
    • Tiled furniture, with its colorful square tiles, has become a nostalgic trend. However, the heavy tile and grout blocks without drawers puzzle me. (Source: Stella/Getty Images)
  4. Creative Upcycling and Excessive Organization
    • Gen Zers have found creative ways to upcycle glassware, turning them into textured matte ceramic-like vessels. Although it pairs well with other organic decor trends, I can’t help but compare it to millennials’ obsession with chalk paint. (Source: MaeManee/Shutterstock)
    • Gen Z influencers tend to take organization to the extreme, stocking their homes with decanters and organizational tools to the point where they resemble store shelves. It’s impressive, but it seems more focused on influencing sales than promoting practicality. (Source: eriyalim/Getty Images)
  5. DIY Foam-Mirror Trend
    • The DIY foam-mirror trend involves applying spray foam insulation along the edges of mirrors, creating a lumpy, bumpy statement. However, in my opinion, it often ends up looking like a weird mirror pulled from a trash heap. (Source: Igor Meshkov/Shutterstock)

It’s fascinating how decorating trends evolve, and as a beauty and fashion expert, I find myself both confused and intrigued by Gen Z’s unique choices. From mushrooms and faux greenery to bold colors and checkered patterns, they certainly have a distinct taste. As for LED light strips, tiled furniture, creative upcycling, and excessive organization, they all have their quirks and intriguing aspects. Let’s embrace the creativity and individuality of each generation, even if it sometimes leaves us scratching our heads!