Generation Z are rejecting minimalist, ultra-modern interior design in favour of a 'Grandma's House' aesthetic characterised by dark wooden furniture, patterned fabrics, and vintage 1970s-style décor. This represents a significant reversal from previous design trends, with young adults embracing 'maximalism' – cluttered, ornament-filled interiors featuring books, ceramics, vintage lamps and eclectic collections. The shift is being driven by social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, celebrity endorsements such as Kendall Jenner's 'granny chic' home, and high street retailers like Zara now stocking vintage-style homeware.

Interior design firm My Bespoke Room has designed 42 living rooms for Gen Z customers over the past year, with an average spend of £965 per project. Most customers (88 per cent) opted for full room design packages, with 48 per cent transforming their living rooms and 26 per cent updating kitchens. Gen Z favour bold colours including chocolate brown, burgundy, earthy green and butter yellow, and show a preference for mixing affordable vintage pieces with expensive statement items without concern for cohesion. With over a third of Gen Z expecting to purchase their first homes in 2026, despite most currently living with parents, this trend reflects both aesthetic preference and practical constraint in smaller properties that must serve multiple functions.